Plasma donation is a generous and life saving act that many people do every day. It is very similar to donating blood, but the red cells and platelets in the blood are filtered through a special machine and given back to the donor. The only thing that is taken is the plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that acts as the transportation for red blood cells to move through the body. Many rare diseases affect the plasma of the person suffering, and their lives depend on the plasma donations that are received. Plasma is also used in many other ways.
What Is The Plasma Used For?
Plasma protein therapies are used to treat many different blood disorders in people all over the world. Some of the most common disorders that benefit from plasma therapy are genetic Emphysema, Kawasaki Disease, Primary Immunodeficiency Disease or PID. Along with these diseases other injuries and medical conditions can benefit from the plasma donations that are made. Organ transplants, major surgeries, severe burns, and anything that has to do with extreme blood loss is effectively treated using plasma protein therapies.
How Is It Done?
People are often apprehensive about the process involved with donating plasma. It is a very simple and relatively pain free thing that generally takes around an hour. The first thing you will do is be screened by a doctor. This is to ensure that the donation is safe for you to give and safe for a patient to receive. Your vitals and weight will all be checked before you make your way to the chair. A Phlebotomist, a person that specializes in the drawing of blood, will sterilize your arm and prep you for the donation to begin. A needle, just like the one used during a normal blood draw, will be inserted into your vein. The tube is connected to a machine that separates the plasma from your blood and then returns the red cells and platelets back to you. The entire process generally takes around an hour.
Risks Involved
Short Term
Plasma donations are fairly safe and free from complications. The biggest side effect of donating is feeling dizzy, light headed, or nauseous a few minutes after the donation is done. This is due to stress being placed on your cardiovascular system, as well from the slight loss of fluid. People generally feel very thirsty as well, drinks and snacks and almost always provided to plasma donors by the facility. Slight bruising and tenderness may also occur on the arm from the insertion of the needle.
Long Term
If you donate plasma very frequently the biggest risk you will face has to do with your immune system. Excessive long term plasma donation can lower your serum immunoglobulins levels, making you more susceptible to infections. Another risk that should be considered is the damage that is done to the veins. If you are repeatedly being stuck with a needle, scar tissue may develop and your veins may become hardened.
Other Things To Know
Donating plasma helps many people all over. It is also not uncommon for people to be paid for their donation. Many places will allow you to donate plasma every two weeks and pay an average of 75 dollars per visit. When considering any type of medical procedure such as donating plasma, you should always consult your doctor to make sure it is in your best interest.
