Plasma donation is a procedure in which a donor’s blood plasma is collected from the body and stored in transfusions. Plasma is rich in protein and antibodies to treat patients exposed to diseases such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. Plasma donation can be performed by an individual or through a professional donor center, such as a blood bank.
Below, you will learn who is eligible for plasma donation and why the exercise is essential.
Who is Eligible for Plasma Donation?
- Must be 18 years of age
- Be in good general health and able to give consent for the donation of blood or plasma
- Not pregnant or post-partum
- Must not be a blood or plasma donor within the last 12 months (unless you are responding to a national disaster-related blood shortage)
- Able to pass a physical exam and blood test.
- Must not suffer from any chronic illness or disease that could affect the safety and quality of the donated plasma or red blood cells.
Reasons Why Plasma Donation Is Important
Life-saving treatment
Donating plasma is a crucial treatment that can potentially rescue numerous lives annually. Plasma donation enables patients on a plasma scarcity list to get their plasma supply from a donor.
You get money in return
The average salary for a plasma donor is $55 per donation, and donors do not often receive up to five times that amount from their blood plasma. It is common for donors to receive compensation in the form of gift cards or cash in addition to their initial donation. Some hospitals will even offer bonuses or payments if you’re willing to donate multiple times over a year or more. So, if you are looking for an extra source of income, donate plasma for money.
Provides excellent health care
Donating plasma is a crucial aspect of healthcare systems around the world. Plasma donors provide human blood for transfusions, including dialysis, a treatment that removes waste products from the body using machines such as an artificial kidney or hemodialysis machine, and other procedures such as cancer treatments and surgery.
It helps keep our blood supply safe
Plasma donations help keep our blood safe because they are tested rigorously before they are used in a patient’s transfusion or transplant. The tests ensure there are no infectious agents in the donated blood, which would otherwise put other people at risk if they received it.
Helps people who are sick
Plasma donations can be used by patients who suffer from anemia or other conditions that cause them difficulty absorbing iron from food. These patients benefit from the infusion of donated plasma, which provides their bodies with vital nutrients and antibodies to fight infections. The antibody levels increase when plasma is given, which helps fight off infections like hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other viruses.
Plasma donation is a great way to reduce your cholesterol levels
The body requires cholesterol, a fatty substance, to function properly. The body produces it, which can also be obtained from food or supplements. One of its functions is to aid in the production of bile, which is essential for the digestion of fats. Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can result in health issues like heart disease and stroke.
Plasma donation can help lower your cholesterol levels by removing the bad cholesterol from your body and replacing it with healthy plasma. Plasma is a yellowish liquid that contains proteins, minerals, and vitamins that help keep your immune system strong and healthy.
Help reverse brain damage
If you have experienced a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, receiving plasma donations could be beneficial for you. This type of donation is known as autologous plasma donation, and it involves donating your blood so that it can be used to help treat patients who have been affected by stroke or other brain injuries. The process involves drawing off some of your blood to be processed into platelets, red cells, and white cells before being returned to your body.
Help reduce the risks of heart disease
Plasma donation can also help reduce your risk of heart disease. Most studies have shown that people who donate plasma regularly have lower rates of heart disease than those who do not donate plasma or receive transfusions. This is because donating plasma removes harmful LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol from your system and replaces it with healthy HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
Boosts immunity
The immune system works by removing foreign cells from your body and destroying them. When your body is infected with a virus or bacteria, it triggers inflammation, which can result in various health problems, including cancer and heart disease.
Plasma donation boosts immunity because it contains antibodies that help fight against diseases that can weaken your immune systems, such as cancer, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels, among others.
Finally, contact the nearest plasma donation center if you are interested in plasma donation. The health professionals will assess your condition and determine if you are eligible.
