How long do plasma donations take

Learn more about platelet donations. Who it helps: Platelets are a vital element of cancer treatments and organ transplant procedures, as well as other surgical procedures. During an AB Elite donation, you give plasma, a part of your blood used to treat patients in emergency situations. AB plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type.

Plasma is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns your red blood cells and platelets to you. AB Elite maximizes your donation and takes just a few minutes longer than donating blood. Plasma is collected at select Red Cross donation centers. Learn more about plasma donation. There are actually more than 8 different blood types, some of which are not compatible with each other.

Find out how your blood type can help hospital patients in need of a transfusion. During medical treatment, patients may receive whole blood or just the specific blood components they need. Learn more about how blood components impact patient transfusions. Read our tips for small, easy steps that will make your donation as smooth and efficient as possible.

Hear from the people who benefit from your donations. Print page Send page to a friend. What is plasmapheresis? Who will I meet with during my first visit? The center team members will greet you at the reception desk, get you started with your initial paperwork and take care of processing your plasma donation.

The medical team members will ask you questions about your health history, make sure it is safe for you to donate and conduct your physical exam. The phlebotomist pronounced fluh-BOT-uh-mist will greet you and prepare you for the donation process and make sure you are comfortable while donating plasma.

They will also monitor you and answer any questions you have while you're donating. Will I be comfortable? Here are some things you can do to keep yourself comfortable: Dress warmly, and bring a blanket. To keep your body temperature from rising, we keep our centers cool. Who can donate? Generally, plasma donors must be 18 years of age and weigh at least pounds 50kg. All individuals must pass two separate medical examinations, a medical history screening and testing for transmissible viruses, before their donated plasma can be used to manufacture plasma protein therapies.

How do I donate plasma? Each company manages its operations differently within government regulatory guidelines. Locate a center near you, using our searchable directory. Call the center to find out hours of operation and to ask any other questions you may have. Does it hurt? Most people compare the feeling of the needle to a mild bee sting. You will also be required to submit to a finger stick test each time you donate so the collection center medical staff can evaluate your protein and hemoglobin levels.

Is donating plasma safe? Plasma donation in IQPP certified collection centers is performed in a highly controlled, sterile environment by professionally trained medical staff. All plasma collection equipment is sterilized and any equipment that comes into contact with you is used only once to eliminate the possibility of transmitting viral infections.

What type of medical screening and testing is done? You must have a pre-donation physical which includes answering medical history questions, tests for viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis and evaluating your protein and hemoglobin levels.