Plasma donation is a life-saving gesture that can save lives and families. Thousands of people all over get benefited from plasma donation. By giving plasma a person can live. Most people are familiar with blood donation but a few people are aware of the importance of plasma donation. Plasma is nothing but a yellow portion of blood. There is nearly 50% of blood made up of plasma. It contains three major components, water, proteins, and salts. Plasma plays an important role in supplying many proteins that are required by our body to support blood clotting and boost our immune system. It is also responsible to carry different electrolytes so that our body can function properly.
How is plasma donation helpful?
People who are dealing with severe trauma, burn, or shock often loses a huge quantity of blood. In such a situation a plasma transfusion can help save the individual as the blood volume is increased significantly. Those suffering from liver disease or blood clotting deficiencies immediately need plasma transfusion so that the body gets natural clotting factors. Donating plasma is also beneficial for the donor as well. Patients who are in the need of plasma-derived biotherapies can get a second life from the donors.
What is the process?
Normal blood donation and plasma donation have several differences. When a normal blood donation is done, the blood is taken from the donor and then it is sent to a laboratory. Our blood contains three major parts – red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. All the plasmas derive from the same process. The plasma portion of the blood is removed through an automated process. A donor giving plasma can save up to three patients. Not everyone is eligible to donate plasma. The AB+ AB- and AB are ideal blood types for plasma donations.
Donor Eligibility
- The donor must be above 18 years.
- The weight of the donor must be above 50 kg.
- The donor person should not obtain a tattoo or pierce in the past 12 months.
- He/she must undergo a detailed medical history screening.
- There are several other checkups done before taking plasma.
Conclusion
A person can contact the nearby plasma donation center to donate plasma. Before donating plasma, make sure the plasma center is trusted. Donor safety and patient safety both are important in the process. Before donating plasma, the donor is advised to drink plenty of water. The act of giving plasma is a great job and the donors go through satisfactory health screenings and other tests. This was all about the importance of donating plasma. Anyone who is eager to donate plasma should consider the eligibility criteria first and then contact a nearby plasma center. After satisfactory health screenings, the plasma center takes the time of a few months to provide the donor eligibility. If a person is taking medication or under doctor’s care should notify the plasma center so that they can make the best decision.