Making a plasma donation is like donating blood. Unlike blood donation, which can only be done every eight weeks, plasma donation can be done more often. When donating at a certified facility, the process is entirely safe.
Donating plasma is an essential and voluntary act that can save lives. Much like donated blood, your plasma can be used by hospitals in emergency situations. Components made from plasma are essential for treating several medical conditions, including bleeding disorders and immunodeficiency.
Plasma is the yellow-colored liquid part of blood, and it comprises more than 50% of the blood. It helps maintain blood pressure and volume, supplies vital proteins for blood-clotting and immunity, carries electrolytes to the muscles, and helps maintain pH balance in the body.
If you are thinking about donating your plasma, here is what you need to know about donation frequency, potential risks, what impacts if and how often you can donate, and more.
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Plasma Donation Frequency
The American Red Cross allows you to donate plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times a year. However, it is possible to donate more often. Some plasma centers allow people to donate twice weekly or as often as every two days.
Unlike the American Red Cross, plasma donation centers pay per donation. If you plan to donate, confirm with your healthcare provider and plasma center personnel how frequently you can donate based on your unique health situation. You will also want to ask about the side effects of making frequent donations.
Dangers of Donating Too Often
Research on plasma donation suggests donating too frequently might negatively affect the quality of the plasma. Quality may be affected by the body’s inability to quickly restore vital components in the plasma.
Observational studies have found that shorter-than-average durations for plasma donation are linked to higher rates of iron deficiency, lower hemoglobin levels (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), and higher rates of deferral (temporary suspension of donors from giving blood).
While plasma donation is a great way to help others or to get extra income, you should let your healthcare provider know if you frequently donate. They will look at your medical history, request blood work, and let you know when it is safe to donate and how to safely donate.
Reasons You May Be Deferred
To donate plasma, you will need to meet specific eligibility criteria. Donor eligibility may vary by location, but there are several general requirements.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, plasma donors should have the following characteristics:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Pass a health exam and complete an extensive medical screeningquestionnaire
- Test negative for hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Have not had a piercing or gotten a tattoo in the past four months
- Follow a recommended diet, which includes omitting fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine for 24 hours beforehand; eating raw and cooked fruits and vegetables and drinking enough fluids, including water and fruit juices, beforehand; and eating a healthy snack or meal a few hours before donating
- Not use nicotine within an hour of donating
Low Hemoglobin or Hematocrit Levels
You will be given a blood test to check your hemoglobin or hematocrit levels before donating. If you are considering giving plasma but have low hemoglobin or hematocrit levels, you will not be able to donate plasma until you get your levels up.
Hematocrit is the percentage of the volume of red blood cells in the blood (the rest is the plasma). To donate blood or plasma, the hematocrit must be at or above 39% for men or 36% for women.
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. To donate blood or plasma, hemoglobin must be at or above 13 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) for men and 12 mg/dl for women.
A low hemoglobin or hematocrit level could be a sign of anemia (lack of healthy red blood cells). Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, low energy, and weakness. If you have repeated low levels, contact a healthcare provider to be assessed for anemia and what may be causing it.
A high hematocrit could mean you are dehydrated (lack of body fluid). You may have to delay donating plasma.
Abnormal Vital Signs
Abnormal vital signs may require you to delay donating plasma. These include your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. They will be checked before donating.
If you have a fever, a blood pressure reading higher than 180/100, a very high or very low heart rate, or an irregular heartbeat, you may be unable to donate blood. A low heart rate exception exists for highly conditioned athletes and people who take beta-blockers (medicines that treat heart issues).
Factors Affecting How Often You Can Donate
How often you can donate is determined by guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA requires you to wait at least 48 hours between each plasma donation appointment.
Your first plasma donation cannot be used. You need to return for a second donation within six months of the first to establish yourself as a plasma donor.
If you continue donating after your first two donations, you can donate plasma more often. Once you are an established plasma donor, you can set a donation schedule at a certified center of your choice. As long as you meet their frequency limits and pass the health exam each time, you will be able to donate as often as you want.
Some factors may affect your eligibility to donate and the number of times. Some may temporarily defer your donation, while others will permanently keep you from donating.
Illness
You won’t be able to give plasma if you do not feel well. Whether it is the flu, a cold, or severe allergies, it is a good idea to wait until you fully recover. After finishing oral antibiotics or your last antibiotic injection, you must wait at least 10 days to donate.
Medical History and Treatment
The American Red Cross lists 23 conditions that might disqualify you from giving plasma. Some, like hepatitis and HIV, automatically disqualify you, but other chronic illnesses are accepted, provided the disease is under control and you meet all other requirements.
Certain medicines and treatments, including blood transfusions and surgery, may affect whether you can donate plasma. If you are treating a serious illness and want to donate, you should ask your healthcare provider whether it is safe for you to do so.
Pregnancy
You cannot donate plasma or blood if you are pregnant. You must wait at least six weeks after giving birth, provided you are not experiencing illness or taking antibiotics.
Tattoos and Piercings
A new or retouched tattoo will disqualify you from donating. You must wait at least three months after getting the tattoo to donate. (Some plasma centers and the Red Cross allow donation after three months, while federal sources say four months).
You can donate plasma after getting a piercing if the equipment is single-use and disposable. You should wait three months if the piercing was performed with a reusable gun or other multiple-use instruments.
Is It Safe?
It is safe for most people to give plasma. Even so, it is possible to experience side effects. There might be some pain when the needle breaks the skin, but the trained medical staff will do everything possible to keep you comfortable during and after the procedure.
Side Effects of Plasma Donation
After donating plasma, the medical staff will check how you are feeling and ask if you are experiencing side effects. For most people, side effects are minor and may include:
- Light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Bruising at the needle site
- Infection
- Fainting (needlesticks may trigger this)
- Allergic reaction to citrate
The machine used to separate plasma from the blood uses citrate to prevent clotting. Citrate may enter the bloodstream, leading to low calcium levels, temporary numbness and tingling in the finger and toes, chills, or more severe effects.
To ensure you do not experience any severe side effects, stay at the plasma center for at least 15 minutes after your donation. If you experience pain, fever, or other serious side effects after you leave, seek medical care as soon as possible.
The body will replenish the donated plasma within 48 hours. You should not notice any physiological changes related to a plasma or blood donation.
Summary
At a plasma donation center, you may be able to donate plasma twice weekly or as often as every two days. At the American Red Cross, you can donate every 28 days. Plasma is the yellow-colored liquid part of blood.
You might donate because you want to help others or because you need extra cash. Whatever the case, let your healthcare provider know if you donate frequently so they can advise on how often you can safely donate.
Some things might disqualify you from donating. These include a low hemoglobin or hematocrit level, abnormal vitals, being under 18, weighing too little, a new tattoo or piercing, hepatitis, HIV, pregnancy, an illness, or taking antibiotics.
Donating plasma is safe for most people, although side effects are possible. Most side effects are mild and resolve quickly. Infections and allergic reactions might affect a small group of people.
Stay at the donation center for at least 15 minutes so center staff can observe you for any adverse reactions. The lost plasma will replenish within 48 hours, and you shouldn't experience any health problems or long-term effects.
