Tessa Quinn
Plasma is a vital component of blood, without which the body cannot function. Plasma carries proteins and chemical compounds that keep us alive and our bodies working properly. It is also essential for blood to flow like a liquid. Plasma donations were paused in 1998 due to fears over the spread of a human variant of vCJD, commonly known as mad cow disease. However, donations resumed in 2021, and the health service is now working to build its own supply of plasma medicines amid a global shortage. While donating plasma is mostly a safe process, there can be side effects, such as bruising, discomfort, and in rare cases, infection. Certain conditions, such as serious or chronic illnesses, anemia, and age, can disqualify individuals from donating plasma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plasma donation fatalities | Plasma donation fatalities are rare. The FDA reported 14 potential donation-associated fatalities in 2017, with only 2 cases classified as "probable/likely" and "possible". |
| Plasma donation risks | Bruising, dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, discomfort, and infection. |
| Plasma donation disqualifiers | Chronic illnesses (e.g., high blood pressure, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS), anemia, recent transplants, and age (typically over 64). |
| Plasma donation benefits | Plasma is vital for modern medical therapies and treatments for immune system conditions, bleeding, respiratory disorders, blood transfusions, and wound healing. |
| Plasma characteristics | Plasma is about 92% water and 7% vital proteins. It carries platelets, red and white blood cells, and other substances like antibodies and hormones. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plasma donation is mostly safe, but there are some risks and side effects
- Potential side effects include bruising, dizziness, fatigue, and discomfort
- Fatalities are rare but possible, with 14 reported by the FDA in 2017
- Donor eligibility criteria include age, health, and medical history
- Plasma is vital for treating many conditions and saving lives
Plasma donation is mostly safe, but there are some risks and side effects
Plasma donation is mostly safe, and it can help others combat serious illnesses. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that carries proteins and antibodies crucial for clotting and immunity. However, there are some mild and rare side effects associated with the procedure.
Plasma donation involves drawing blood, extracting the plasma, and returning the remaining blood to the donor's body. The liquid component of the donor's blood is put into another person's bloodstream to increase its volume. This procedure is relatively safe, but it has some minor side effects, including feeling faint or dizzy, bleeding, bruising, and inflammation around the donation site. In rare cases, an embolism can occur.
Bruising and discomfort are among the more common side effects of plasma donation. When the needle pierces the skin, a pinching feeling may be experienced, along with a dull, pulling sensation as blood is drawn. Bruises typically go away in days or weeks, but individuals with bleeding disorders may take longer to heal. There is also a small risk of infection at the injection site, which can spread to the surrounding body tissue or blood. Signs of infection include skin that feels warm and tender, appears red and swollen, and exhibits pain. If these symptoms appear, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent complications.
Another rare but serious side effect is a citrate reaction, which occurs due to the temporary loss of calcium. During plasma donation, an anticoagulant is infused into the blood to prevent clotting. While most of the citrate is retained by the machine, some can enter the donor's bloodstream, causing a reaction. Arterial puncture is another rare complication that can occur if a needle accidentally punctures an artery instead of a vein. This can lead to bleeding into the arm tissues, and donors may notice a faster blood flow and lighter-than-usual colour of blood.
To minimize the risks and side effects of plasma donation, donors should ensure they are donating at accredited centers that follow high standards of care and hygiene. Eating a small meal or snack beforehand can reduce the chances of feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Staying hydrated before and after donation is also important, as plasma contains a high percentage of water. Avoiding strenuous activity for the rest of the day can help prevent fainting and related injuries.
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Potential side effects include bruising, dizziness, fatigue, and discomfort
Plasma is a crucial component of blood, making up a little over half of its total volume. It is mostly water (about 92%) and carries vital proteins, hormones, vitamins, electrolytes, and other compounds to every corner of the body.
Donating plasma is generally a safe process, but it can have some side effects. Plasma donation involves drawing blood, extracting the plasma, and returning the remaining blood to the donor. This process temporarily reduces blood volume and removes fluids from the body, which can lead to several potential side effects, including bruising, dizziness, fatigue, and discomfort.
Bruising is a common side effect of plasma donation due to the needle insertion. When a needle punctures a vein, a small amount of blood may leak out into the surrounding soft tissues, forming a bruise. These bruises typically fade within days or weeks, but they may persist longer for individuals with bleeding disorders.
Dizziness is another potential side effect of plasma donation. The loss of fluids and plasma can lead to dehydration, which increases the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness. To prevent or mitigate dizziness, it is crucial to stay hydrated before and after donating plasma. Drinking water and electrolyte-rich beverages can help maintain adequate blood volume and prevent drops in blood pressure that may contribute to dizziness. Consuming a light snack or meal containing carbohydrates and protein can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of dizziness.
Fatigue is another common side effect of plasma donation. The loss of plasma may reduce energy levels, contributing to feelings of fatigue. To minimize fatigue, it is recommended to get a good night's sleep before donating, eat a nutritious meal, and rest after the donation.
Discomfort during plasma donation is typically mild and may manifest as a pinching or pulling sensation when the needle pierces the skin and draws blood.
While rare, more serious side effects may occur, such as infection at the injection site or a citrate reaction from the temporary loss of calcium. Therefore, it is important to be well-informed about the potential side effects and take the necessary precautions before and after donating plasma.
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Fatalities are rare but possible, with 14 reported by the FDA in 2017
Plasma is a vital bodily fluid that makes up about 55% of blood. It carries platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells, and other vital compounds around the body. Donated plasma is used to make unique, life-saving medicines that can treat over 50 diseases, including immune system conditions, bleeding, respiratory disorders, blood transfusions, and wound healing.
Donating plasma is mostly a safe process, but like any medical procedure, it carries some inherent risks and potential complications. While fatalities are rare, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported 14 potential donation-associated fatalities in Fiscal Year 2017, with only one case classified as "probable/likely" and one case as "possible." The link between the donation and the fatality in many cases was classified as "doubtful/unlikely/improbable" or "not determined/assessable/evaluable."
The FDA has guidelines to limit how often one can donate plasma to help keep donors safe. Potential complications associated with plasma donation include bruising, dizziness, fatigue, and discomfort. These are typically minor and resolve on their own, but it is essential to follow post-donation instructions and report any concerning symptoms.
It is important to note that plasma donation has helped meet medical needs safely, and the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) estimates that there were 38.3 million source plasma donations made in the United States in 2016.
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Donor eligibility criteria include age, health, and medical history
Donor eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific needs of hospitals and medical centres. However, some common criteria include age, health, and medical history.
Age
The minimum age to donate plasma is 18, and there is no maximum age limit. However, people over 64 may be ineligible to donate plasma due to decreased plasma production. Certain transplant centres may have different age requirements, such as a minimum age of 25 for non-directed donors.
Health
Donors must be in good health and free from any serious or chronic illnesses. This includes conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, primary immunodeficiency, and haemophilia. Individuals with certain types of cancer, kidney disease, or hepatitis may also be ineligible. Donors must also meet specific weight requirements, typically a minimum of 110 lbs, and have adequate iron levels.
Medical History
A person's medical history is also considered when determining donor eligibility. This includes a history of anaemia, bleeding problems, mental health concerns, diabetes, or psychiatric illness. Certain medications may also impact eligibility, although most medications do not disqualify potential donors. It's important to note that eligibility criteria are designed to protect the health and safety of both the donor and the recipient.
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Plasma is vital for treating many conditions and saving lives
Plasma is a vital component of blood, making up around 55% of its total volume. It is the liquid part of blood, giving it the ability to flow and carry essential cargo such as proteins, hormones, nutrients, electrolytes, and other compounds to where they are needed in the body. Without enough plasma, the body cannot function properly.
Plasma is crucial for treating many conditions and saving lives. Donated plasma is used to create unique, life-saving medicines that can treat over 50 diseases, including rare genetic conditions and life-threatening illnesses. Plasma is especially important for people with Primary Immune Disorders, where their immune systems are not working correctly, and it can be the only treatment option available. Every year, 17,000 people in England rely on medicines made from plasma donations. Plasma donations are also essential for creating treatments for immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, respiratory disorders, and liver disease.
Plasma transfusions are vital for treating major blood loss, such as in car accidents or childbirth complications. They are also used to treat genetic bleeding disorders and help with blood clotting. In emergency medicine, plasma can mean the difference between life and death for trauma, burn, and shock patients. Plasma from donors with type AB blood is preferred as it lacks antibodies and can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type.
While plasma donation is generally safe, it is important to acknowledge the potential risks and side effects. These can include bruising, dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, and discomfort. In rare cases, more severe complications like infections or arterial punctures can occur. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there were a small number of potential donation-associated fatalities in 2017, with only one case classified as "probable/likely". However, the number of fatalities associated with plasma donation is extremely low, and regulatory bodies like the FDA and PPTA have guidelines and protocols in place to minimize risks and ensure donor safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Plasma is the liquid part of blood. It carries proteins and chemical compounds that are essential for keeping people alive and their bodies functioning properly.
Plasma is vital for medical treatments, including blood transfusions, wound healing, and treatments for immune system conditions, bleeding, and respiratory disorders. Plasma donations are especially important for emergency medicine, such as caring for trauma or burn patients, where time saved can mean the difference between life and death.
To donate plasma, you must be at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs, be in good health, and pass a medical screening. Donation centres may also have specific requirements, so it is important to check with them directly.
Most people do not experience any side effects from donating plasma. However, some possible side effects include fatigue, bruising, bleeding, dehydration, dizziness, lightheadedness, and rarely, fainting. Proper preparation, such as hydrating and eating a healthy meal beforehand, can help reduce these side effects.
People with certain medical conditions, such as serious or chronic illnesses (e.g., high blood pressure, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS), anemia, or a recent illness like a cold or flu, may be temporarily or permanently disqualified from donating plasma. These restrictions are in place to maintain the safety of the plasma supply and donors.
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