Jordan Ellis
Plasma donation is a vital process that helps save lives, but it's important to ensure that donors are in good health to protect themselves and the recipients. Deferrals are a safety measure to prevent the transmission of infections or diseases through plasma donation. Various factors can lead to a temporary or permanent deferral, such as medical conditions, recent surgeries, travel history, tattoos or piercings, pregnancy, and temporary illnesses. Donors must meet specific criteria, including age, weight, and health requirements, to be eligible for plasma donation. It's crucial for donors to be transparent during the screening process to ensure the safety of all involved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary deferral | Cold, flu, COVID-19, temporary illnesses, recent travel, tattoos or piercings, pregnancy, surgery, blood transfusion, medication, high blood pressure, low or high weight, dehydration, caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption |
| Permanent deferral | Positive HIV test, hepatitis B or C, serious or chronic illness (e.g. epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis), Ebola, malaria, Zika virus |
| Age requirement | 18-64 years old |
| Weight requirement | 110-400 lbs |
| Blood pressure requirement | Above 90/50 and below 160/100 |
| Pulse requirement | Between 50 and 100 beats per minute at rest |
| Temperature requirement | Below 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit |
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Temporary illnesses
Blood pressure and hydration levels are also factors that can lead to deferrals. Dehydration may lead to complications, so it is important to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol before donating. Donors with elevated blood pressure may be deferred, and can help avoid this by refraining from strenuous activity, managing stress, and limiting high-sodium foods.
Other temporary factors that can cause deferral include recent travel to areas with a high risk of infectious diseases, certain medications, and recent surgeries or medical procedures. Most temporary deferrals last for a day, but some can last up to 6 months or even longer.
It is important to be truthful during the exams and questionnaires to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Eligibility is determined by the donation center, and donors with questions or concerns can contact their local center for more information.
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Travel history
If you have recently travelled to an area with a high risk of infectious diseases, it is important to disclose this information during the donor screening process. The staff at the plasma donation centre will assess your eligibility based on the specific region visited and the length of your stay. In some cases, contracting certain diseases during travel, such as Ebola, may result in a permanent disqualification from donating plasma.
Additionally, travel-related restrictions may vary depending on the regulations of the specific country or region. For example, the FDA in the United States previously had restrictions on travel to areas where one could contract Mad Cow Disease but lifted these restrictions in November 2022.
It is crucial to be truthful and transparent about your travel history during the donor screening process. This ensures the safety of both the donor and the recipients of the plasma. By providing accurate information, the plasma donation centre can make an informed decision about your eligibility and help prevent the potential spread of infectious diseases.
Therefore, if you have recently travelled to a region with a high risk of infectious diseases, it is recommended to contact your local plasma donation centre to inquire about any specific travel-related restrictions or deferral periods that may apply.
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Medical conditions
A person with a serious or chronic illness, such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, or a primary immunodeficiency (PI), is not eligible to donate plasma. Those with epilepsy may be eligible if they have been seizure-free for a certain period. Those with PI or hemophilia rely on plasma-derived therapies and do not produce enough plasma to donate.
Temporary illnesses like the flu, common cold, COVID-19, or infections can also lead to short-term deferrals. It is important to be in optimal health when donating plasma to protect both the donor and the recipient.
Certain medical conditions like anemia or heart disease can result in either a temporary or permanent deferral. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension may require additional medical evaluations to determine eligibility.
Individuals who test positive for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, or syphilis are permanently deferred and entered into the National Donor Deferral Registry (NDDR). These regulations are in place to prevent the transmission of viruses through plasma-based medicinal therapies.
Other factors that can cause deferral include recent surgeries, blood transfusions, and specific medications. Most temporary deferrals last for a day, but some can be up to 6 months or indefinite.
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Medication
Temporary deferrals are more common than permanent deferrals when it comes to medications. This is because medications can remain in the body for varying lengths of time, and the donated plasma will be used in critical treatments for patients with specific health conditions. For example, isotretinoin is not safe for pregnant women and can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and severe birth defects. Therefore, donors are required to wait at least 30 days after their last dose of isotretinoin before donating plasma. Similarly, antibiotics can lead to a temporary deferral, with donors typically having to wait until their course of treatment is complete and they are symptom-free. The type and duration of the deferral would depend on the specific medical condition and antibiotic being used.
Some medications that typically do not lead to a deferral include over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, ADHD medications such as Adderall, oral contraceptives, and statins for controlling cholesterol levels. However, it is important to disclose the use of these medications during the screening process.
On the other hand, blood-thinning medications can lead to a permanent deferral as they negatively affect clotting during the donation process. Additionally, PrEP/PEP for HIV prevention can also lead to a medication deferral.
It is crucial to be transparent about all medications and supplements being taken to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Donors should bring an up-to-date list of all their medications and supplements to their appointment to facilitate the eligibility assessment by medical professionals.
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Tattoos or piercings
Getting a tattoo or a piercing does not automatically disqualify you from donating plasma. However, there is generally a waiting or deferral period before you can donate plasma after getting a tattoo or piercing. The waiting period is typically 3 to 4 months, but it can vary depending on the specific donation centre's policies and guidelines.
The reason for the waiting period is to reduce the risk of transmitting any bloodborne illnesses or infections that can be introduced through tattooing or piercing procedures. Unclean needles or instruments can carry viruses such as hepatitis, HIV, or other bloodborne pathogens. While regulated tattoo and piercing facilities are required to meet certain safety and health standards, there is still a risk of contamination.
To ensure eligibility, it is important to provide documentation of when and where you received your tattoo or piercing. It is also crucial to be honest and accurate when communicating any relevant information to the donation centre. If there are any visible signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or irritation, it is recommended to wait until the area is completely healed before donating plasma.
In some cases, the type of equipment used for piercings may impact the waiting period. Single-use equipment, such as disposable piercing guns and needles, may have a shorter waiting period compared to reusable instruments. It is important to follow proper precautions and adhere to the guidelines provided by the donation centre to ensure a smooth and safe donation process.
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Frequently asked questions
A hospital stay could indicate a recent surgery, a serious or chronic illness, or a recent blood transfusion, all of which may result in temporary deferral.
Temporary deferrals can be caused by temporary illnesses like the flu, a cold, COVID-19, or infections.
Permanent deferrals can be caused by contracting Ebola, or testing positive for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or other infectious diseases.
Temporary deferrals can also be caused by high blood pressure, out-of-range hematocrit, certain medications, or recent travel to areas with a high risk of infectious diseases.
Permanent deferrals can also be caused by certain serious medical conditions like anemia or heart disease.
