How Safe Is Giving Blood Plasma?

Donors around the country regularly supply medical facilities with plasma, the liquid component of blood. Donated plasma is used to assist patients with "livers that don't work, patients with burns and patients with severe bacterial infections in their blood," according to the Mayo Clinic website.

Procedure

Plasma donation involves two main steps. First, a person's blood is drawn and processed in a machine that separates the plasma from the rest of the blood. The rest of the blood is then returned to the patient.

Safety

Plasma donation is safe. Technicians use a new set of tubing for every plasma donor, and all equipment is sterilized.

Time Commitment

Plasma donation can take up to 2 hours.

Plasma donation can take up to two hours. Many donor centers have televisions, WiFi and other entertainment sources to help donors pass the time.

Frequency

Donors can donate plasma every four weeks.

AB Donors

People with type AB blood are especially coveted as plasma donors, since their plasma can be given to people of all other blood types.

References

• MayoClinic.org: Plasma or Platelet Donations
• MayoClinic.org: Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Donation