What to Expect After You Donate Plasma

The reward from donating plasma may be enough to sooth the possible side effects

Plasma makes up 55 percent of blood. It's what remains after red and white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components are removed. Plasma is the source of proteins and antibodies and can be used to make therapies that treat diseases such as hemophilia, primary immunodeficiencies and neurological and autoimmune disorders, and can be used to treat medical conditions such as shock, trauma and burns.

Who Donates?

Plasma comes from healthy donors, who are eligible after passing some medical screenings and tests. Lifesaving therapies and treatments cannot be made without the donated plasma, so donors are crucial.

Collection

Blood is collected by a needle inserted into a vein. The plasma is separated from the other cellular components in the blood. These components are then returned to the donor, usually in a saline solution, by needle. Your body replenishes the plasma within a few days.

Side Effects

After donating plasma, you may experience dizziness, weakness, chills and nausea due to dehydration or hunger. Also, you may have pain and bruising where the needle was inserted into your arm.

Avoiding Side Effects

Most of the side effects you may encounter can be avoided or eliminated quickly by eating a healthy meal, resting and drinking a lot of water.

References

• DonatingPlasma.org: What is Plasma?
• DonatingPlasma.org: Donor FAQs
• Talecris Plasma Resources: Steps to Donating
• AssociatedContent.com: Donating Plasma: Tips and Warnings for the College Student
• DCI Biologicals, Inc.: Frequently Asked Questions About Donating