Plasma donation is a powerful way to help patients who rely on lifesaving blood products. Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood that helps transport nutrients, proteins, and clotting factors throughout the body. Donated plasma may help patients experiencing trauma, burns, serious illnesses, and other medical conditions.
At Blood Assurance, eligible donors can give plasma to support hospitals and patients throughout our community.
Why Plasma Donation Matters
Every plasma donation has the potential to help patients facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Plasma contains proteins, antibodies, and clotting factors that physicians rely on to treat people experiencing severe trauma, burns, liver disease, clotting disorders, and certain immune system conditions.
Unlike many medications, plasma cannot be manufactured in a laboratory. It comes only from generous volunteer donors. By donating plasma, you’re helping hospitals maintain a lifesaving supply for emergencies and ongoing treatments throughout the communities Blood Assurance serves.
What is Plasma?
The liquid part of the blood and lymphatic fluid, which makes up about half of its volume. Plasma is devoid of cells and, unlike serum, has not clotted. Blood plasma contains antibodies and other proteins.
What is Plasma Used For?
Plasma is vital for proper blood clotting and fighting diseases, Plasma may be used for fractionation. Plasma donations are used to treat patients who have rare diseases and receive plasma-derived therapies.
How Does Plasma Donation Work?
Plasma Donation Requirements
Age and Weight Requirements
High school students who are at least 16 years old may donate with one-time parental consent and must weigh at least 110 pounds. Other donors must be at least 17 years old.
Iron Level Requirements
When checked by a Blood Assurance donor care specialist, your iron level must be at least 12.5 g/dL for females and 13.0 g/dL for males.
Blood Pressure Requirements
Your blood pressure cannot be higher than 180/100 mm Hg or lower than 90/50 mm Hg. If you take blood pressure medication, you may still be eligible as long as your blood pressure meets these requirements.
Temperature Requirements
Your body temperature must be between 96.4°F and 100.0°F at the time of your donation.
Pulse Requirements
Your pulse rate must be no lower than 50 beats per minute and no higher than 100 beats per minute.
Health Screening
Before donating, you will be asked a series of health and eligibility questions to help ensure that plasma donation is safe for you and for the patient receiving your donation.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Certain medications and medical conditions may prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. Call 800-962-0628 to ask about your specific medication or medical condition, or review the Medication Deferral List .
Why Donate Plasma?
Plasma donors play an important role in maintaining the blood supply. Because plasma contains proteins and clotting factors, it can help support patients experiencing serious injuries, surgeries, and medical treatments.
Your plasma donation can make a difference. Find a Blood Assurance donation center near you →
Have Type AB Blood? Your Plasma Is Especially Needed
Donors with AB blood type are especially valuable because AB plasma can be used for patients of any blood type.
How long does plasma donation take?
A plasma donation appointment typically takes about one to three hours.
How often can you donate plasma?
Eligible donors can donate plasma every 28 days with Blood Assurance.
Does donating plasma hurt?
Most donors say plasma donation feels similar to a traditional blood donation. You may feel a brief pinch when the needle is placed.
What should I do before donating plasma?
Eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water, and bring any required identification.
What blood type is best for plasma donation?
Type AB plasma donors are especially needed because AB plasma can help patients with any blood type.