The Future of Medicine is in Your Blood

Basically, plasma is the liquid portion of your blood. It accounts for about 55% of your blood’s volume and contains water, salt, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins. Once separated from the other 45% (e.g., red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets), it appears as a translucent amber fluid.

Plasma is the body’s true multitasker: It distributes water and nutrients throughout the body, supports blood vessels, helps maintain blood pressure and circulation, maintains body temperature, removes waste from cells, aids in blood clotting, and is vital in immune response.

Plasma is the foundation of approved treatments for a variety of conditions. These include bleeding disorders, immunodeficiencies, liver disease, sports-related injuries, rare genetic conditions, emergency, and surgical medicine and more.

But here’s the kicker: ALL of these “approved” treatments were once INVESTIGATIONAL MEDICINES that had to be developed and approved for use through the clinical trial process. It can take years to develop and refine new treatments, and still more years to gain regulatory approval. Researchers need a steady supply of plasma to continue their work building potentially lifesaving, life-improving, and protective medicines, and treatments.

YOUR DONATION TODAY COULD HELP THE GENRATIONS TO COME.

Yes to both. It’s as safe as when any blood is drawn, like for routine tests, etc. But as with any medical procedure there are possible side effects (in the clinical trial space we call them “adverse events” or AEs). Plasma donors have experienced lightheadedness, bruising, pain, fainting, and bleeding resulting from the donation process.

If you choose to donate, understand that your personal well-being and safety is our top priority. All site personnel are trained to monitor donors for AEs and know what to do should they occur.

• Eat healthy. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake and eating a protein- and iron-rich diet in the days before your appointment can help your body prepare for donation. Eating a healthy snack or meal a few hours before your appointment and staying hydrated is also helpful. Do not use nicotine within an hour of your appointment.
• Sleep well. Try to arrive for your plasma donation well-rested. Although everyone has different sleep needs, aim for around 8 hours of sleep the night before.
• Drink plenty of water. Giving plasma can reduce your blood volume by about 800 milliliters—or about 32 ounces. About 2 or 3 hours before your appointment, consider drinking at least this amount of water to help offset the loss of blood volume.
• Gather the necessary documents. The number one reason new donors are turned away is because they forget their IDs, so make sure you have everything you need ahead of time. Calling the donation center before you arrive to make sure you have all the necessary documents is always a good idea. To check into a plasma center, you will need:
  • A government-issued ID
  • Proof of address, such as a driver’s license or utility bill
  • Proof of social security number, such as a social security card, W-2 form, or paystub. The name on this document must match your ID exactly.
• Dress comfortably. Be sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves that can be rolled up above your elbow.

First, please ask questions. We want you to be completely comfortable in your decision to donate plasma and the only way you can do that is if you have all the information you need. If there’s something you need to know, just ask!

Second, if you are interested in donating plasma, you should know that your plasma can only be used after you’ve donated twice within a six-month period. While this is a safety measure set in place by the FDA, it’s a small commitment to ensure you’re helping advance medical science.