How long does donating plasma take the first time

Donating plasma is an important, voluntary act that can help save lives. Like donated blood, your plasma is used in trauma situations in hospitals to help those in need. Plasma helps to stop bleeding during emergency situations. 

If you’re thinking about donating plasma, here’s what you need to know.

Is Donating Plasma Safe?

Donating plasma is similar to donating blood. As long as you donate in a certified center, donating plasma is completely safe. If you’re considering donating plasma, the first thing you should do is look for a center that is certified by the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP). These centers are sterile and staffed by highly-trained professionals. All of the equipment that’s used in the plasma collection process is sterilized and cleaned after use. Any equipment that comes into contact with you as a donor is only used one time to ensure cleanliness and prevent the possibility of transmitting any kind of bloodborne pathogens.

Does donating plasma hurt?

Donating plasma shouldn’t hurt. Donating plasma should feel the same as a regular blood donation. You might feel a stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but after that, the staff will do its best to make sure that you’re comfortable throughout the donation process.

Am I Qualified to Donate Plasma?

There are different requirements for the various types of blood donations. These requirements are put in place to guarantee your safety and health. In order to donate plasma, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be in good overall health
  • Weigh 110 pounds or more (50 kilograms)
  • Pass a medical screening
  • Test negative for viruses that can be passed through blood, like HIV and hepatitis
  • Complete a medical history screening

Some states allow teens ages 16 or older to donate with the permission of a parent.

The ideal blood types for plasma donation are AB positive and AB negative. You can donate plasma every 28 days, no more than 13 times in a year.

There are those in high-risk groups who should not donate blood or plasma. They include people who have:

  • Injected drugs or steroids not prescribed by a doctor within the last three months
  • Tested positive for HIV
  • Had close contact in the last 12 months with someone who had viral hepatitis
  • A congenital blood clotting condition
  • Babesiosis, a disease from ticks, or Chagas disease (a parasitic infection)

How Do I Prepare to Donate Plasma?

On the day of your plasma donation appointment, make sure that you get some rest and have a healthy breakfast. You should drink lots of fluids, but avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol, as these drinks actually dehydrate you. Opt for water or juice instead. You should not eat anything oily or greasy before donating plasma since this can affect the quality of your plasma.

How Do I Donate Plasma?

It’s normal to feel a little nervous about donating plasma if you’ve never done it before. Here’s what to expect:

Getting started. Before you donate plasma, you need to fill out a medical history form. This form may ask you about some behaviors that carry a higher risk of bloodborne viruses. Next, a staff member will give you a medical screening. This will check your pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature.

A staff member will give you a finger-prick test that checks the levels of protein and hemoglobin in your blood. This is done each time that you donate plasma.

How long does it take to donate plasma? In total, you can plan to spend about 90 minutes at your plasma donation appointment. This includes registration, screening, and donation. The donation itself takes about 25 minutes.

After you’ve finished the screening process, you’ll sit back in a reclining chair, and a pressure cuff or tourniquet will be put around your arm to help find your veins. The pressure also helps to fill up the donation bag faster. A trained staff member will then place the needle into your arm using clean, sterile equipment. During this time you can relax, listen to music, or watch videos to pass the time.

Once you’ve finished the donation process, you should have a snack and drink some fluids. This is often provided to you at the donation center. You should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day to let yourself recover.

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  • What to Expect When You Donate Plasma: A Guide for First-Time Donors

    April 24, 2021

    How long does donating plasma take the first time

    Plasma donation is an incredible act that can change the lives of others for the better. It can also be a great way to make some extra money if you live in a province where paid plasma donations are permitted. 

    If you’re thinking about becoming a plasma donor and are wondering what the process will entail, you’re in luck! Here’s the ultimate guide to plasma donation for first-time donors.

    What is plasma?

    Plasma is a yellowish liquid component of blood that contains vital proteins. It helps to maintain blood pressure and volume, carries electrolytes to our muscles, supports cell function, and supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. When healthy plasma is donated, it can be used to treat a wide range of autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders.

    Am I eligible to donate plasma?

    In order to donate plasma, you must be in good health and meet certain eligibility requirements. At Canadian Plasma Resources, donors must meet the following requirements:

    • Be between 17 and 68 years of age.
    • Weigh between 50 kg to 180 kg.
    • Have not had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months.
    • Have not donated blood in the past 56 days.
    • Have a permanent address within 100 kilometres of a Canadian Plasma Resources facility.

    At your first appointment, you will be asked to present valid photo identification, proof of address, and a social insurance card. You will also undergo a screening process that involves answering a questionnaire, being interviewed, and having a medical examination and testing performed on two separate occasions within a 26-week period.

    What is the process to donate plasma?

    If you meet all the eligibility requirements to become a plasma donor, you can then proceed to the donation portion of the plasma donation process. Plasma is collected through a specialized donation procedure known as plasmapheresis. During the plasmapheresis procedure, you will be intravenously connected to a medical device known as an apheresis machine that will separate plasma from whole blood and return the rest of your blood to your body. This portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.

    After you’ve completed your plasma donation, you will be encouraged to rest, relax, and enjoy refreshments in our centre’s waiting room for 10 minutes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re currently keeping snacks and drinks behind our reception desk, but our reception staff are always more than willing to hand them out when donors ask! During this time, you can also schedule your next appointment.

    How long does it take to donate blood plasma?

    From start to finish, you can expect the entire plasma donation process, including the registering and screening portions, to take approximately two hours and 30 minutes as a first-time donor. Subsequent donation appointments will be easier and faster. Appointments for repeat donors typically take around one hour and 30 minutes.

    Are plasma donations paid or unpaid?

    Both paid and unpaid plasma donations exist in Canada. Whether or not you’ll be compensated for your plasma donation depends on where you live and what company you’re making the donation with. 

    At Canadian Plasma Resources, we compensate our donors for the time and effort they put into giving plasma. Donors at our centres in Saskatoon and Moncton have the opportunity to earn up to $400/month for their contributions. We also have monthly prize draws where donors are automatically entered to win $100 gift cards if they give plasma during that month!

    Plasma donation is a great way to give back and get some much-needed me-time. As a donor at Canadian Plasma Resources, you can also supplement your income with the compensation you receive for your donations. If you’d like to become a plasma donor, book an appointment at a centre near you today!

    How long does it take to recover from donating plasma?

    Blood plasma takes 24 to 48 hours to regenerate, which is why there must be at least one day in between donations. The seven-day limit allows for additional downtime so that the body can rest and replenish.

    How do I pass my time to donate plasma?

    Bring any personal items that will help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Pack your phone, a book, or headphones to help pass the time.

    What should I do before donating plasma for the first time?

    Before you donate plasma, make sure you:.
    Drink 4 to 6 eight-ounce glasses of water, fruit juice, or other caffeine-free beverage at least 2 to 3 hours before donating..
    Avoid alcohol of any type for 24 hours before you donate..
    Avoid smoking for 2 to 3 hours before donating..
    Eat a meal before coming in to donate..

    What happens if you don t drink enough water before donating plasma?

    For plasma donors, staying hydrated is especially important. Drinking water affects how your plasma is separated and the fullness of your veins. If you're dehydrated, you may be deferred from donating plasma or put yourself at risk of not feeling well afterwards.