Health Donating Plasma

[Caesar]

Last time I went to donate blood, they tried to convince me to become a plasma donor. Does anyone do it? Pros/Cons? Obviously the ARCBS only tell you the pros.

I kind of like the idea of being able to donate more frequently than whole blood, but the amount of time it involves is kind of a turn-off. I tend to go in the evenings after work and I don't really want to spend an hour and a half sitting around the blood bank.

 

[Pie eyed]

Last time I went to donate blood, they tried to convince me to become a plasma donor. Does anyone do it? Pros/Cons? Obviously the ARCBS only tell you the pros.

I kind of like the idea of being able to donate more frequently than whole blood, but the amount of time it involves is kind of a turn-off. I tend to go in the evenings after work and I don't really want to spend an hour and a half sitting around the blood bank.

I was not even aware you could donate "only" plasma?
I have always donated whole blood.

 

[Dawggin It]

Last time I went to donate blood, they tried to convince me to become a plasma donor. Does anyone do it? Pros/Cons? Obviously the ARCBS only tell you the pros.

I kind of like the idea of being able to donate more frequently than whole blood, but the amount of time it involves is kind of a turn-off. I tend to go in the evenings after work and I don't really want to spend an hour and a half sitting around the blood bank.

To simplify, plasma donation is a 3 step process.

1. Just like a normal donation, a hollow needle is inserted into a vein and blood is taken.

2. However with plasma, the blood is drawn into a centrifuge machine and spun at high speeds to separate you blood into red blood cells and plasma.

3. The plasma is kept, and the red blood cells are pumped back into your vein.

This constitutes 1 cycle. The amount of plasma you donate is calculated from your height and weight (This is why they generally target taller men), depending on how well hydrated you are and your size, it may take a few cycles to donate the required volume.

PROs

You can donate more often if you like. Every 2 weeks if you're so inclined, compared with every 3 months for whole blood. Quite often plasma is actually in higher demand then red blood cells.

Because you are only donating plasma, not your red blood cells, you are less likely to feel fatigued in the days afterward, particularly during or after exercise, which many people do when donating whole blood.

It is less restrictive on donating. Many of the things that are screened for on the questionnaire before donating are only really relevant if you are donating whole blood. (eg certain medications, recent travel, some vaccinations)

CONS

It is much more time consuming then donating whole blood. Again it depends on how much you are giving, but you could easily be in the chair for 45ins- 1hr, plus the admin stuff at the start.

Because your red cells get returned to you, it's really important that when the needle is inserted it is sitting properly in the vein, and hasn't pushed through the other side of the vessel wall. Believe me you'll know if it has, because the machine will be pumping blood into your subcutaneous tissue and it will hurt a fair bit and you'll get a nasty bruise. Has happened to me a few times.


All in all it really depends on how often you want to donate and how long you want to spend there. I'm sure any and all efforts are greatly appreciated.

 

[Caesar]

Sweet. Thanks for the info, that's pretty comprehensive.

I get the impression that since they're asking me to switch, I'm of more value as a plasma donor than whole blood.

 

[DTRAIN87]

Sweet. Thanks for the info, that's pretty comprehensive.

I get the impression that since they're asking me to switch, I'm of more value as a plasma donor than whole blood.

Agree with the comprehensive description above. Also with plasma, if you have time constraints they will do a donor's choice take of plasma meaning you only give what you have time for. Discuss this with the nurse. Also health wise you are better off for it as it takes much less time for the stuff you have lost in whole blood such as red blood cells to be returned to you as this is why you wait 3 months in between donations. My advice is to do it.

 

[Wallaby]

Done it many times. It takes a lot longer (you can be hooked up to the machine for over an hour), but overall from going in to coming out takes about the same, because you have a booking, you don't wait in line etc.
Dawg has covered most of it - I will also add they put a replacement anti-coagulant back into you with the red blood cells - this can sometimes taste pretty bad - triggers something in your tongue and lips (but you just ask for a milk-shake or OJ while you are on the couch).

Definitely feel less tired after a donation (I always used to drop off to sleep at night a couple of hours early after a whole blood donation).

They will probably also ask you about Platelet donations. Very similar process to plasma - the difference instead of doing 2-3 cycles, you can do up to 7 or 8 (they are smaller cycles). But I have been hooked up for over 90 minutes doing it. So by the time you add in getting there, milkshake/party pies after, it's up to 2.5 hours and I couldn't get the time off work during the day. But if you have the time, it's very worthwhile.

I'd just give the plasma a go, and see what you think. Not going to do you any harm.

 

[Poseidon]

How do you donate blood if you're a coward? Just reading Dawggin It's post made me feel lightheaded.

 

[Umpa Lumpa]

A little bit disappointed by this thread, came in expecting the op to be donating a plasma tv

 

[dr nick]

lol a hollow needle.

Plus the fact I always tell people this is my very first practice attempt, can make it a horrifying experience for some.

 

[Wallaby]

I always start the joke with 'They take a sterilised bucket...............' That usually gets the appropriate reaction.

 

[morri]

I think some men are definitely weaker. If you drink enough fluid and ate enough prior to either you shouldnt have any side effects. I have seen guys that nearly fainted after the donation so they definitely didnt follow that advice, and that although they provide free drinks and food for those who donate..

 

[Ted38]

I think some men are definitely weaker. If you drink enough fluid and ate enough prior to either you shouldnt have any side effects. I have seen guys that nearly fainted after the donation so they definitely didnt follow that advice, and that although they provide free drinks and food for those who donate..

They were probably Dockers supporters

 

[Ted38]

Agree with the comprehensive description above. Also with plasma, if you have time constraints they will do a donor's choice take of plasma meaning you only give what you have time for. Discuss this with the nurse. Also health wise you are better off for it as it takes much less time for the stuff you have lost in whole blood such as red blood cells to be returned to you as this is why you wait 3 months in between donations. My advice is to do it.

I donated blood for some 20years and Plasma for the last 5 of those but when I reached a certain age they gave me the flick so I assumed there must be an age factor.