Risks associated with Donating Plasma

Plasma is a vital substance of human blood that have many important functions associated with it like transportation of blood, preventing the human body against various infections and diseases, bleeding control and supply of various nutrients in the body. This substance also works wonders when it is extracted from the human blood and synthesized for making medicines and vaccines. Donating Plasma can benefit patients who need help in emergencies and critical situations like accidents and operations etc.

Donating Plasma not only benefits the recipients but also donors can profit by engaging in this donation act. Whenever a donor visits a donation center to give their donations they get paid for each of their sessions. These Plasma Donor Locations are paying the donors from $100 - $500 for each of their donation. However, the rates and terms differ with each location and medical body.

As plasma contains various nutrients, proteins and antibodies that can help the body to fight against various diseases its loss from the blood by Donating Plasma can have possible side effects. Though there are minimal complexities traced till date, all the Risks associated with Donating Plasma should be considered as well. Both the donors and as well the Plasma Donor Locations doctors must look for certain precautions before indulging in a donation.

Some of the precautions the donor must look into before going for a donation are given below:

·         The donor must have adequate rest before going for a donation. If the donor is tired it will imbalance his blood pressure levels which will affect the donation process.

·         They must be well hydrated prior to the session. Drink plenty of fluids before and after the donations will help.

·         They must have a healthy meal before going to the Plasma Donor Locations for giving their plasma. It is recommended to avoid red meat, fried foods and greasy items before the session as it can thicken your blood thus slowing down your donation process.

·         Should not consume alcohol if one is planning to donate plasma. They should also be away from drugs and addicts.

·         Must be healthy and must at least weight 110 pounds.

·         Should be 16 years and above.

·         Women should avoid frequent donations as who donate too often experience lower levels of hemoglobin in their blood.

·         Should not indulge in donating more than twice a week.

·         Must always visit a registered and professional Plasma Donor Locations. They must also make sure that the staff there is fully trained and can give a hassle free session with professional expertise.

·         Should consult a health care professional if any complications rise in the middle or after the donation.

·         Don’t forget to use the bathroom before you start to give plasma because you can’t stop the process in the middle.

·         Must clear the pre examination process to get eligible for donating.

The process of donating is same like donating blood. The only difference is that in this Plasmatherisis process the plasma is separated from the blood by a centrifuge, and then the blood is sent back to the donor's body. However taking needed precautions can help in simplifying the process and as well can rescue the donor from all the possible risk factors. There are no long term health risks of donating plasma as long as required steps are taken by the donor and the donation center. There will be a small mark on the arm where the needle was inserted, but this will disappear quickly if the liquid vitamin E is applied regularly on the area.