How to get ready and what to expect when donating plasma
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water or juice, and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Pick comfortable clothes for the following day. We keep the centers cool, so please dress warmly or bring a throw blanket
- Avoid fatty foods prior to donating. Fatty foods can give your plasma a milky appearance and affect your blood tests. If your plasma has this appearance, you will not be able to donate plasma that day
- Pick out a book, magazine, or tablet for the next day to help pass the time. Our centers are equipped with free Wi-Fi and individual flat screen TVs with cable at each donor station
- Skip a donation if you’re feeling ill. Donors must be in general good health in order to donate. It is at the center’s discretion to determine whether or not you are healthy enough to donate that day
- Avoid any strenuous activity for at least 1 hour before your donation
- Eat a healthy meal that is high in protein and iron within 2 hours before your donation
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water or juice, and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages
- Bring your picture ID and Social Security Card the first day you visit our center
- We accept donors who reside within fifty (50) miles of the center
- At the donor kiosk, you will answer some medical history questions and have a brief physical exam to determine if you are suitable for donation
- After passing the physical exam, you may donate the same day
- The first visit may take about 120 minutes; subsequent, routine visits take about 90 minutes
- Eat a healthy meal that is high in protein and iron within 2 hours after your donation
- Avoid smoking for at least 30 minutes after the completion of your donation
- Avoid any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after your donation
- Keep your bandage clean and covered for several hours
All information entered is kept confidential and never shared with others without your consent.
Plasma is collected through a process called plasmapheresis
This process is safe, sterile, and simple. The process is similar to donating blood. However, the plasma is separated from the red blood cells and the red cells are returned to the donor. Donors are also given a saline solution at the end of the donation process to replace any fluid loss.
Plasmapheresis is performed by trained medical professionals, using a one-time use disposable collection system. The disposable collection materials are discarded following donation. All donors receive a new disposable set at each donation.
The donation process can take up to 90 minutes from the time you enter the center with safety measures in place throughout.
