How Long Does It Take To Donate Blood Plasma?
avril 21, 2022
One of the questions we are frequently asked is how long it takes to donate blood plasma. Unlike blood donation, which takes approximately eight to 10 minutes, plasma donation requires more of a time commitment. With that said, there are some perks of donating plasma that make the time commitment well worth it!
If you are a prospective plasma donor, read on to find out how long plasma donation takes and what to expect.
What Is Blood Plasma?
Plasma is a yellow-coloured liquid component of blood. It contains several important proteins, including albumin and globulin. These proteins help clot blood, support your immune system, and stop fluid leaks, among other vital functions.
What Is Donating Plasma Like?
Plasma donation is a four-step process. This process entails:
- Registering
- Screening
- Donating
- Relaxing
During your first plasma donation, you can expect to be at our centre for a little over two hours. Subsequent appointments will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
The part of the plasma donation process that takes the most time is the donating portion. Plasma donors undergo a process known as plasmapheresis, which involves being intravenously connected to a machine that separates plasma from other blood components and returns those other blood components to the body. Plasmapheresis usually takes around 50 minutes, but it is an extremely effective process that collects significantly more plasma than just removing plasma from a blood donation.
The screening portion of the plasma donation process also requires quite a bit of time, as donors must undergo a physical examination and their medical history has to be reviewed. This is done to ensure donors can safely give plasma.
What Does Plasma Donation Do?
Now that you know what plasma donation entails, you may be wondering the reasons why plasma needs to be collected in the first place. Plasma donations are used to treat over 80 different immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases. By donating plasma, you can help create life-saving therapies that make it possible for patients with these conditions to live healthier lives.
If you donate plasma at Canadian Plasma Resources, you will also get the unique opportunity to earn up to $400/month for your contributions. We’ve always believed in rewarding donors for the time and effort they put into giving plasma. Paid plasma donations are also beneficial for donors and patients alike, as they are needed to ensure a secure supply of plasma.
After reading this blog, we hope you’ll be better equipped to fit plasma donation appointments into your schedule. Plasma donors are eligible to donate twice in a seven day period, and giving plasma is a great way to help others while also getting rewarded. Book an appointment at a centre near you today!
