Plasmapheresis - A New Way to Donate
Whole blood contains red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Plasmapheresis is a technology that enables donors to give just plasma without red blood cells or platelets. Red blood cells and platelets are returned to the donor during the donation procedure which takes approximately one-hour. With the automated blood collection system, Trima™, blood is drawn through sterile single-use tubing sets that separate and collect the desired components and safely returns the remaining blood to the donor.
Plasmapheresis donations require a scheduled appointment. Donors complete the typical blood donation health history and screening process. The donor's height, weight, gender and blood cell count will determine the amount of plasma that can be safely donated while meeting patient needs. Most donors can safely donate about one-liter of plasma. Donors are monitored throughout the entire donation process.
Yes! Plasmapheresis uses sterile, single-use tubing sets so your blood does not come into contact with the machine. Your donation is based on your physical description, therefore, we will only collect the amount of plasma that can be safely donated. Our primary focus is your safety and comfort.
Generally the plasmapheresis procedure takes approximately one-hour. Donations are based on patient needs and individual donor information (height, weight, gender, and blood counts), so collection times may vary.
Since various components of blood are replenished differently in the body, donation frequencies vary. Typically, whole blood can be donated every 8 weeks and plasma can be donated every 4-weeks.
You are helping patients receive targeted and specific blood therapy because your donation is focused on current patient demand. For example, it takes many whole blood donors to provide a single unit of plasma for a patient, compared to just one plasmapheresis donation.