Even though blood plasma is needed everywhere and donors of plasma are basically wanted, there are still some selection criteria with regard to donors. This is because only healthy people who meet certain criteria are allowed to donate blood plasma. Who qualifies as a donor and what should you look out for? You can find out here.
Who is suitable to donate plasma?
In principle, the age of the donor must be 18 to 65 years, the weight above 50 kg. In addition, his or her suitability is checked before each donation – risks to both donor and recipient must be ruled out. This is done by taking a medical history and a medical examination.
The donor must not have any acute impairments such as infections or other illnesses, and blood pressure, pulse and temperature must be unremarkable. Anemia is ruled out by testing a drop of blood from the earlobe or finger.
Only healthy individuals may donate plasma
To rule out any risk to the recipient, the strictest regulations exist for handling blood products. Chronic diseases and certain drug therapies are exclusion criteria for donation, as are infections with HIV or hepatitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, venereal diseases, and addictions. Even high-risk behavior with regard to HIV, hepatitis and drugs or the infection of a sexual partner with infectious diseases makes a person unsuitable for donation.
In some cases, at least a temporary exclusion from donation is required. These include, for example, travel to countries with a high risk of infection, major surgery, and certain vaccinations.
Blood plasma is closely monitored
After collection, the plasma is examined in detail in the laboratory. Increased safety is provided by the regulation that plasma is first stored frozen for a certain time and then checked again. In addition, it is treated preventively with procedures that inactivate viruses.
Are there risks to the donor?
In general, the procedure is well tolerated by healthy individuals. Rarely, there may be bruising at the injection site, and very rarely, phlebitis or nerve damage. A few people are sensitive to the anticoagulant and complain of tingling or a numb feeling in the mouth, tongue or fingers and toes, extremely rarely of muscle cramps or heart palpitations. However, these side effects are easily treated and resolve quickly.
