What does donating plasma do to you

Plasma is the often forgotten part of blood. White blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are important to body function. But plasma also plays a key role. This fluid carries the blood components throughout the body.

What does donating plasma do to you

Facts about plasma

Plasma is the largest part of your blood. It, makes up more than half (about 55%) of its overall content. When separated from the rest of the blood, plasma is a light yellow liquid. Plasma carries water, salts and enzymes.

The main role of plasma is to take nutrients, hormones, and proteins to the parts of the body that need it. Cells also put their waste products into the plasma. The plasma then helps remove this waste from the body. Blood plasma also carries all parts of the blood through your circulatory system.

How does plasma keep you healthy?

Plasma is a critical part of the treatment for many serious health problems. This is why there are blood drives asking people to donate blood plasma.

Along with water, salt, and enzymes, plasma also contains important components. These include antibodies, clotting factors, and the proteins albumin and fibrinogen. When you donate blood, healthcare providers can separate these vital parts from your plasma. These parts can then be concentrated into various products. These products are then used as treatments that can help save the lives of people suffering from burns, shock, trauma, and other medical emergencies.

The proteins and antibodies in plasma are also used in therapies for rare chronic conditions. These include autoimmune disorders and hemophilia. People with these conditions can live long and productive lives because of the treatments. In fact, some health organizations call plasma "the gift of life."

Donating plasma

If you want to donate plasma to help others in need, you will go through a screening process. This is to make sure your blood is healthy and safe. If you qualify as a plasma donor, you'll spend about an hour and a half at a clinic on every follow-up visit.

During the actual blood donation process, your blood is drawn through a needle placed in a vein in one arm. A special machine separates the plasma and often the platelets from your blood sample. This process is called plasmapheresis. The remaining red blood cells and other blood components are then returned to your body, along with a little saline (salt) solution.

People with the blood type AB are in the greatest demand for plasma donation. They make up just 2 in 50 people, their plasma is universal. This means their plasma can be used by anyone.

At noncommercial donation sites, people can donate plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times a year. To learn more about donating blood, visit the American Red Cross. 

Unlike a standard red blood cell, platelet, or whole blood donation, which don't offer financial incentives, donating plasma can be an extremely flexible and lucrative side job, not unlike driving with Uber or delivering with DoorDash. Whether you want to save for a vacation, pay off bills, or cover your family's needs, donating plasma can help you reach those goals faster.

If compensation is important to you, make sure that you make an appointment at a plasma donation center rather than a blood bank, blood drive, or the American Red Cross. The Parachute app offers multiple ways to increase your earnings through first-time donor bonuses and referrals. We’re also big on loyalty and the more frequently you donate, the more you can earn.

2. Make an Impact

Plasma is used to create medicine that treats chronic illnesses including immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other rare diseases. People around the world are in need of plasma transfusions, convalescent plasma, and medicine made from plasma every day. Since plasma can't be produced synthetically, patients who receive plasma protein therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and clotting factors are dependent on the generosity of donors.

Donating plasma is a safe and easy way to make a huge impact. During your donation, you can sit back and relax or catch up on emails and reading. Learn more about the donation experience at Parachute here. With little time and effort, you can feel good knowing that you're doing something meaningful that will help improve the quality of life for many.

3. Boost Your Mood

Research shows that helping others actually helps you. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that altruism, or the concern for the well-being of others, is linked to greater emotional well-being, health, and can lead to an overall happier outlook. Whether you donate plasma, money, gifts, or your time, the simple act of giving is an effective way to boost your own happiness, lower stress levels, increase endorphins, and even improve social connections.

Is donating plasma good for your body?

Donating plasma doesn't only make you more aware of your diet. It may also have a positive impact on your physical health. One health benefit of regular plasma donation is the potential reduction of bad cholesterol levels and the increase of good cholesterol, especially in women.

Are there any cons to donating plasma?

The Cons of Donating Plasma Fatigue, occasional nausea. Don't expect to do anything strenuous for the rest of the day.

What are the long term effects of donating plasma?

As mentioned above, there is risk of low immunoglobulin levels because it takes time for the levels to replenish. Those who donate frequently and long term may also be at risk for anemia from incidental loss of red cells during donation. After your donation, you may feel thirsty and tired.

Is it healthy to donate plasma every week?

If you choose the American Red Cross, you can donate plasma once every 28 days, or approximately 13 times a year. However, the majority of private plasma donation companies allow you to donate plasma more frequently, such as multiple times a week, which is neither healthy nor safe.