FAQs

What exactly is plasma?

Plasma is the straw-colored liquid portion of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are removed. Donated plasma is used to create plasma-derived therapies to treat rare or chronic diseases.

Who can donate?

Generally, plasma donors must be 18 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds (50kg). All individuals must provide identification and undergo medical screening to ensure they are healthy enough to donate before their donated plasma can be used to manufacture plasma protein therapies.

How do I donate plasma?

There are more than 900 licensed and IQPP-certified plasma collection centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Each company manages its operations differently within government regulatory guidelines. Locate a center near you, using our searchable directory. Call the center to find out hours of operation and to ask any other questions you may have.

How do you get my plasma?

Donating plasma is similar to giving blood, in that a needle is placed in your arm and blood is drawn. Plasma is separated from red blood cells and other cellular components through a process called plasmapheresis which can take about an hour. The red blood cells and other components are returned to your body with sterile saline solution to help the body replace the plasma removed from the whole blood.

Is donating plasma safe?

Yes, donating plasma is safe. Plasma donation in member companies’ collection centers is performed in a highly controlled environment by professionally trained staff. All plasma collection equipment is sterilized and any equipment that comes in contact with you is used only once to eliminate the possibility of transmitting viral infections.

Does it hurt?

Most people compare the feeling of the needle to a mild bee sting. You will also be required to submit to a finger stick test each time you donate so the collection center medical staff can evaluate your protein and hemoglobin levels.

What type of medical screening and testing is done?

You must have a pre-donation physical which includes answering medical history questions, tests for viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis and evaluating your protein and hemoglobin levels.

How long does it take?

Your first donation will take approximately two hours. Return visits on average take about 90 minutes.

What do you do with my plasma?

Nearly 500 different types of proteins have been found in human blood plasma. Approximately 150 of these may be used for diagnosing disease or manufacturing therapies. Learn more about the uses of plasma protein therapies here.

How much will I be compensated?

Each company establishes its own compensation scale. Use our donation center finder to contact the center nearest you for further information.

How should I prepare to donate plasma?

Before donating, it is best to contact the collection center nearest to you to make sure you have the required form of identification. Also, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and have a healthy meal or snack.