Plasma donation, or plasmapheresis, is a life-saving resource that helps treat multiple patients with trauma, cancer, burns, or chronic illnesses. Moreover, the process allows donors to earn a couple of bucks. The blood’s liquid component, plasma, carries antibodies, enzymes, proteins, and salt that help promote clotting. Anyone interested in donating plasma will need to book an appointment at a plasma donation orem center, provide identity and address proof, and undergo a screening process. This article comprises a few essential steps involved in plasma donation.
Table of Contents
1. Book an Appointment at Nearby Plasma Donation Center
Research online for a reputable, trustworthy nearby plasma donation orem center. After shortlisting the best-reviewed donation center, contact the representative to make an appointment. An individual must carry his valid ID to the appointment.
2. Rest Properly and Have a Healthy Breakfast
On the appointment day, rest properly and consume a healthy breakfast. Before heading out for an appointment, a person must drink plenty of water to ensure his body doesn’t feel lightheaded or nauseous after losing a certain plasma percentage.
3. Complete the Questionnaire
Complete the questionnaire provided by the plasma donation center with accurate information. Often, the questionnaire asks health-related questions like current medications, recent tattoos or piercings, recent surgical treatment, and blood type.
4. Pass a Physical Exam
Some donation centers mandate that donors pass a physical exam to ensure they are fit enough to donate plasma. During this confidential pre-donation exam, the doctor will take the potential donor’s vitals and ask questions about his medical history and current medications.
5. Take a Blood Test
An individual must take a blood test to confirm his blood type and ensure he is disease-free. Moreover, his blood type will help healthcare professionals determine how his plasma can be used. This blood test measures an individual’s iron, protein, and hemoglobin levels. Anyone with an average plasma level is allowed to donate plasma.
6. Start with Plasma Donation
If the potential donor meets all eligibility requirements, he can start with plasma donation. A nurse or doctor will use an antiseptic to clean the donor’s skin. After sterilizing the donor’s arm, the needle is inserted into his vein. Drawing the required plasma using a plasmapheresis machine can take around 20-30 minutes.
7. Receive Compensation
Once the donor is done donating plasma, he can ask for compensation for his time. Go to the reception area and receive the compensation. Plasma donation centers cut a check, pay in cash, or transfer money into a donor’s account. A plasma donor can often expect compensation of $50-$100 after donating plasma.
Conclusion
Plasma donations are crucial to producing life-saving therapies for certain affected patients. Even though blood donation is similar to plasma donation, the eligibility criterion for the latter is much stricter than the former. For instance, a healthy individual must be 18 or more with at least 110 lbs weight. Moreover, potential donors must take some precautions before donating plasma. For example, he must avoid drinking alcohol and smoking the day before donation as they can mess with his blood’s plasma level. The process of plasma donation orem can be pretty long but rewarding.
