Is Donating Plasma Safe – Plasma is usually called “the gift of life,” but the big question of whether donating plasma is safe or not still persists. Plasma is the vital part of the blood that makes it liquid and contains essential proteins and antibodies for blood clotting and immunity. The primary function of plasma is to transport nutrients, hormones, and proteins to various body parts and to remove waste, deposited by the cells, from the body.
Plasma is very important in health care as protein and antibodies present in it are used to create therapies and medicines for chronic conditions such as hemophilia and autoimmune diseases. Vital ingredients of human plasma are used in the treatment of burns, shock, trauma and other medical emergencies. Let us find out whether the process of donating plasma is safe or not. One must read our another article on medical school online to have more ideas.
is donating plasma safe
Is Donating Plasma Safe – The process of Donating Plasma
To ensure that donating plasma is safe, a donor has to go through a screening process to check his blood pressure, temperature, general health, pulse, and hemoglobin. If a donor qualifies the screening, it takes 1 to 2 hours in the process of plasma donation. During this process, blood is taken from a vein through a needle. Some people might think that Is donating plasma painful? So, here we have your answer.
A special machine separates plasma from the blood sample; this process is known as plasmapheresis. After separating the plasma remaining blood components are returned to the body with a saline solution. People with AB blood group are considered best for plasma donation because their plasma is universal and can be used by anyone. A healthy person can donate plasma every 28 days. Keep reading to know more on is donating plasma safe? One can also read about plasma donation compensation.
Is donating plasma painful: Side Effects and Risks
- Feeling dizzy: Some people may feel lightheaded due to fluid loss or temporary stress. It is a temporary side effect doesn’t last for long.
- Swelling or Pain: Some swelling or pain may be there in the arm from which blood is taken from a vein.
- Citrate Reaction: Citrate is added to the blood during plasma donation to prevent blood clotting. Some people may react to it with a loss of sensation or a tingling feeling in fingers, nose or mouth. A severe reaction may cause shivering, breath shortness or muscle twitching. This is a very less common side effect.
- Allergic Reaction: Some people have an allergy to disinfectants so while disinfecting the arm before inserting a needle, a donor may have an allergic reaction.
- Arterial Puncture: In the process of collecting blood, an artery may get ruptured causing pain.
- Nerve Injury: When a needle is inserted or withdrawn it may hurt a nerve which results in sharp pain.
None of these side effects are lethal and can be easily treated. If we prepare the donor well these after-effects can be avoided and thus donating plasma is safe to process.
Who can donate plasma – Reducing Side-Effects
- Hydrate: A donor should drink plenty of fluids before donation.
- Eat Something before donation
- Rehydrate immediately after plasma donation
- Avoid heavy work or exercise: After plasma donation body is dehydrated. It takes some time to bring the fluid level to be normal. So a donor should avoid doing heavy work or exercise till 2 to 3 days after donation.
- Donate at a recognized center. So here we have some basic tips on who can donate plasma if they follow these tips.
Is donating plasma safe or not depends on a donor’s general health profile, if the donor is declared fit to donate, the process of donating plasma is safe and can save many lives. For further information fill the below form. Please read our other blogs related to the same topic at Online college.
