Plasma Donation Risks

Plasma donation, although not as talked about as blood donation, is done on a regular basis in almost all US hospitals. In case of plasma donation, only the plasma from the whole blood is separated and donated. Plasma is a vital constituent of blood which can be used to relieve coagulation problems, ease burns, treat diseases which target the immune system etc. Plasma donation for making money is gaining popularity among the student community as well as youths. Blood plasma donation centers typically pay US$15-US$20 each time an individual donates plasma. However, one should be aware of all the plasma donation risks before thinking of donating plasma.

What is Plasma Donation?
Plasma is the yellowish liquid constituent of the blood, which facilitates the transportation of various vital substances present in the blood all over the body. Blood plasma is mainly made of water and various proteins. Red blood cells and white blood cells are suspended in blood plasma and circulated to the different parts of the body. Blood plasma is essential for various body mechanisms, and hence its deficit can cause some adverse effects on the body. The deficit of this substance is generally met by the process of blood plasma transfusion, wherein the plasma donated by an individual is given to the patient. The process by which plasma is extracted from blood is referred to as plasmapheresis. This is done by the means of a machine which separates the yellowish liquid from the blood cells and collects it for further use. Although the process involved in plasma donation and blood donation may seem to be quite similar, there is significant difference between the two. In case of whole blood donation, the donor typically donates a significant amount of blood. On the other hand, in plasma donation, a machine collects the blood, separates the plasma from the whole blood and returns the blood back to the donor.

Plasma Donation Risks
General side effects of plasma donation include feeling dizzy, fainting, nausea, and at times, even shock. These plasma donation side effects may differ from individual to individual, depending on their weight, age, gender etc. Balanced diet and drinking a lot of water, a few hours before plasma donation can save you the trouble of these minor risks. Yet another plasma donation risk is bruising or infection around the site wherein the needle was inserted in the skin. One has to properly monitor the puncture site for a day or two after plasma donation, in order to eliminate any chances of infection. Other than these minor risks, blood plasma donation is also known to lead to some relatively serious health hazards. Although the chances are rare, one can't rule out the possibilities. Owing to this fact, it is wiser to take necessary precautions, and be aware of the possible health risks of plasma donation.

Plasma Donation Health Risks
A person undergoing plasma donation frequently is more vulnerable to the health risks associated with it. Frequent plasma donation for a long period of time can lower the amount of proteins in the blood. If this condition is observed in any individual, he can be permanently deferred from blood plasma donation in future. Yet another health risk of donating plasma is hemoglobin in urine. Owing to this health complications, it is wiser to take a break from plasma donation every once in a while. According to guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a person can donate plasma every 48 hours, but the frequency should not exceed more than twice a week. Some organizations prefer to take a safer approach and restrict an individual from donating blood plasma more than once in a month, or 12 times a year.

Risks for Plasma Recipients
If donors are threatened by plasma donation risks, its recipients are not totally safe either. According to a warning issued by FDA in 2001, the recipients of plasma related products are at considerable risk of contracting a pulmonary syndrome, referred to as Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). If a person suffering from TRALI is not treated at the earliest, there are high chances of liquid starting to accumulate in his lungs, and eventual death.

Although plasma donations risks do exist, some simple precautionary measures can help you in minimizing them to a great extent. The donor as well as the medical staff executing the process should have thorough knowledge about the risks of plasma donation, and how the risks can be handled. The donor should also monitor his health himself, and take a break from plasma donation, if any signs of possible complications are observed. If donating plasma is being considered a source of income, you should also think about the plasma donation risks associated with it. However, if you are left with no other option, but to donate plasma, you should take the precautionary measures to avoid health risks, not just for you, but for the recipient as well.