FAQ
What is plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis is the process of removing whole blood and separating red blood cells from plasma. The red blood cells are returned to the donor and the plasma is retained for use in preparing therapeutic products.
How is my plasma donation used?
Your first donation is used for testing, to ensure safety and quality. The first donation is used only after a second donation is made. Only then can we begin to produce life-saving therapies to help treat a variety of diseases and conditions. Due to the fact that plasma cannot be made in a laboratory, ZLB Plasma depends on people like you for donations to make these plasma-derived therapies.
What is involved in donating plasma?
The process of donating plasma is similar to donating whole blood. The donor is comfortably reclined during the donation. A needle is placed in the vein of an arm and blood is collected in sterile equipment. The plasma is separated from the red blood cells, which are returned to the donor through the same needle.
Who benefits from my plasma donation?
Millions of people around the world are in need of plasma-based therapies. ZLB Plasma’ plasma donations are used to treat people suffering from hemophilia, severe burns, shock, and a variety of other life-threatening conditions, such as exposure to rabies. Therapies are needed to help people in your community!
How is donating plasma different from giving blood?
Blood donation and plasma donation meet very different – and essential – needs. People cannot donate blood as often as they can donate plasma, since plasma does not include the harvesting of red blood cells. Donating plasma only removes the liquid portion of your blood and returns your red blood cells to your body. Both blood and plasma donations are vital to our health care system. We applaud the individuals who participate in meeting these important needs.
How long does it take to donate plasma?
Your first visit may take about two hours at the donation center, because it includes pre-screening and a physical examination. After your first donation, the process will be much shorter, because the screening examination only needs to be repeated on an annual basis.
How often can I donate plasma?
Generally, the body of a healthy donor can quickly replace the plasma that is removed during donation. Therefore, you can donate plasma up to twice a week. Current FDA Regulations state that the maximum frequency of donation is once in two days, and no more than two times in a seven day period.
What kind of rewards does ZLB Plasma Services offer donors?
We compensate donors for their time immediately following each donation – cash through a special ATM is issued to donors on the spot! This is our way of saying thanks for taking the time to donate. In addition, ZLB Plasma often offers bonuses for new and repeat donors. Call the center nearest you for specific fee information.
What are the possible side effects?
Possible side effects that can occur during donation include dizziness, fainting, nausea, convulsions, and shock. At the site of the needle stick, there may be blood leakage around the vein or bruising. If you have any questions about these or other possible side effects, call a center near you and ask our qualified medical staff.
Drinking 16-24 ounces of caffeine-free, non-alcoholic liquid before coming to the center to donate plasma and eating the equivalent of a regular meal within three/four hours of donation should minimize the possibility of dizziness or fainting due to a lowering of circulating blood volume.
Can I get AIDS from donating?
No, absolutely not. The needles used during the plasmapheresis process are sterile. They are opened and used for the first time when you are in the donation chair. Any sterile tubing etc. with which you come into contact is also opened and used for the first time when you are in the donation chair.