Frequently Asked Questions

Plasma is the largest component of human blood, consisting of water, salts, enzymes, antibodies, and proteins. Its primary function is to distribute cells and essential substances throughout the body. Plasma plays a critical role in immune response and disease prevention, making it essential for various medical therapies.

Plasma is vital in treating various rare and chronic conditions such as immune deficiencies, and bleeding disorders as well as in the treatment of specific conditions including RH incompatibility, animal bites, trauma, burns, shock, and organ transplants. Furthermore, rare blood products are crucial for producing medications and blood typing reagents essential for identifying blood types and ensuring compatibility before transfusions. Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of committed donors in the medical community.

To maintain donor safety and ensure the highest quality of plasma samples, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be in good health
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Have a valid government issued ID, proof of address and SSN
• All other donor eligibility criteria must be met

Yes. Our skilled medical team conducts plasma donation in controlled and sterile facilities, with safety and comfort top of mind.

Most donors find that the initial needle prick feels like a routine blood draw, and that this sensation quickly fades. Apart from that, the process should be painless.

During your first donation, plan on spending approximately two hours at the plasma center. You will undergo a preliminary health screening and a physical examination before your first donation, with subsequent annual physicals to safeguard both your health and that of the recipient. Your donation will be collected using an FDA-cleared automated plasmapheresis machine, which separates the plasma from the red blood cells before returning the red blood cells to you.

The duration can vary depending on factors such as your weight, vein condition, hydration, the efficiency of the phlebotomy process, and pump speed. Generally, the donation takes about 45 minutes.

At Kamada Plasma, every donation is valued. Once a prospective donor becomes eligible, they are compensated for the time they spend donating. The amount of compensation is based on program eligibility. If you are a new donor, you can earn up to $700 during the first month. *Compensation varies by location and is subject to change

No, you are not required to pay taxes for the compensation you receive for plasma donation. However, it is recommended to maintain records of the payments as they may need to be reported.

The guidelines for the frequency of donations are set by the Food and Drug Administration. Generally, you can donate plasma twice within a seven-day period, ensuring there is a minimum of 48 hours between donations.

While plasma donations are crucial for a broad array of medications, specific diseases necessitate precise levels of particular antibodies for treatment creation. To formulate these medications, donors whose plasma aligns with these distinct needs are sought.

Yes. To participate in the specialty programs, you must have a specific blood type or be immunized to produce the required antibodies. Our centers will check your blood to determine your eligibility.

No, each donor can only participate in one of the programs.

Human blood is categorized into two main systems: ABO (A, B, O) and the Rhesus factor (Rh). The Rh factor, a protein found on red blood cells, determines whether an individual's blood type is Rh-positive or Rh-negative. While most people have an Rh-positive blood type, being Rh-negative is generally not a health concern and has minimal impact on overall well-being. However, during pregnancy, having an Rh-negative blood type can potentially affect the baby of an expectant mother. Donating Rh-negative plasma can be critical in saving infants' lives.

Anti-D treatment prevents Rhesus disease by protecting RhD-negative mothers from developing antibodies against RhD-positive fetal blood. This immunoglobulin neutralizes any RhD-positive antigens that enter the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy or childbirth. By preventing sensitization, anti-D safeguards both current and future pregnancies, protecting newborns from potentially severe complications. It's administered prophylactically during the third trimester and after potential fetal-maternal blood mixing events, effectively reducing the risk of Hemolytic disease in newborns.

Rabies stands as the most deadly virus globally, claiming tens of thousands of lives annually. Primarily afflicting children, this disease often leads to fatal consequences. However, it is entirely preventable with prompt administration of treatment, mainly through vaccination.

Rabies targets the nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord. Initial symptoms mimic a mild flu-like illness, with fever, headache, and general discomfort. However, within days, it can escalate to anxiety, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, delirium, and hallucinations. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. Therefore, individuals exposed to potentially rabid animals through bites, scratches, or saliva contact should urgently seek post-exposure medical treatment from a physician.