• Are the requirements for regular plasma donation different from those for specialty plasma programs?
    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.
  • Can I donate for both normal source and specialty plasma programs?
    No, each donor can only participate in one of the programs.
  • Do I have to pay taxes on a plasma donation in Texas?
    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.
  • How does anti-D treatment protect women and children?
    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.
  • How long does a plasma donation take?
    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.
  • How long does plasma donation take if it's not my first time donating?
    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.
  • How often can I donate?
    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.
  • Is plasma donation painful?
    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.
  • Is plasma donation safe?
    Yes. Our skilled medical team conducts plasma donation in controlled and sterile facilities, with safety and comfort top of mind.
  • What are plasma donations used for?
    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.