How long donate plasma

In this article, we explain the process of donating plasma. We also look at the side effects and what a person can do to prevent them. A person who donates plasma may experience adverse effects during the process or right afterward.

These side effects can include:. The loss of fluid can lead to dehydration and cause some people to feel lightheaded during and after the donation. This reaction is common and usually mild. Donation center staff encourage people to rest and have a drink and a snack after the process is over, to counter any lightheadedness. During the donation, if a person experiences any of the following, the attendant may stop the procedure:. If the person has an allergy to iodine or other cleansing solutions, they may develop one or more of the following at the site of the insertion:.

A localized reaction such as this is unlikely to be dangerous, but if the person is uncomfortable, they can ask to stop the donation.

Applying a cold towel to the area may help ease the symptoms. Meanwhile, wheezing, difficulty breathing, faintness, and low blood pressure can be signs of anaphylaxis , a severe allergic reaction.

If a person experiences any of these, the attendant should stop the donation and provide immediate aid. Some people experience bruising during or after the procedure. The site of the donation may be warm or tender, and there may be swelling or a sensation of pressure. If a person experiences this, it is safe to continue the donation. To ease the symptoms, a person can apply cold compresses to the area for the first 12—24 hours and warm compresses after that.

If bleeding occurs, a person should apply pressure to the area and raise their arm. If the bleeding continues, seek urgent medical attention. What do bruise colors mean, and when should you see a doctor? The chances of more serious problems happening during or after donating plasma are usually small. Still, drawing blood always poses some risks. Learn what to do before, during and after your donation to have a great donation experience.

Types of Blood Donations. Whole Blood Donation. Power Red Donation. Time it takes: About 1. Platelet Donation. Time it takes: About 2. Plasma Donation. Who it helps: AB Plasma is used in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding.

Make An Appointment. Donor centers have experienced a dramatic reduction in donations due to the implementation of social distancing and the cancellation of blood drives. Blood is needed every day to provide lifesaving treatments to a variety of patients. You can help ensure that blood continues to be available for patients by finding a blood donor center near you to schedule your donation.

Several sites also have information about donating plasma. What is Convalescent Plasma? An arterial puncture is a very rare side effect that can occur any time a needle is used to tap into a vein. During a plasma donation, a technician starts by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.

An arterial puncture can happen when the technician accidentally misses your vein and instead hits an artery. Because arteries have higher blood pressure than veins, a puncture can lead to bleeding into the arm tissues around the puncture site.

The signs of an arterial puncture include a faster blood flow and lighter-than-usual color of blood running through the tubes to the machine collecting your plasma. The needle and tubes used may appear to move or pulsate with the increased blood flow. You may experience weak pain near your elbow. If the needle accidentally hits an artery, the technician will remove it immediately and hold pressure on the needle insertion site for at least 10 minutes.

Continued bleeding from the needle insertion site after holding pressure is rare, but requires emergency medical attention. Your donation center should put you through a screening process that involves taking an initial blood test, filling out a questionnaire, and performing a physical exam.

A red flag is if your donation center does not go through these processes. Check with the American Red Cross to find the accredited plasma donation center closest to you. Monitor how frequently you donate. You can donate plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times per year. While the FDA does allow donors to give plasma more frequently, this is the best practice for safety, according to the American Red Cross.

The whole process takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Hydrate before your visit. Drink an extra 16 ounces of clear, nonalcoholic fluids preferably water before your donation. This can help prevent dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, and fatigue, some of the most common side effects associated with plasma donation.

Curious about the function of plasma? How often can you donate plasma?