Plasma donation is giving blood and then removing the blood-component plasma for medical use. Donated plasma treats various conditions, including hemophilia and immune system disorders. It is also used to make products that help to treat or prevent disease, such as vaccines.
Plasma is the most significant component of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is a straw-colored liquid that contains water, proteins, and other substances. Plasma donations are usually made through plasmapheresis, which involves removing the plasma from whole blood. After the plasma is removed, the remaining blood cells and platelets are returned to the donor. The process usually takes an hour; donors can give plasma every two weeks.
There are several reasons why someone might need plasma. One everyday use is to treat people with hemophilia, a condition that prevents the blood from clotting properly. Plasma contains clotting factors that can be used to replace those that are missing in people with hemophilia. Another everyday use for plasma is to treat immune system disorders. Plasma contains antibodies that can help to fight infection and disease. It is used to make immunoglobulin products, which treat or prevent various conditions, such as measles, mumps, and hepatitis. Many reasons help a person decide to donate plasma.
Requirements for Plasma Donation
Plasma can also be used to make several other products, such as vaccines. Vaccines that contain plasma help to protect people from diseases such as polio and tetanus. For one to donate plasma, there are a few things an individual should know. First, plasma donation is safe. The process is similar to giving blood, and there is no risk of contracting diseases from donating plasma.
Second, plasma donation is easy. The process takes about an hour; donors can give plasma every two weeks. Third, plasma donation is essential—the choice to donate plasma results in the entire community benefitting. By donating plasma, a person gets to help to save lives. For one to donate plasma, the donor is first asked to fill out a medical history form and provide a blood sample. The sample is used to determine the donor’s blood type and to check for any infectious diseases.
Once the donor is cleared to donate, a needle is inserted into a vein in the arm, and the blood is drawn into a collection bag. The bag is then placed on a centrifuge, spins the blood, and separates the plasma from the other blood cells. The plasma is then collected into a separate bag, and the remaining blood is returned to the donor through the needle. The whole process usually takes about an hour.
Plasma donation is a safe and easy way to help others. It can be done regularly, and there is no limit to the number of times a person can donate. Plasma is a vital component of blood and is used to treat various conditions, such as hemophilia and immune disorders; therefore, when one gets the chance to help out, it is advisable to do so as it ultimately results in a better community.
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