Donate Plasma

Today I am writing as a patient advocate. When I called in my daughter’s refill for her immunoglobulin therapy, I was made aware of a plasma shortage. The term “immunoglobulin” refers to the fraction of blood plasma that contains immunoglobulins, or antibodies. These immunoglobulins (Ig) in the plasma are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. Individuals who are unable to produce adequate amounts of Ig or antibodies, such as patients like my daughter living with CVID, benefit from replacement therapy with Ig.

Who can donate?

Plasma donors must be 18 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. Individuals must pass two separate medical examinations, a medical history screening and testing for transmissible viruses, before their donated plasma can be used to manufacture plasma therapies.

Where do I donate plasma?

There are more than 600 licensed and IQPP-certified plasma collection centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Each company manages its operations differently within government regulatory guidelines. Locate a center near you, using the searchable directory.

How do you get my plasma?

Donating plasma is similar to giving blood. A needle is placed into a vein in your arm. Plasma is collected through a process called plasmapheresis and is conducted in cycles that may take up to an hour. Whole blood is drawn. The plasma is separated from the red blood cells and other cellular components. These are returned to your body with sterile saline solution to help your body replace the plasma removed from the whole blood.

How long does it take?

Your first donation will take approximately 2 hours. Return visits on average take about 90 minutes.

Will you donate plasma?

If you are healthy, 18-years-old, and weigh at least 110 pounds, please consider donating plasma, not only for my daughter, but for the many patients who rely on immunoglobulin therapy.