Plasma Donation

What is plasma?

Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that carries nutrients, hormones and proteins to other parts of the body.

What is convalescent plasma?

Convalescent plasma is blood that contains antibodies from an illness.

Is it safe to donate plasma?

Donating plasma is safe for healthy adults.

Who is eligible to donate plasma?

The eligibility requirements for donating plasma by automation (apheresis) are the same as those for whole blood in most cases. In addition to being in good health, donors must be 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 lbs., and feel well the day of their donation. Sixteen-year-olds must have a signed parental consent form.

Females who have been pregnant will need to be screened for the possible presence of HLA antibodies at least once prior to donation of apheresis plasma. HLA antibodies may form in a woman following her exposure to the white blood cells of her unborn child during pregnancy and can cause serious reactions in a transfusion recipient.

How long does it take?

A plasma donation only takes 30 to 40 minutes.

How often can you donate plasma?

Plasma can be donated every 4 weeks or more.

Who needs plasma?

It is transfused to replace clotting factors in trauma patients and other large volume transfusions, liver disease and burn victims.

What are plasma donations used for?

Plasma donations by apheresis are used to collect the most commonly transfused plasma types, such as group A and AB.

How do I make an appointment to donate?

Plasma donations are currently offered at all Carter BloodCare locations. Schedule your donation appointment by calling (817) 412-5830. Our team members are waiting to assist you.

How much will I be compensated for my plasma?

We rely on the generosity of our donors to supply local hospitals with critical, lifesaving blood products.