A step by step guide
My first plasma donation
Because new experiences can sometimes feel overwhelming, we have prepared a step by step guide that explains the whole donation process from the moment you step into one of our centers to the moment you leave.
A step by step guide
My first plasma donation
Because new experiences can sometimes feel overwhelming, we have prepared a step by step guide that explains the whole donation process from the moment you step into one of our centers to the moment you leave.
Your first donation step-by-step
Are you curious to find out more about how the donation process unfolds or how to best prepare for it? Read our simple guide that goes over all the phases of plasma donation.
Before donation
How should I prepare for the donation process?
Before you come to your plasma donation center, we recommend you do the following:
Drink water (4 to 6 ounce glasses)
Eat something before donation
Get a good night’s sleep
Avoid caffeine
Avoid alcohol of any kind (for a 24 hour period before donation)
Avoid intense physical activity (1 hour before donation)
What should I bring on my first visit?
If you are donating for the first time, don’t forget to bring the following documentation to your plasma donation center:
Valid ID
(driver’s license, etc)
Proof of residency
(current lease, piece of mail with address, utility bill, etc)
Social security card
Did you know?
What is plasma donation?
Blood plasma donation, more simply known as plasma donation is a safe process in which the liquid portion of your blood, composed mostly of water, gets separated from its cells. Your blood passes through special equipment, called a plasmapheresis device, that collects and stores your plasma but returns your blood along with some saline.
During donation
What happens at the plasma donation center?
On your first visit, plan on spending approximately 2 hours. You will be given a physical exam by our medical staff and asked some questions about your medical history to help us ensure that donating is safe for you and for the people who will receive the gift of your donation. Subsequent visits will take a little over an hour from check-in through donation.
1
You will receive a pre-screening physical exam to ensure it is safe for you to donate and that your plasma meets strict regulatory requirements.
During your confidential visit, a member of our medical staff will draw a blood sample to check for communicable diseases and to ensure that your protein levels are in line with requirements.
You will also be asked some questions about your medical history.
2
Before every donation, you will be asked a set of screening questions and a member of our trained staff will take your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature readings to ensure they are within normal ranges. This helps us make sure you are in good health and are ready to donate.
3
You will then be assigned a phlebotomist – a fully trained technician who specializes in drawing blood - who will collect a predetermined amount of plasma based on your individual body weight.
This process usually takes about 45 minutes, during which time you will be closely monitored by our staff and can relax on one of our comfortable donation beds.
We recommend bringing some form of entertainment to pass the time while your plasma is being collected.
4
When the procedure is complete, you will be compensated for your time and effort and thanked for your life-saving donation.
Did you know?
Is one plasma donation enough?
Because of strenuous quality control checks imposed by the food and drug administration on plasma collection, we can only use your generous plasma donation after your second visit. If both batches test negatively for transmissible diseases, they will be transformed into life-saving therapies.
After donation
What should I do after donating plasma?
At KEDPLASMA we consider the comfort of our donor essential , even when they leave the plasma donation center. That is why we have compiled a short list of post-donation tips:
Drink more fluids then you normally would (for 4 hours after donation)
Keep the site of extraction on your arm clean and dry
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes (for 4 hours after donation)
Remove the bandage (after a few hours)
The plasma donation process is perfectly safe but can have minor side effects like dizziness or slight discomfort at the venipuncture site. If you happen to feel dizzy, lie down or sit down with your head down. If any symptoms or discomfort persit, please contact your plasma donation center or your doctor.
How we thank you for your donation
Find your nearest center
KEDPLASMA has over 70 centers across the country. Find out which one is closest to you and the services and plans it offers.
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