Because the donation process can be done frequently and accompany you throughout most of your life, it can be useful to learn and implement some practices to improve your plasma donor eligibility.

1. Maintaining a healthy weight for plasma donation

Did you know that your weight has an impact on your donation? If you weigh under 110 pounds, plasma donation could be considered too much of a strain on your body. If you are a petite person and hover around that weight, track your weight to stay above the cut-off line and help you feel your best while donating plasma.
You can maintain the right weight for donation by incorporating proteins (try to consume between 50 and 80 grams of protein per day) and by choosing foods that lower your blood pressure and keep cholesterol levels low (such as whole grains, fish, legumes, nuts, berries).
Monitor your weight regularly to identify any changes, and adjust your diet or exercise routine if necessary. Please keep in mind that your health always comes first. If you feel unwell during your donation, immediately inform your donation center staff.

2. The impact of lifestyle choices on plasma donation

Consuming alcoholic beverages may impact your eligibility for plasma donation.

Therefore, it is advisable to avoid them both before and shortly after donating. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, lower your blood pressure, and compromise the quality of your plasma. Generally, it’s best to moderate your alcohol intake as it can affect the donation process.

As for smoking, try to refrain from doing so before your appointment and for at least two hours afterwards to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. While there are no strict rules preventing smokers from donating plasma, the combustion process of cigarettes results in donors inhaling higher quantities of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These substances are transferred into the blood, where they enter red blood cells and bind to hemoglobin, leading to less oxygenated blood. The diminished vitality of red blood cells could potentially disqualify you from donating.

3. Medication, substance use, and plasma donation 

In general, taking medication does not make you ineligible for plasma donation. However, some therapies may not be compatible with the process and may lead to a temporary suspension. This is the case, for example, with certain medications (such as antibiotics or antidepressants) and some types of vaccines. Also, some pain medications can affect your platelet count. You can still donate if you are able to stop taking them 48 hours before donation.

If you are taking medications but still wish to donate plasma, here is what you can do:

The use of cannabis does not disqualify an individual from donation and there is no data that specifies how long a donor should wait between cannabis use and plasma donation. 

4. Prioritizing safe practices for plasma donation 

Engaging in safe sexual practices is not only important for your overall health, but also for maintaining your eligibility as a plasma donor.

Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and hepatitis can lead to temporary or permanent exclusion from plasma donation activities. So, remember to:

5. Navigating tattoo decisions as a plasma donor 

Are you thinking about getting a new tattoo? Consider that your new ink might have repercussions on your eligibility to donate plasma. In extremely rare cases, if the needle used to ink the tattoo was not properly disinfected, it could cause an infection that is not immediately detectable in the bloodstream. To protect the already vulnerable recipient of your generous plasma donation from potential infection, you will likely be temporarily deferred. This allows time for your tattoo to fully heal and ensures you have not contracted any infections.

To minimize the impact of your new tattoo on your plasma donor eligibility, consider these tips:

Get a good night’s sleep

The main form of rest is, as you probably guessed, sleeping. Aim for around 8 hours of sleep the night before your donation to feel like you have plenty of energy. If you are well-rested, your body can cope better with the stress of donation and minimize the feeling of dizziness or tiredness that can sometimes happen.

Get ready

Hydration is key to improving your donation experience! Remember to drink a lot of water and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, because dehydration can increase the risk of fainting during your plasma donation. Having a balanced meal before your donation can also help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent dizziness or light-headedness.

Fainting

If you are very tired on donation day, you could risk feeling faint during or after giving plasma. To prevent this from happening, you can follow the following steps during the donation process:

Can I donate plasma with no sleep?

In theory, you can. But remember that even if you feel tired, donors cannot sleep during the actual donation process. Being alert and awake ensures the safety and efficiency of the donation process, so try to get some shut-eye before coming to your center!

Rest immediately after the donation

Take your time getting up from the donation chair. Rest for around 5 minutes in the donor chair to make sure you feel well and are ready to get up. Once you are up, relax in the refreshment area for 15-20 minutes before leaving the donation center. Should you feel dizzy, remember your center staff is always there to help. You can also drink or eat something to rehydrate and reinforce your body before leaving the plasma donation center.

Can I work out after donating plasma?

Unfortunately, no. For the rest of the day following your donation, it is crucial to avoid strenuous activities. Do not lift any heavy objects or go to the gym for an intense workout. Self-care and rest are important to help your body recover faster from the donation process.

By following these practical tips, you can guarantee a safe and comfortable plasma donation experience while contributing to a vital cause. So do not forget to take your well-deserved rest next time you donate!