Plasma Power
The global plasma shortage: why your plasma donation is more important than ever
Plasma Power
The global plasma shortage: why your plasma donation is more important than ever
March 7, 2025
Did you know that the demand for plasma-derived therapies has been steadily increasing? The world is facing a significant shortage of plasma, and the implications are dire.
The supply struggles to keep pace with the continuing rise in demand for plasma-derived therapies. The World Health Organization has highlighted that plasma is essential for treating various medical conditions, including immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders. With the ongoing global plasma shortage, your donation has never been more crucial.
What is plasma? Why is it essential?
Plasma is the liquid component of blood and plays a crucial role in our bodies. It carries essential nutrients, hormones, and proteins throughout the bloodstream.
Plasma-derived therapies are lifesaving for many patients. Some severe conditions treated with these therapies include:
- Hemophilia: a bleeding disorder where blood doesn’t clot properly
- Primary immunodeficiency diseases: conditions that weaken the immune system
- Trauma and burns: plasma helps in clotting and healing;
- Certain neurological disorders: plasma-derived treatments can be crucial for managing their symptoms.
Unlike whole blood donation, which collects all blood components, plasma donation targets the liquid portion. The process is slightly more complex and time-consuming than blood donation, requiring specialized equipment that must be carefully prepared. This complexity contributes to the ongoing shortage, as collecting and processing plasma takes longer than traditional blood donations, making it a unique process.
Understanding the global plasma shortage
Several factors are driving this global plasma shortage, such as
- The increasing number of diagnoses for treatable conditions requiring plasma-derived therapies: as more people seek treatment, the demand for plasma rises sharply
- The coronavirus pandemic in 2019 has introduced additional stress on the plasma supply, especially because plasma-derived medicinal products have been introduced for the treatment of this new disease in the absence of a vaccine or other specific drugs
- The complex collection process, which is longer than whole blood and requires skilled professionals
- Plasma cannot be synthetically produced. It relies entirely on voluntary donors, so patients need more people stepping up to donate to receive their necessary treatments.
The impact of this shortage is felt worldwide, particularly in regions with fewer donors. Patients may experience delays in treatment that can lead to severe health consequences or even death.
The life-saving impact of plasma donations
Real-life stories highlight how critical these donations are. For instance, individuals with hemophilia often depend on regular infusions of clotting factors derived from plasma. It can take around 130 donations to provide one adult with enough immunoglobulin for an entire year.
In this context, each donation plays a significant role in ensuring patients receive their necessary treatments.
How individuals can help
So, how can you help? Becoming a plasma donor is a straightforward process that can significantly impact someone’s life. The donation experience is safe and similar to giving blood; you’ll undergo a health screening to ensure your eligibility.
To participate in the donation program, you must comply with the following plasma donation requirements:
- be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama)
- weigh at least 110 pounds
- be in good general health
- provide a valid and current government-issued photo ID
- provide current proof of residency
- provide a Social Security Card
It is also important to remember that repeat donations are vital due to the ongoing demand for plasma products. You can donate plasma twice in seven days, with at least 48 hours between donation visits! Your repeated efforts can deeply impact those who rely on these therapies.
In conclusion, your decision to donate plasma can directly combat the global shortage and save lives. It’s not just a good deed; it is an urgent necessity that can transform the lives of patients who depend on these essential treatments. Join the fight against this shortage – become a plasma donor today!
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