Plasma Donation – Reality and Misunderstandings

The human blood plasma plays an important role in healthcare, as it forms the basis for numerous life-saving medications. Plasma is the fluid that makes up more than half of the blood and is used to treat various health conditions. However, myths and misleading information surrounding plasma donors can deter new donors, which can pose serious problems for patients.

Support for plasma donation and community collaboration are essential for maintaining patient care. Plasma can save the lives of not only hemophiliacs but also many others suffering from various diseases. Due to the spread of false information regarding plasma donors, it is important to be aware of the plasma donation process, health-related questions for donors, and the significance of plasma utilization.

Thus, plasma donation is important not only for donors but also for society, as the medications produced from plasma can save many lives. Scientific facts and proper information can help potential donors make confident decisions about plasma donation.

What is blood plasma and why is it important?

Blood plasma is the liquid part of human blood, making up more than half of the blood volume. This yellowish fluid contains several important components, such as water, proteins, minerals, and hormones. Most of the plasma is water, but the proteins and other substances found within it play key roles in the body’s functions.

Plasma is essential for various medical treatments. Many life-saving medications, such as those made for hemophiliac patients, are derived from plasma. Additionally, plasma is used during surgical procedures, for example, in the production of fibrin glue and tetanus. Therefore, plasma donation has a direct impact on the quality of patient care and contributes to the treatment of various diseases.

The role of plasma donors is particularly important, as providing life-saving medications to patients is crucial. The medical community continually emphasizes the importance of plasma donation, as in many cases, without the voluntary contributions of donors, there would not be enough plasma to produce the necessary medications.

Who can donate blood plasma and how does plasmapheresis work?

Any healthy adult weighing over 50 kilograms and aged between 18 and 60 can donate blood plasma. Before donating plasma, donors are required to undergo a medical screening, during which their general health, blood pressure, and laboratory tests are checked.

The process of plasmapheresis is similar to traditional blood donation, but here the plasma is separated from the other components of the blood. Blood is drawn from the donor’s vein, and a modern device separates it into plasma and red blood cells. The plasma is collected in a sterile bag, while the other valuable components are returned to the donor’s body. This method allows donors to donate plasma more frequently, even every 72 hours.

It is important to emphasize that plasma donation is not just an alternative to blood donation; donors are required to donate blood at least once a year. Thus, plasma donation and blood donation are interconnected, and both are important for patient care.

Safety and health during plasma donation

Plasma donation is a safe process that complies with strict health and quality control regulations. The operation of plasma centers is regulated by domestic and international guidelines, and they are regularly inspected by health authorities. Before donating plasma, donors must undergo a comprehensive medical examination to ensure that their health status is suitable for plasma donation.

Proper hydration and nutritious meals are important before plasma donation, as 90% of the donated plasma is water, with the remaining 10% consisting of proteins and other essential substances. Donors should consume at least two liters of fluids and eat carbohydrate-rich, low-fat foods before donating plasma. While plasma donation causes the body to lose proteins, proper nutrition can quickly replenish this loss.

Although many may be concerned about plasma donation, it is important to know that donating plasma does not harm the donor’s health. Plasma is thoroughly tested every time, and the health of donors is continuously monitored. During plasma donation, donors are not placed in life-threatening situations, and in many cases, plasma donors encourage themselves to lead healthier lifestyles.

Plasma donation practices are widespread globally, and experiences from abroad indicate that there are no long-term harmful effects. In Hungary, donors can donate plasma up to 45 times a year, which is less than once a week. Therefore, plasma donation is indeed safe, and with proper preparation, there are no serious side effects.