Plasma Protein has proven effective in treating rarest chronic disorders. This cycle owes to generous plasma donors who are diligent about donating Plasma at certified centers and pass on the ‘The Gift of Life’ to others. Many research and studies have proven that plasma transfer can work well on most dreadful diseases that can cause severe criticalities or even prove fatal. Plasma Donation is also an effective alternative to deal with the COVID-19 scenario as cured patients can transfer their Plasma to the infected ones. There’s a lot about it to study in detail below.
How to Donate Plasma?
Plasma donation is a big step towards staying, ensuring that every human life is precious, and a cumulative approach can nurture the best in the worst. You need to search online plasma donation near me and visit the accredited plasma donation center for this purpose. You have to undergo a screening process starting with a basic blood test followed by a questionnaire and the physical examination. Here are the vital things to consider while donating Plasma.
Monitor your donation frequency- It is fine to donate Plasma every 28 days and around 13 times in a year, but only those who are physically fit for it. FDA allows donors to give Plasma only after you follow all the safety and security measures. The entire plasma donation process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Hydrate before the visit- Consumption of 16 ounces of non-alcoholic and clear fluids, mostly freshwater, is suggestive before going for a donation. Plenty of water intake prevents you from fainting, dizziness, fatigue, and lightheartedness. All these side-effects are directly relevant to the Plasma Donation.
What Does Plasma in your Blood mean?
Plasma refers to the liquidity in your blood. Do you know that 55% of human blood comprises of Plasma? The remaining 45% are the red blood cells, platelets, and the white blood cells that incorporate other portions of your blood. Plasma consists of 92% water, and the remaining 7% is vital proteins such as gamma globulin, albumin, and anti-hemophilic. The other 1% includes hormones, fats, salts, vitamins, and essential hormones.
What is the functioning of Plasma in the Human Body?
- It helps in maintaining volume and blood pressure.
- Ensures proper supply of vital proteins that prevents blood clotting and boosts immunity.
- Potassium and Sodium are vital electrolytes that Plasma carries to the muscles.
- Maintains an adequate level of Ph balance that aids in cell functioning.
What is the use of Blood Plasma?
Plasma plays a significant role in giving shock to patients or those suffering from severe liver disease or multiple clotting deficiency. It also amplifies the blood volume of patients and resists the clotting of blood. Pharma Companies make use of Plasma on a huge scale to provide treatments related to bleeding disorders or immunity deficiency.
What is the Plasma Donation?
For the Plasma Donation, the liquid part of the donor’s blood is taken off from the cells. From one arm, blood is taken and sent to high-tech medical equipment that separates Plasma and collects it. The remaining platelets and red blood cells are then sent back to the donor by diluting it with saline. The latter process only takes a few minutes while taking the blood out is a slow process.
Within 24 hours of donation, Plasma is frozen to preserve it and take into account the clotting factors. Doctors can store Plasma for a year, and then doctors can use it in transfusion to the needful patients. This type of donation is mainly allowable for the hospital patient transfusions and not for the Pharmaceutical needs.
Who can Donate Plasma?
As per the plasma donation requirements and Red Cross guidelines, people with AB blood type are the Universal plasma donors and can provide blood to any other patient of other blood types. It means that the AB plasma transfusion is possible without concern after a basic check of the patient’s blood type. In case of emergencies, when a patient is under significant trauma or burn, this type of blood transfusion can be a lifesaving step. If you have someone in your family with this blood group, they might be a major savior in tough times.
Popular FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on Plasma Donation:
Q. What is the need for Plasma Bank?
- It works similarly to the blood banks where blood storage ensures the supply in times of need. Plasma banks keep hold of Plasma, and it is highly in demand during COVID-19 times. Patients recovered from this disease have the Plasma that could treat the infected ones. ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) has approved several trials using plasma therapy, but all of them are still in initial trial stages.
Q. Who could donate Plasma to the Coronavirus Patients?
- People who were once COVID positive but recovered at least 3 weeks before blood donation and got a negative test report twice. Individuals from the age group of 18 to 60 years can come up for plasma donation. Physical fitness and the minimum weight of 50 kgs is also mandatory.
Q. Who cannot donate Plasma to the Coronavirus patients?
- If someone is undergoing medical treatment or pregnant women. People with any history of cancer, blood pressure, hypertension, kidney-related, and heart ailments are not subject to plasma donation.
Q. Is it safe to Plasma Donation?
- Blood plasma is proving an effective innovation to incorporate in the latest medical therapies. May it be respiratory disorders, bleeding, wound healing, and other major surgeries, plasma donation is an important part. Although it is a safe process, there are certain plasma donation side effects such as dehydration, sickness, and a few others. But these are rare enough!
Final words
Plasma Donation and perseverance are a broad concept, and the studies on its efficacy are still going on in various countries. While many scientists and doctors consider it a potential treatment to cure several fatal diseases effectively, its outcomes are still questionable. However, it can be a preventive measure to manage several hazardous diseases, and its efficiency in treating the corona infected people can be a major turnaround in its study.