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Plasma is a blood product used to make lifesaving treatments for many medical conditions and must come from human donors. Donating plasma is a meaningful way to help others, but all donors must meet certain health requirements.
Having obesity doesn’t automatically disqualify you from donating. Still, there are general eligibility requirements to follow. Learn who can donate plasma, how to get started as a donor, and what to expect during your appointment.
To donate plasma, you must be at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. You’ll also need to be screened for infectious diseases that can be transmitted through blood, such as HIV and hepatitis. Donation centers also require a physical exam and medical history to evaluate your overall health.
Staff at the collection center may measure your height and weight before you donate. They’ll also check vital signs, like your blood pressure. These checks are standard procedure for every donor.
Body weight is used to calculate how much plasma can be safely collected. Higher-weight donors may be able to give a larger volume than lighter-weight donors.
Plasma donation centers may say that donors need to be generally in good health, but it’s not always clear exactly what that means. Unless the donation center happens to have a specific upper weight limit, people with obesity don’t necessarily need to worry about their eligibility. However, there are some common conditions and complications associated with obesity that could affect your eligibility for plasma donation.
Obesity increases the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Generally, it’s OK to donate plasma with diabetes, as long as it’s under control. Taking medication for diabetes doesn’t affect your eligibility to donate.
The American Red Cross advises people with diabetes to check their blood sugar levels before and after donating blood or plasma.
Dyslipidemia is a condition in which the levels of fats, such as cholesterol or triglycerides, in the blood are too high or too low. Generally, people with dyslipidemia can donate as long as the condition is under control. However, while some statins are OK, UK guidelines advise against donating while being treated with the newer class of PCSK9 inhibitors (both short-acting and long-acting). Check if there are similar requirements at your local donation center.
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with dyslipidemia, don’t eat a heavy meal at least 8 hours (preferably 12 hours) before donating. Eating too much fat before your appointment can cause a temporary rise in blood lipids and make the plasma appear milky white, which means it cannot be used.
Another potential complication is high blood pressure, but only when it’s very high. The donor’s blood pressure reading at the time of donation has to be under 180/100 mm Hg. If their blood pressure is higher than that, it’s considered an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. People who take blood pressure medication are allowed to donate plasma.
One MyObesityTeam member had issues donating because of edema (swelling) in their leg. “I went through almost 1.5 hours of processing to be told I have to wait. Since I have had so many surgeries on my left leg and metal in my ankle, my foot is always swollen with edema. According to their policies, you can’t have edema in your feet,” they explained.
Each clinic may have different policies regarding eligibility. It can be frustrating to be turned away during the pre-screening process. But if this happens, you may be able to return at a later date once you have better control of your health conditions.
Plasma donation facilities need to make sure the donation process is safe for you. You shouldn’t put yourself at risk by donating plasma when you have a health risk factor.
Before donating, the staff will see if your veins are suitable for plasma collection. They’ll also check your pulse. If your pulse rate is too high or too low, you won’t be able to donate. Another issue that can disqualify you from donating blood plasma is a recent piercing or tattoo. Donation centers generally require a 4-month waiting period after piercings or tattoos to donate.
Other donor disqualifiers may include:
The staff may also ask about your recent travel history and sexual activity. This is to screen for potential health risks that could affect your donor eligibility.
The rules may vary at different plasma donation centers. It doesn’t hurt to check the website or call ahead if you’re concerned about your ability to donate. You can find your closest plasma donation center by searching on the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association website.
If you have concerns about accessibility, equipment, or weight limits, call ahead. It’s normal to feel nervous or intimidated when entering a medical setting. Preparing yourself before you go can help calm your nerves.
The night before you donate, go to bed early and drink plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated before your appointment by drinking caffeine-free beverages. You should also avoid high-fat foods, nicotine, and alcohol.
One member of MyObesityTeam shared their experience with donating plasma: “I discovered a few years back when I was donating plasma that I was severely dehydrated from soda. They gave me two of the water packs and told me I could not donate until I drank water. I didn’t realize how much not drinking water affected me. Now, I drink two or three cups between diet green tea and Crystal Light drinks. Not as tasty, but found a few flavors that taste yummy.”
After the technician gathers some medical information from you, they will prepare for the donation. Once you’re comfortable, they will insert a needle into your arm to collect blood.
The next steps depend on the type of plasma donation. The two types are whole blood donation and plasma-only donation (called plasmapheresis). For a whole blood donation, a donor donates blood as usual, and a lab technician will separate the plasma from the blood at a later time. For a plasmapheresis donation, some blood will be drawn from your body and processed in a machine. This machine removes the plasma for collection. Then, the treated blood is returned to your body.
Expect the process to take about two hours for your first appointment. If it’s not your first time donating, it may be about 90 minutes. Plasma can be donated up to twice a week, but you’ll need to wait at least two days between appointments.
Be sure to follow any aftercare instructions when you finish donating. You should keep the bandage on for several hours. Once it’s time to remove it, be careful to keep the donation site clean.
On MyObesityTeam, people share their experiences with obesity, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you ever donated plasma? Let others know in the comments below.
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