Rules for Donating Plasma

The rules and procedures for donating plasma are similar to those for donating whole blood. There is one major difference in the procedure: Your blood is returned to your body and only the plasma from it is collected. The rules for plasma donations have been put in place to ensure the safety of both the donor and the person receiving the products made using the plasma.

General Rules

Potential plasma donors must meet age, weight and residency requirements in order to donate. An acceptable donor must be between the ages of 18 and 65, although the maximum age may vary depending on location. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Generally, the more a donor weighs the more plasma he is able to donate. In order to donate plasma, you must meet residency requirements that include either having a Social Security card or immigration card issued by the United States government. A photo ID is also required.

Piercings and Tattoos

In order to donate plasma, you can't have had any piercings, tattoos or tattoo touch ups within the 12 months prior to donating. Some centers will allow you to have a waiver form that details the sanitation methods used for the equipment filled out by a representative of the establishment in which you had the work done; however, if the establishment has had any health department violations in the past, the waiver may not be accepted.

Medical Conditions

Anyone who is sick shouldn't donate plasma. Additionally, women who are or may be pregnant shouldn't attempt to donate. Insulin dependent diabetics, people with heart disease, cancer, hepatitis, malignant tumors or HIV/AIDS shouldn't donate plasma. Your vital signs will be taken and a brief medical exam will be done each time you donate plasma. If you have an elevated heart rate or high blood pressure, you won't be able to donate.

Whole Blood and Plasma Donations

If you have donated whole blood, you must ensure that it has been eight weeks since your last donation prior to attempting to donate plasma. You can donate plasma twice every seven days; however, at least 48 hours must elapse between the two donations. If you have ever been placed on a national deferment registry, such as the National Donor Deferral Registry, you won't be able to donate plasma.

Protein and Fat

People with low protein levels or high fat levels in their plasma won't be able to donate. Additionally, BioLife Plasma Services recommends drinking plenty of fluids both before and after donating.