How much plasma do you donate at a time

BLOOD TYPES

Please choose a donation type that matches up with your blood type in order to make a maximum impact in your community. If you have questions regarding why one donation type is more beneficial for your blood type, please call 1-866-256-6372.

Blood Type% of US PopulationBest Type of DonationsYou Can Give toYou Can Receive FromA+34%Platelets
PlasmaA+, AB+A+, A-, O+, O-A-6%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodA-, A+, AB-, AB+A-, O-B+9%Platelets
PlasmaB+, AB+B+, B-, O+, O-B-2%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodB-, B+, AB-, AB+B-, O-O+38%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodO+, A+, B+, AB+O+, O-O-7%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodAll Blood TypesO-AB+3%Platelets
PlasmaAB+All Blood TypesAB-1%Platelets
PlasmaAB-, AB+AB-, A-, B-, O-

Why is one type of donation better for my blood type than another? Expand

Based on patient transfusion needs and the properties of your blood type, it is true that some donation types can make a bigger impact than others.  Read below to find out why.  Please note that this information is what is generally needed by patients.  Our inventory fluctuates every day based on patient needs, and we may occasionally ask donors to change their donation type to match our current needs.

Ideal Blood Types for Double Red Cell Donation: O-, O+, A-, B- Expand

There are some blood types that are used more frequently for transfusions that others because of their compatibility with the recipient’s blood type.  Donated red cells MUST be compatible with the recipient patient’s blood type in order for the transfusion to be successful.  If you check the chart above, you will notice that each of these blood types can be received by patients with a variety of blood types.  For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of O-, O+, A- or B- donate double red cells if they are eligible or a whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.

Ideal Blood Types for Platelet Donation: A+, B+, AB+, AB- Expand

Platelets are not as type specific as red blood cells, meaning that most patients can accept platelets from donors with any blood type, regardless of the patient’s blood type.  Since platelets only last for FIVE days, they are always needed by patients.  For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of A+, B+, AB+, or AB- to donate platelets if they are eligible or whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.

Ideal Blood Types for Plasma Donation: AB+ or AB- Expand

AB is the universal blood type for plasma donations, so we ask donors with the blood type of AB+ or AB- to donate plasma if they are eligible, to make the maximum impact for our patients.

Ideal Blood Types for Whole Blood Donation: All Types! Expand

We gladly accept whole blood donations from eligible donors with any blood type.  All donated blood and blood components makes a huge difference for patients in need.  

How do I donate plasma?
There are more than 900 licensed and IQPP-certified plasma collection centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Each company manages its operations differently within government regulatory guidelines. Locate a center near you, using our searchable directory. Call the center to find out hours of operation and to ask any other questions you may have.

Does it hurt?
Most people compare the feeling of the needle to a mild bee sting. You will also be required to submit to a finger stick test each time you donate so the collection center medical staff can evaluate your protein and hemoglobin levels.

Is donating plasma safe?
Yes. Plasma donation in IQPP certified collection centers is performed in a highly controlled, sterile environment by professionally trained medical staff. All plasma collection equipment is sterilized and any equipment that comes into contact with you is used only once to eliminate the possibility of transmitting viral infections.

What type of medical screening and testing is done?
You must have a pre-donation physical which includes answering medical history questions, tests for viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis and evaluating your protein and hemoglobin levels.

How do you get my plasma?
Donating plasma is similar to giving blood. A needle is placed into a vein in your arm. Plasma is collected through a process call plasmapheresis and is conducted in cycles that may take up to an hour. Whole blood is drawn. The plasma is separated from the red blood cells and other cellular components. These are returned to your body with sterile saline solution to help the body replace the plasma removed from the whole blood.

How long does it take?
Your first donation will take approximately 2 hours. Return visits on average take about 90 minutes.

What do you do with my plasma?
Nearly 500 different types of proteins have been found in human blood plasma. Approximately 150 of these may be used for diagnosing disease or manufacturing therapies.

How much will I be compensated?
Each company establishes its own compensation scale. Please contact the center nearest you for further information.

How much plasma do you donate based on weight?

What happens if I donate plasma 2 times in one day?

Whats the fastest you can donate plasma?

How much plasma a person can donate?