When you constantly donate plasma it can lead to some side effects and risks which include fatigue, dehydration, bruising and in rare cases anemia and low immunoglobulin levels.
Regular or constant plasma donations can decrease the protein levels in your blood, as plasma contains vital proteins such as albumin.
And although red blood cells are also returned to the body during apheresis during the plasma donation, there's still a small risk of incidental red blood cell loss and potential iron deficiency with frequent donations.
Repeated needle insertions at the same site can also cause damage to the veins and scarring.
The side effects of giving plasma include fatigue, dehydration and possible bruising or soreness at the insertion site of the needle.
These are short term side effects which usually go away pretty quickly.
Some less common side effects of giving plasma include fainting, temporary calcium depletion and dizziness.
In rare cases, infections and or more serious reactions could occur but in general giving plasma is safe for most people.
The actual compensation or pay for plasma donations ranges from $30.00 to $70.00 for each plasma donation and some new donors can also earn more with some promotions, which can total $500.00 to $800.00 or more in their first month.
Grifols is who pays the most for plasma donations.
New plasma donors can make as much as $1,100.00 for 8 plasma donations in their first time of donating plasma with Grifols.
Some plasma donation centers offer special promotions and or bonuses for new donors or during certain times of the year.
Plasma donors are also paid based on their weight.
And plasma donors with rare blood types may also get higher compensation.
Pay for the plasma donation also can differ between each plasma donation centers.
Plasma donation involves a process called plasmapheresis, where a sterile needle is used to draw blood, which is then separated into its components (plasma, red blood cells, etc.) by a machine.
The plasma is collected, and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor's body, usually with some saline solution.
The process allows for the donation of plasma, which is a vital component of blood that is used in several different medical treatments, while also minimizing the impact on the plasma donor.
As a plasma donor you will undergo a health screening, which includes blood tests and a physical exam to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements.
A trained technician will then insert a sterile needle in your vein in your arm and the blood is drawn out through a needle and then sent into a specialized machine.
The machine then separates the plasma from other blood components using a centrifuge.
The collected plasma is then stored and the red blood cells and other components are returned to your body as a donor, using along with a saline solution to help maintain blood volume.
The process of plasma donation is repeated multiple times during a plasma donation session and the entire procedure of plasma donation takes 45 minutes to 60 minutes.
After the plasma donation doctors will advise you to stay hydration and avoid strenuous activity until you recover.