Whats The Difference Between Donating Plasma And Donating Blood
In order to donate plasma, a person goes through a similar process to what they do to donate blood. In this situation, the blood is often returned to the donor. When blood is donated, the needle is usually smaller.
Theres no special machine used to circulate the blood back to you after the plasma is removed. Although the process is different, the recommendations for both remain the same.
Also Check: Can You Donate Plasma While Pregnant
Can You Donate Blood During Pregnancy
14 Jun 2022 | 4 min Read
14 Jun 2022 | 4 min Read
Pregnancy requires you to make lifestyle changes for yourself and the baby that is growing inside you. Along with avoiding rigorous exercises and making diet changes, there are other things which you may have done before pregnancy, but you need to think twice about when you are pregnant, like blood donation.
While blood donation is a charitable act, and it may have been safe to do so before you got pregnant, is it safe to donate blood when you are pregnant? Read on to know more.
Can I Donate If I Feel Ill Or Have A Cold Sore
If you are feeling under the weather, please wait until you feel better before you give blood.
It is important you do not have any infection at the time of donating.
You must be healed and recovered from any infection for at least 14 days before you give blood.
Use our health & eligibility section to find out more.
Recommended Reading: What Can Cord Blood Be Used For
What Can Happen If You Donate Blood Before You Know You Are Pregnant
If you are a regular donor, it might happen that you may have donated blood when you are totally unaware about your pregnancy. This may happen only during the initial phase of your pregnancy, and it will not raise any issues if you donate blood at this stage. Also, before donating the blood, a quick test is done to ensure that your blood pressure, haemoglobin levels, pulse and temperature are normal. Hence, donating blood at this stage when your health condition is normal will not be a problem. In the case of anxiety, it is better to consult your doctor.
My Doctor Has Asked Me To Give Blood Why
The sole reason you may be permitted to give blood during pregnancy is if your doctor believes you might require a blood transfusion during delivery in case you are tagged under a high-risk pregnancy. This happens mainly if the mother develops severe anemia or if she experiences or possesses any chance of excessive bleeding at some point in the course of pregnancy. If there are chances of hemorrhage, to handle the complications that may come up when receiving blood from some other source, the doctor may ask you to store some blood for yourself in case you necessitate it. And then, in that event, youll be donating blood to your future self!
Read Also: Blood Test For Multiple Myeloma
Side Effects After Donating Blood
There arenât any lasting side effects, but you may temporarily:
- Need to hydrate. Drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after you donate blood.
- Need to take it easy. Donât work out or do any hard physical activity for 24 hours after giving blood.
- Feel lightheaded. Lie down for a few minutes until you feel ready to get back up.
- Have a little bit of bleeding from the spot where you donated. Raise your arm and apply pressure to that spot for a few minutes.
- If you have bruising in that area, use an ice pack on it.
Show Sources
American Red Cross: âBlood Facts and Statistics,â âIron Rich Foods,â âDonation Process,â âDonation FAQs,â âRed Cross Myth Busters: Tattoos and Blood Donation,â âRequirements by Donation Type,â âInfectious Disease, HLA and ABO Donor Qualification Testing.â
WHO: âWhy should I donate blood?â
AABB: âBlood Donation Process,â âBlood Donation FAQs.â
Community Blood Center: âDonation Process.â
Lifesouth.org: Making Your Blood Donation Safe .
You May Like: Can High Cholesterol Cause High Blood Pressure
What Will Disqualify You From Donating Blood
Some of the other reasons you might not be able to give blood?
- You weigh less than 110 lbs.
- You have, or have had, health conditions, including certain types of cancer, HIV, and hepatitis.
- You are on, or have recently been on, particular medications, including antibiotics.
- Youve had a blood transfusion in the past.
- You recently had a tattoo or piercings.
- You inject drugs.
You May Like: Can High Blood Sugar Cause Hot Flashes
Indias First Plasma Bank Was Inaugurated By Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal At The State
Women who have either conceived or delivered babies in the past are not eligible to donate plasma.
New Delhi:
Women who have either conceived or delivered babies in the past are not eligible to donate plasma as per the norms issued by authorities in Delhi, as a certain type of antibody, which may have developed during the pregnancy, might harm the recipient in rare cases, doctors have said.
Indias first plasma bank was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the state-run Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences on Thursday.
However, strict guidelines have been issued as to who are eligible to donate plasma and who arent, at present.
So, people aged 18-60, who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and showed no symptoms for 14 days can go for donation, subject to strict guidelines for eligible donors.
Someone weighing less than 50 kg, women who have a history of pregnancy, cancer survivors, and those with kidney, heart, lung or liver diseases are not eligible to donate plasma.
Asked why women with a history of pregnancy are not eligible for it, a senior doctor at ILBS, who is part of the plasma bank team, said, when women are exposed to their babys blood during pregnancy and delivery, they may develop Human Leukocyte Antigens antibodies, which are directed against antigens on the white blood cells .
The presence of HLA antibodies in a healthy individuals blood do not cause health problems, according to experts.
Each person can donate 250-500 ml of plasma.
Who Might Have To Wait To Donate Plasma
There are some health, travel and lifestyle reasons that may stop you from being able to donate plasma on a temporary basis.
If you are not sure if you can donate, please call us on 0300 123 23 23 to discuss your situation.
If you are a blood donor you can give plasma 4 weeks after your last blood donation. You will have to stop donating blood while you give plasma.
You will need to wait 7 days after your coronavirus vaccination before you can donate.
You may have to wait up to 3 months before you can donate if:
- you finished taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in the last 3 months
- in the last 3 months you have had sexual contact with a partner who is:
You May Like: Blood Pressure Is 120/80
Faqs Related To Highest Paying Plasma Donation Centers Near Me
There are many people who are looking at plasma donation as a source of additional income. These are the answers to a few of the important questions such people might have.
How Long is Plasma Donating Procedure?
The process of plasma donation generally takes around 60 minutes to 90 minutes. But if you are a first-time donor it will take additional time to assess if you fulfill eligibility criteria. You will have some screening tests as well as some questionnaires. So it may take 3 to 4 hours in first-time plasma donation including paperwork.
What is Recovery Time after Plasma Donation?
FDA guidelines say that you can donate plasma again after 48 hours, which means your body, in general, recover its plasma levels in 48 hours. If you take a balanced diet with enough water, juices, and iron-rich food you will recover faster.
What are the Side Effects of Plasma Donation?
There are no harmful side effects reported of plasma donation. In few cases, people may feel little weakness after plasma donation. If you choose to do plasma donation at the highest paying plasma donation center near you, take a proper diet to recover plasma levels faster.
Things to Eat and Not to Eat After Plasma Donation?
To recover plasma levels faster eat a high protein, folic acid rich, and iron rich diet. Take a lot of fluids and drink juices. Dont consume alcohol for a day at least.
Can Pregnant Woman Donate Plasma?
Is Donating Blood Safe For The Unborn Baby
Donating blood is not safe for an unborn baby because it decreases the iron in the pregnant womans body. Iron is an important mineral for foetal development. A pregnant woman with low iron during pregnancy can experience issues like stillbirth, preterm birth and low birth weight.
Donating blood during pregnancy can put the mum and the baby growing inside at risk / Credit Unsplash
Donating blood during pregnancy can put the mum and the baby growing inside at risk / Credit Unsplash
Recommended Reading: Why Cant Diabetics Donate Blood
Don’t Miss: What Increases White Blood Cells
Can You Donate Blood While Breastfeeding
Although the Red Cross won’t bar you from donating if you’re six-weeks postpartum, you may want to wait until your baby has weaned to be extra safe. Breast milk and blood share one key ingredient: water. After you give blood at a drive, your body might scramble to produce enough milk for your baby.
WHO doesn’t recommend making a donation if your baby still relies on your breastmilk. Instead, take it easy and allot a three-month gap between weaning and giving blood. Those who decide to donate regardless should drink plenty of water to support milk production.
Donating Blood During Pregnancy
People who are pregnant are not eligible to donate blood. “They need all of their blood and iron to help them stay healthy during their pregnancy,” says Felice Gersh, MD, an award-winning OB/GYN specializing in all aspects of womens health, and founder/director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in Irvine, CA.
Iron is an essential mineral that the body uses to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to all parts of the body, which helps it grow and develop. A person who does not have enough iron to produce the amount of hemoglobin their body needs has iron-deficiency anemia.
Pregnant people are among the highest risk groups for iron-deficiency anemia. During delivery, a substantial amount of blood loss occurs.
“For vaginal deliveries, it is common for there to be 500 milliliters of blood loss or more, and for Caesarian sections, it is common for there to be 1,000 milliliters of blood loss or more,” says Taylor Graber, MD, a San Diego-based anesthesiologist at the University of California San Diego and owner of a mobile IV hydration company.
Iron is needed for fetal development, to support the placenta’s growth, and to increase the pregnant person’s red blood cell count.”Women who are pregnant often become iron deficient and must increase iron intake and certainly cannot afford to have iron removed from their bodies by donating blood,” Dr. Gersh explains.
Don’t Miss: What Happens When Your Blood Pressure Is Too High
Why Cant I Give Blood Now That I Am Pregnant
In spite of the fact that your body produces around 50% more blood in the course of pregnancy, you will be needing this blood to maintain your babys life within the womb. After all, the body produces more blood for a reason, doesnt it? If you decide to donate blood in spite of these warnings,it can create several undesirable and unwanted issues that affect the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. The American Red Cross advises pregnant women not to donate blood since it is considered unsafe.
Why Some Pregnant Women Are Asked To Give Blood
This only happens in one scenario, if the doctor thinks you might need a blood transfusion during your delivery. Women under high-risk pregnancy fall into this category. Also, there are cases where women develop risks of severe anemia and bleeding during conception. Once a doctor realizes this, they will ask you to donate some beforehand. Its for your own good after all!
Recommended Reading: What Causes Spotting In Early Pregnancy
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Blood Vessels On Face
Can You Donate Plasma While Pregnant
Like blood donation, your plasma donation will have to wait until you’ve delivered.
To donate blood, plasma or platelets after a pregnancy, you’ll have to undergo Human Leukocyte Antigen antibody testing even if you’re not currently carrying.Trusted SourceAmerican Red CrossThe American Red Cross and TRALI MitigationSee All Sources If you do have these antibodies, you won’t be able to give plasma or platelets, although you can still give red blood cells.
This is because they could potentially lead to a transfusion-related lung injury in a recipient. If you give blood to the Red Cross after pregnancy, they won’t give the plasma and platelets from your blood to a transfusion recipient.
What To Eat Before Donating Plasma
Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced, healthy diet is always a good choice, but its even more important on the days leading up to plasma donation. Make sure to get a good nights sleep before the day of your donation. Drink about 6 to 8 cups of water the day before and day of donating, and eat a protein- and iron-rich meal within 3 hours of donation.
High-protein foods include beans and legumes, beef, chicken, shrimp, cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt , and seeds and nuts. Broccoli, beef, beans, iron-enriched breakfast cereals, chicken, ham, dark leafy greens, raisins, and watermelon are all high in iron.
Avoid fatty foods like French fries and other fried foods, pizza, or sweets the day you donate, and dont drink alcohol the night before. These can affect your blood tests and prevent you from donating.
Don’t Miss: Blood Test For Tumor Markers
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects
There are few to no side effects and minimal risk involved in donating plasma.
Some donors might experience small bruising near where the needle was put in their arm. Its also possible you might feel a little dizzy or lightheaded after donating plasma.
Visit our Health & Nutrition page for tips for a safe and successful plasma donation experience.
Can Pregnant Women Donate Blood
Anaemia occurs due to a lack of blood in the body and it is very common for this condition to happen during pregnancy. Hence, one must avoid donating blood when pregnant. The iron-deficiency anaemia can lead to-
- low birth weight
- premature birth
- The placenta coming off from the uterus wall which is a dangerous condition called placental abruption
Don’t Miss: Does Uti Cause Blood In Urine
What Kind Of Medical Screening Do You Do
We screen every potential donor to make sure you can donate plasma. During your first visit, well do a health screening, which includes a review of your medical history, and an in-depth health questionnaire.
After that, your plasma donation visits will take less time because well do a shorter health screening just to check your red blood cell count, protein, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and weight.
Anyone Who Has Ever Been Pregnant Cant Donate Plasma: Ilbs Director
Dr SK Sarin, director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences , spoke to Anonna Dutt about plasma therapy and the creation of the new plasma bank in the Capital. Edited excerpts:
Why did Delhi decide to set up a plasma bank? The Indian Council of Medical Research still classifies it as an experimental treatment.Earlier the therapy could be administered only under clinical trial that very few institutes were conducting. The Union health ministry has now allowed the off-label use of convalescent plasma therapy, meaning many more hospitals can start administering it to patients who fit the criteria . Patients were finding it difficult to get donors as it is and with more and more people looking for donors it may lead to unethical practices of demanding money. With the government setting up the plasma bank, people will know where to get it from.
Who is eligible to donate?
The most important thing is to not harm the donors in any way. To ensure that, there are very strict guidelines in place. A person can donate plasma after 14 days of recovery only if they are not older than 60-65 years of age, do not have uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, do not have chronic kidney, heart, lung, or liver disease. The donors should also be well nourished and above 50kg weight. Their haemoglobin levels also have to be over 8. Women who have ever been pregnant are also excluded as donors. And, their antibody levels must be good.
You May Like: What To Expect When 10 Weeks Pregnant
Also Check: 140 Over 82 Blood Pressure
Can Pregnant Women Receive Plasma
Yes, pregnant women can receive plasma and be treated for coronavirus or other illnesses that require plasma.
A study talks about pregnant women who have been severely ill with COVID-19 and are treated with plasma therapy, along with other medications. The therapy has improved the mothers condition and reduced the possible risk of preterm caesarean delivery and other COVID-19 symptoms.
Why You Should Not Donate Blood While Pregnant
Donating blood is unsafe for both an expecting parent and their unborn child. These risks outweigh any benefits of donating blood, such as adding to the storage of safe and readily available blood for use in transfusions. During pregnancy, you are already sharing your blood with your developing baby, and you will not have any more to spare.
Don’t Miss: Blood Blisters On Groin Area Female
What Can Disqualify You From Donating Plasma
If youre interested in donating plasma, requirements exist for a rigorous screening as part of the plasma donation process. Part of the reason that the screening process exists is to protect those receiving the donations, many of whom have compromised health. It also ensures that the donors themselves are in good enough physical health to avoid the side effects of donating plasma.
The requirements for donating plasma are fairly consistent. You must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 110 pounds, and have a valid ID. Do they drug test you before donating plasma? Not generally people who take certain prescription drugs, show signs of injectable drug use, or are visibly intoxicated are not allowed to donate plasma.
Part of the reason that the screening process exists is to protect those receiving the donations, many of whom have compromised health.
Certain health conditions also prevent you from donating, such as pregnancy or recent childbirth. If youve had dental work in the past 72 hours, youll be deferred. Also, if youve received the MMR vaccine or had chickenpox in the past month or taken antibiotics orally in the past 2448 hours or by injection in the past 72 hours, youre also deferred.