February 20, 2020

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is one of many rare diseases that can be treated using intravenous immune globulin (IVIg), a therapy that is manufactured from human plasma. This neuropathy is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and muscle wasting, and without regular IVIg treatments, a patient’s quality of life can decline. In today’s blog, we’ll be unpacking everything you need to know about multifocal motor neuropathy and how plasma donations play a vital role in treating this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Multifocal Motor Neuropathy?

Multifocal motor neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when the body’s motor nerves, the nerves that control muscles, are attacked by one’s own immune system. This makes it difficult for the body to send the electrical signals needed for controlled movement, which can result in the following symptoms occurring:

·  Weakness, cramping and/or twitching in the hands and arms.

·  Weakness, cramping and/or twitching that is more severe on one side of the body.

·  Wrist drop or foot drop.

·  Wasting (atrophy) of affected muscles.

Early symptoms typically start in specific parts of a person’s arm or hand, such as their wrist. Muscle atrophy is a symptom that occurs much later on in the course of the condition.

What are the Causes of Multifocal Motor Neuropathy?

The causes of MMN are not fully understood, but scientists have identified this condition as an autoimmune disease that is the result of an abnormal immune system response. Researchers are studying MMN in an effort to better understand the underlying causes of this disease.

How is Multifocal Motor Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a patient with MMN typically requires a physical exam as well as nerve and blood tests that entail the following:

·  A needle electromyography that uses electrodes that are placed in a patient’s arm to measure the electrical activity in their muscles.

·  A nerve conduction study in which two sensors are put overtop the skin of a nerve and small electric shocks are transmitted to measure how quickly electrical signals can travel through a patient’s nerves.

·  A blood test that specifically looks for GM1 antibodies, which is a part of the body’s immune system that some people with MMN have elevated levels of.

·  Evidence of a purely motor disorder that affects individual nerves

Doctors sometimes mistake MMN for ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. To minimize the chance of this happening, they also check to make sure that patients aren’t showing any signs of difficulty speaking or swallowing, there’s no indication of sensory deficits, and that upper motor neuron signs like swift reflexes at the knee aren’t present. 

How is Multifocal Motor Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Multifocal motor neuropathy is not a life-threatening disease, but it can slowly worsen over time and make daily tasks more strenuous. Intravenous immune globulin is a treatment manufactured from donated plasma that can improve a patient’s muscle strength.

IVIg is administered to MMN patients through an IV that is given every two to six weeks since the effects of the treatment wear off after a few months. Regular maintenance IVIg infusions typically make day-to-day life much more manageable for those living with MMN.

The important role donated plasma plays in treating multifocal motor neuropathy is just one example of what this miracle liquid is capable of and the effect it can have on the lives of individuals that have rare and chronic conditions. That’s why we’ve committed ourselves to collecting plasma that can be manufactured into lifesaving therapies at DB Plasma.

To contribute to a good cause and change the life of patients in need, book your next appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you. 

January 30, 2020

Donated source plasma, the yellowish liquid component of blood, is used exclusively to manufacture commercial drugs known as plasma products. These plasma products serve as lifesaving therapies for patients living with rare and chronic conditions. One such plasma product that is used to treat individuals that have immunodeficiency diseases is intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg).

First used in 1952 to treat primary immune deficiency diseases, a group of diseases that are characterized by compromised immune system function, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy has since become a plasma product that Canadians with immune system disorders rely on to boost their immunity and help their body fight off potentially fatal infections. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Conditions IVIg Can Treat

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is used to treat a whole host of conditions that cause a patient’s immune system to be compromised. Some of these conditions include:

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Immune deficiencies like immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• Kawasaki disease
• Lupus
• Myositis
• Multifocal motor neuropathy
• Neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis
• Other rare and chronic diseases

The Important Role of Plasma in IVIg

Lifesaving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy treatments would not be possible without plasma donations. Immunoglobulin is a component of blood plasma that contains important antibodies needed to fight infections and disease. To make effective immunoglobulin therapy treatments, the pooled antibodies of thousands of donors are needed since a diverse collection of antibodies better equip individuals to fight off the plethora of foreign substances their body may encounter.

Donors are thoroughly screened to ensure the plasma they are donating is healthy. Once the immunoglobulin is acquired from the blood plasma of donors it is then tested for infectious diseases and purified before it is safely administered as a therapy.

How IVIg Works

As its name suggests, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is a form of intravenous treatment that is infused into the veins of the recipient. It is used to replace antibodies that a patient’s own immune system should be making and is usually necessary for a patient’s lifetime.

Every three to four weeks, patients living with immune system disorders need to be administered IVIg treatment to keep their immune system strong since roughly half of the infused antibodies get metabolized in this time period. Healthcare professionals use a sterile needle to access a patient’s vein then let the immunoglobulin flow from a bag into a tube in their arm for about two to four hours.

Most patients feel their best immediately after IVIg treatment as this is when the highest amount of immunoglobulin is in their body. Some side effects of this treatment may include muscle or joint aches, a mild fever, or headaches just after the infusion, though most individuals tolerate the treatment extremely well.

There you have it, everything you need to know about the wonder drug that is intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. This lifesaving plasma product has been helping people with rare conditions lead healthy and productive lives for over well over 60 years now and it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. To donate your plasma and change the lives of patients in need for the better, book your next appointment at DB Plasma today.

January 23, 2020

Blood donation and plasma donation are both great ways to give back to those in need via bodily components that replenish themselves. Millions of Canadians take the time to give blood and/or plasma every year, but there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the difference between these two types of donations, and understandably so. Even though the process of giving blood and giving plasma are quite similar at first glance, they are vastly different in many other regards. In today’s blog, we’ll be giving you an in-depth look into all things blood donation VS plasma donation. 

The Difference Between Blood and Plasma

The major differences between blood donation and plasma donation stem from what these fluids are composed of and the purpose they serve in the human body. Here are some distinguishing features of blood VS plasma:

• Whole Blood: This red bodily fluid is composed of red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. It supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to cells and tissues in the body and removes waste materials like carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
• Plasma: Plasma is the clear, straw-coloured liquid component found in blood. It is made up of 90% water and carries nutrients, minerals, hormones, and proteins to parts of the body that need it. Plasma also contains antibodies that help fight infections and proteins including albumin and fibrinogen that help maintain serum osmotic pressure.

The Blood Donation Process VS The Plasma Donation Process

Whole blood donations involve cleansing an area on the donor’s arm, inserting a sterile needle, and drawing blood. Typically blood donation entails the collection of a pint of blood, which takes about 8-10 minutes to collect. Once donation is complete, a bandage is placed on the donor’s arm and they are given time to recuperate.

The plasma donation process and whole blood donation process are similar in that they both involve the cleansing of a donor’s arm and the insertion of a sterile needle; however, plasma is collected through a process known as plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is a method of removing and separating plasma from whole blood via an apheresis machine. This automated process takes about 50 minutes to complete.

Uses

Whole blood is commonly transfused in its original form in an effort to treat injuries and illnesses. It can be also be separated into its individual components and used to treat conditions including cancer and blood disorders.

Plasma, on the other hand, is typically used as a starting material to manufacture commercial drugs known as plasma products.  These plasma products serve as lifesaving therapies for patients living with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases.

Compensation

In Canada, donors are not compensated for their blood donations, but they may or may not be compensated for plasma donations, depending on whether the jurisdiction they’re located in has approved of paid plasma donations.

Thankfully, at DB Plasma, we are able to compensate our plasma donors at our Saskatoon and Moncton centres. Being able to offer paid plasma donations is important to us as it allows us to show our appreciation to donors and ensures a secure and safe supply of plasma for patients that need it.

Evidently, while blood donation and plasma donation do have their similarities, they are, in fact, more different than they are similar. At DB Plasma, we pride ourselves on collecting high-quality plasma from healthy donors that is then used to manufacture lifesaving and life-changing therapies. Book your next appointment to contribute to a good cause and get compensated for it. 

December 30, 2019

The new year is nearly here and that means it’s almost time to make your resolutions. Every year on January 1^st, people all around the world make promises in an effort to better themselves, and the most popular New Year’s resolutions are always health-related ones. Whether your goal is to get more exercise in, up your water intake, or eat healthier, we’re here to tell you why all of the above make for good resolutions. Here are three reasons you should prioritize your health in the new year.

1. Your Health Is Your Greatest Asset

Healthy individuals often take their wellbeing for granted when in actuality your health is the greatest asset you have. It is what enables you to do whatever you want and live your life to the fullest. Without your health, it becomes very challenging to do everything you aspire to in life. Ask anyone that has dealt with a serious illness, and they’ll tell you that nothing matters more than your health.

2. Being the Best Version of Yourself

Making your health a priority can increase your longevity, contribute to disease prevention, increase your energy, improve your digestion, and even improve your self-worth. Simply put, when you take care of your body, you feel good, and you become the best version of yourself.

3. Positively Impacting Others

Believe it or not, prioritizing your health can benefit others just, if not more, than it benefits you. Your newly formed good habits will inevitably start to rub off on your loved ones and you will also have the opportunity to positively impact those that haven’t been as fortunate with their health. Plasma donation, in particular, is a great way to give back and change the lives of patients that need lifesaving plasma therapies.  

How to Optimize Your Health for Plasma Donation

To optimize your health for plasma donation, you should do the following:

• Drink plenty of water both before and after donating
• Eat healthy meals that contain foods rich in folic acid, vitamin B-2, and iron a few hours before and after your appointment
• Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, and foods high in cholesterol or fat prior to donating
• Get a good night’s rest before you donate

The benefits you’ll reap and the positive impact you’ll have on others as a result of putting your health first make the extra effort well worth it. At DB Plasma, we prioritize donor wellbeing and we’d like to wish all our plasma donors a happy and healthy New Year.

Book your next appointment today.

December 19, 2019

The holiday season is finally here and the next few weeks will be filled with plenty of cheer! There’s no doubting the magic that comes along with the traditions of this time of year, but it’s also important to remember that not everyone gets to enjoy the pageantry of holiday rituals and that the true spirit of this season comes from giving back. When it comes to plasma donation specifically, you get to fulfill your desire to do good and also enjoy other perks that come along with the process. Here are all the reasons you should give plasma during the holidays:

Plasma Donation is a Great Way to Earn Extra Cash

Between buying gifts for your loved ones, grabbing dinner and drinks with friends, and paying for airfare to see your family, the holidays can get pretty expensive! Thankfully, at DB Plasma, we pay our donors for the time and effort they put into giving plasma.

DB Plasma donors are directly compensated via e-transfer for each donation they make and if you’re donating at your maximum potential you can make up to $400 per month. Donors are also automatically enrolled in our Super Hero Rewards program, a standard points system that rewards donors with additional bonus payments based on the number of donations they make. Between these two compensation methods, you can easily earn the extra cash you need for all your holiday spending. 

Rest and Relaxation

The holiday season is typically go go go, and gift shopping can be especially hectic. The stress of checking everything off your list and making sure you haven’t forgotten anything (or anyone) can leave you feeling pretty exhausted if you don’t give yourself some downtime. Luckily, plasma donation involves getting some much-needed R&R and our comfy donation beds are the perfect place to unwind for a few hours. 

The Holiday Season is All About Giving Back

Last but certainly not least, the holiday season is all about giving back and plasma donation is a great way to do just that! For patients living with rare and chronic conditions, the need for plasma never goes away – no matter what time of year it is. Donating plasma is an excellent way to help ensure that lifesaving treatments are available for those who need them and that individuals with these illnesses have the ability to enjoy the holidays just like the rest of us do!

No matter what your motive is for giving plasma, you can rest easy knowing that this practice truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. To every donor that takes time out of their busy schedule to give plasma during the holiday season – thank you. We hope the giving spirit stays with you throughout the entire year and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Book your next appointment today.

November 28, 2019

Paying plasma donors in Canada is a contentious issue that has raised concerns and given rise to fierce debate for quite some time now. Despite a large number of ethicists, economists, and medical professionals publicly supporting paid plasma donations, there are a small percentage of Canadians that still question the practice and its legitimacy.  In today’s blog, we’ll be debunking common misconceptions about paid plasma donations and unpacking all the reasons that compensating donors is important.

Donor Appreciation

First and foremost, paying plasma donors is a great way to show your appreciation for their time and effort. Plasma donation is a process that takes anywhere from one and a half hours to over two hours to complete, depending on how many donations you’ve made in the past. This time commitment in addition to the temporary discomfort that can come from blood plasma being drawn makes donors more than deserving of economic consideration. Paid plasma donation also provides donors with additional remuneration that enables them to live much more comfortably.

Boosting Donations

In Canada, we don’t have nearly as many plasma donors as we need to meet the demand for plasma, and we largely rely on paid donors from the United States to make the lifesaving therapies that patients need. Compensating donors is pretty much the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma and the world’s largest exporters of plasma, the US and Germany, are both countries that have legislation permitting plasma donors to be compensated. Evidently, paid plasma donations give plasma donors the extra motivation they need to continue donating, which in turn increases and secures the plasma supply for patients who need it.

A Safe Supply

Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, paid plasma donations are just, if not more,  safe than unpaid donations. All paid plasma donors must undergo rigorous screenings and regular blood tests to ensure tainted blood supplies never make their way to individuals that need lifesaving plasma treatments. In addition, since most of Canada’s current plasma supply comes from paid plasma donors in the US, patients would already be at risk, making the “safety” argument invalid.

At the end of the day, there is no disputing the fact that paid plasma donations are mutually beneficial. Plasma donors get compensated for their time, effort, and commitment, and patients that need lifesaving therapies are much more easily able to access them. At DB Plasma, we’ve been long-time proponents of paid plasma donation and have seen first hand how this practice can make a difference in the lives of donors and recipients alike.

Book your next appointment today.

November 21, 2019

Plasma is a healing liquid packed with lifesaving proteins that can be used to treat a whole host of diseases. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are a group of diseases that are characterized by compromised immune system function and can be treated via immunoglobulin therapies made from human plasma. If you’ve ever been curious about what happens to your plasma post-donation and the conditions this blood component can treat, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about primary immunodeficiency diseases and how plasma is used as a treatment for patients with these disorders. 

What Types of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Are There?

There are more than 300 diseases that fall under the PIDD category and, depending on the part of the immune system affected, these conditions can cause acute or recurrent infections. Some of the most common primary immunodeficiency diseases include: agammaglobulinemia, Ataxia-telangectasia, chronic granulomatous disease, complement deficiencies, DiGeorge syndrome, selective IgA deficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, and Winscott-Aldrich syndrome.

What Causes of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases?

PIDDs are inherited genetic disorders that are passed down from one or both parents. Mutations in a patient’s genetic code cause the immune system defects that characterize these diseases. PIDDs are present at birth, but they may be diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adulthood depending on the severity of the disease.

What are the Symptoms of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases?

The most common sign of primary immunodeficiency diseases are frequent infections that last longer than normal and are difficult to get rid of. Opportunistic infections, infections that healthy individuals typically aren’t susceptible to, are also an indication of PIDDs. Other signs and symptoms of the disorder include:

• Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
• An enlarged spleen
• Blood disorders
• Digestive issues
• Recurring sinusitis, pneumonia, and ear infections
• Recurring abcesses on the skin and/or organs
• Stunted growth and/or weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes

How are Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Treated?

In most PIDD cases, the body produces too few immunoglobulins, the proteins that help immune cells recognize and neutralize micro-organisms, or none whatsoever. As such, the most effective treatment for PIDDs is immunoglobulin replacement therapies. Immunoglobulin therapies are created from purified human plasma that is donated from healthy donors. Immunoglobulin is administered either intravenously or subcutaneously as an infusion. Treatments are regularly given to patients with PIDDs, and they effectively control their infections and improve overall quality of life.

At DB Plasma, we wholeheartedly believe in the healing powers of plasma and its ability to treat immune system disorders like PIDDs. That’s why we’ve devoted ourselves to collecting quality plasma from healthy donors at our donation centres. Book your next appointment today to contribute to the creation of lifesaving therapies.

November 1, 2019

Plasma donation in Canada is an industry that’s had its fair share of setbacks. Despite a desire to do good and give back to individuals living with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases, plasma donation services have been met with protest and political debate. Thankfully, DB Plasma has been able to overcome these challenges and we’ve been contributing to the creation of lifesaving therapies since 2016. In fact, Canadian Plasma Resource’s Saskatoon centre collects more plasma than any other blood establishment in Canada, including those operated by CBS or Hema Quebec.

Getting our centres up and running was a step in the right direction for paid plasma in Canada, but we’re still lagging far behind the United States. To this day, we continue to rely on them to meet our country’s demand for plasma.

Canada only collects about 15% of the plasma needed to meet the demand for domestic immune globulin, one of the lifesaving medicines that is made from source plasma. That means we’re currently relying on paid donors in the United States to provide about 85% of our plasma supply. A relatively easy, short-term solution to this issue would be to pay more Canadian plasma donors, but Canadian Blood Services refuses to support paid plasma donations in Canada and prefers to import finished products made from paid US donors.

The lack of proper planning on the part of Canadian Blood Services has led to a shortage of take home immune globulin products in Canada, which means patients who weren’t already on it may no longer be able to access it. Many Canadians rely heavily on take home immune globulin products, and without it, their condition will significantly decline. This can result in issues walking, and for some, even breathing can become laboured.

With people’s health on the line and such a feasible solution available, it simply doesn’t make sense for Canadian Blood Services to block the efforts to make paid plasma donation possible. Paid plasma donations have been proven time and time again to be the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma. Paid donors in the United States provide over 70% of the entire world’s supply of plasma that is used to create plasma medicine.

Not only is paid plasma donation the only option, but it’s also a safe option. A Health Canada report has explicitly stated that paid plasma donations are just as safe as unpaid plasma donations. Patient groups that rely on plasma therapies have even come out and made their support for paid plasma known.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that has verified the positive effects of paid plasma donations, the previous governments of Alberta and Ontario, as well as the current NDP government in British Columbia, continue to listen to public sector unions that oppose this service instead of the patients that need it. Paid plasma is an absolute must for these patients, and it is something that we will likely always rely on in Canada. We can only hope that Canadian Unions and Canadian Blood Services will have a change of heart and realize that paid plasma donations in Canada benefit taxpayers, donors, and, most importantly, recipients, and this option is preferable to paid donations from the US.

Book your next appointment today.

October 25, 2019

Plasma donation exists so that life-saving plasma therapies can be created from this protein-rich liquid. Ever since the healing properties of plasma were discovered many moons ago, it has been used as a starting material in the manufacturing of commercial drugs known as plasma products. Here’s everything you need to know about the drugs that can be manufactured from blood plasma.

How Blood Plasma Is Made Into Manufactured Drugs

The process of taking source plasma from donors and turning it into a product that can be used safely is highly complex and takes a total of 7-12 months. After plasma is collected from donors through automated apheresis, it is thoroughly tested and held in inventory for at least 60 days to allow for the revival and destruction of donations that cannot be used.

Donated plasma that is deemed eligible for the manufacturing of therapies is broken down into individual proteins via a process called “fractionation”. During this process, a combination of heat treatments, chemical cleaners, pasteurization, filtration, and acid treatments are used to effectively remove any viruses or contaminants. Product samples are then tested once more before they are released.

Types of Blood Plasma Products

1. Albumin

Albumin is a water-soluble protein that is produced by the liver and circulates in plasma, making up a total of half of the protein content in this liquid. Medicinal albumin is made from source plasma that is heated to inactivate disease-causing agents. It helps to increase levels of albumin in the blood and overall plasma volume, making it an ideal treatment for fluid loss in burn patients, trauma patients, and transplant recipients.

2. Clotting Factors

This replacement therapy is typically used to replace missing blood clotting factors for individuals that have bleeding disorders like Hemophilia. Clotting factor concentrates are injected into veins and help to normalize blood clotting, which prevents unwanted bleeding episodes that can result in severe blood loss and complications. (Note: In Canada, it’s more common for Hemophilia patients to be treated using recombinant products that are made from recombinant DNA technology in a lab.)

3. Immune Globulins

This category of drugs has the highest demand of all plasma products. Immune globulin (Ig) products are pooled from plasma collected from various donors and contain antibodies that can effectively treat immune disorders and severe infections. Ig products are usually administered intravenously as a replacement therapy.

The true healing properties of plasma are still being discovered, and we have just scratched the surface when it comes to the ways in which plasma can be used. There will certainly be new plasma manufactured drugs created as we discover more about this liquid’s healing properties. While plasma has yet to be explored in its entirety, one thing’s for sure, the demand for plasma is here to stay.

To make a difference in the life of someone living with an autoimmune condition or autoimmune deficiency, book your next DB Plasma appointment today.

September 27, 2019

Plasma donation is a completely safe process that has been closely regulated by Health Canada since the late 1990s, and today Canada’s blood system is considered to be one of the safest in the world. Donor restrictions have been put in place to ensure that tainted blood supplies don’t make their way to individuals that require the lifesaving therapies manufactured from plasma. In today’s blog, we’ll be going over plasma donor restrictions and unpacking why they exist.

Plasma donors should be between 17 and 68 years of age.

At DB Plasma, the minimum plasma donation age is 17 and the maximum plasma donation age is 68. Individuals who are younger than 17 are classified as legal minors who cannot give consent to donate plasma by themselves. An upper age limit has been set for plasma donations in order to mitigate potential health risks. 

Plasma donors should weigh at least 50 kg (110 lbs).

Whole blood is drawn during the plasma donation process and since blood volume is in proportion to body weight, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate plasma for their own safety. Donors who weigh less than 110 pounds may not be able to tolerate the volume of blood that is removed for plasma donation.

Plasma donors cannot donate blood within 56 days of donating plasma.  

Making a donor wait 56 days between blood donations is a commonplace practice has been put in place to give the body time to replenish itself, especially its iron reserve. Since whole blood is drawn during the plasma donation process, waiting 56 days from your last blood donation is an extra precaution that should be taken.

It should be noted that donors do not have to wait 56 days between plasma donations and in accordance with DB Plasma’s Health Canada approved standard operating procedures, donors can give plasma twice in a 7-day period so long as there is at least one rest day between the two donation days.

Plasma donors cannot get a tattoo or piercing within 12 months of donating plasma.

When you get a tattoo or piercing, you risk contracting an infectious disease if a sterile needle is not used. Some of these infectious diseases cannot be detected immediately.

Plasma donors must have a permanent address within 100 kilometers of a DB Plasma facility.

Donor Recruiting Area (DRA) borders are imposed by the Plasma Protein Therapeutic Association (PPTA) through the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) certification process.  Canadian Plasma Resource’s DRA borders require donors to reside within the Saskatoon/GSA or Moncton/GMA area.

Hopefully we’ve put some of the questions you may have had about donor restrictions to rest. If you meet all the eligibility requirements listed, we’d be thrilled to have you as a donor. At DB Plasma, not only do you get to contribute to the well being of others, but you are also compensated for your time.

Book an appointment today!