September 20, 2019

The human body is an incredible organism that is capable of performing fascinating feats. Plasma, the clear, straw-coloured liquid portion of blood, is one part of our bodies that is particularly intriguing when it comes to the body’s ability to heal itself.  In fact, the healing properties of blood plasma have been found to be so effective that this blood component is now frequently used to accelerate the healing process from injuries including animal bites and burns. Here’s everything you need to know about how plasma is used to treat injuries from everyday accidents.

What’s In Blood Plasma?

Before getting into the logistics of how plasma treatments work, it’s important to first establish what exactly is contained in this liquid. Plasma, which makes up a total of 55% of your total blood volume, is mainly composed of water (a total of 90% by volume). Human plasma also contains glucose, mineral ions, hormones, carbon dioxide, clotting factors, and dissolved proteins.

The contents of plasma make it a great transporting medium for cells and a variety of other substances that are essential to bodily function, but it gets its healing properties mainly from the proteins contained within it. Plasma proteins help heal wounds via a metabolic process that supports tissue repair.

How Blood Plasma Is Used To Treat Injuries

Blood plasma has been used in the healthcare industry for some time now, but doctors and scientists continue to discover and improve upon the healing powers of this state of matter. The most common treatment method used to heal tissue with plasma is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

During platelet-rich plasma therapy, concentrations of a patient’s own platelets that have been collected via a centrifuge are injected into injured areas. Activated platelets play a vital role in the body’s natural healing process and they have proven to be particularly effective at treating animal bites, burns, and pediatric HIV. Once concentrated platelets have been injected into injured tissue, growth factors that stimulate and increase the quantity of reparative cells produced by your body are released. 

Other Uses of Blood Plasma

The healing powers of plasma aren’t just used to treat everyday injuries; this vital liquid is also used to treat a host of autoimmune conditions and immune deficiencies. In order to treat immunodeficiency diseases, plasma needs to be manufactured into lifesaving medicines. However, unlike the plasma treatments used to cure everyday injuries, the medicines used to treat those with immune deficiencies rely on a donor supply.

At DB Plasma, we wholeheartedly believe in the healing properties of plasma, which is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating lifesaving therapies for those in need. With that said, we can’t create these medicines on our own and donor plasma is an absolutely essential component of this process. Book your next appointment today and make a difference in someone’s life.

August 30, 2019

Thousands of people around the globe donate plasma every day, and it is a process that is considered completely safe. At DB Plasma, plasma collection is performed in a highly controlled clinical environment and our staff adhere to strict plasma collection standards that have been set out by Health Canada.

With that said, attempting anything for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you don’t know what to expect and you’re in an unfamiliar environment. If you’re a first-time plasma donor, here are some ways you can optimize your plasma donation experience.

1. Come to Your Plasma Donation Appointment Early

Your first visit to DB Plasma will take approximately two hours and 15 minutes. As such, it’s in your best interest to come early and give yourself plenty of time to go through the necessary registration and screening protocols. Aiming to arrive at least five minutes early also increases the likelihood of you being relaxed for the appointment and ensures that you have a buffer in case any unexpected delays occur.

2. Come to Your Plasma Donation Appointment Prepared

Coming prepared for your appointment will make your first scheduled visit go a lot smoother. For plasma donations at DB Plasma specifically, this means familiarizing yourself with the eligibility requirements and bringing the required documentation. Here’s everything you need to know in order to come prepared:

Eligibility requirements:

• You must be between 17 and 68 years of age.
• You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
• You must have a permanent address within 100 kilometers of a DB Plasma facility.

Required documentation:

• You must present valid photo identification, proof of address, and a social insurance card.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing

During your first plasma donation session, you will have your blood pressure checked and be connected to an apheresis machine via the veins in the crease of your elbow. It is important to wear loose-fitting sleeves that can easily be rolled up without compromising your blood supply or making you feel uncomfortable.

4. Bring Something To Do

You will be spending approximately 50 minutes actually donating and attached to the apheresis machine. This is a great opportunity to get some much needed “me time” by either watching your favourite TV show or indulging in a good book!

5. Prioritize Rest, Relaxation, and Replenishment

It is important to prioritize rest, relaxation, and replenishment both before and after the plasma donation process. Before donating, try to get a good night’s sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated. Beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol should not be consumed for eight hours prior to donation.

After donating, you will be escorted to the DB Plasma waiting room where you can relax and enjoy refreshments. Once you get home, replenish yourself with a healthy, well-balanced meal.

By putting these suggestions into practice, your plasma donation appointment will be much more enjoyable and relaxing. The staff at DB Plasma also go the extra mile and closely monitor donors to ensure the optimal plasma donation experience.

Book your next appointment today!

August 15, 2019

Plasma is the protein-rich, yellow liquid component of blood that is left over after platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells are removed. The lifesaving proteins contained in plasma help your body defend against infections and can be used to treat a variety of rare autoimmune diseases. However, in order to administer plasma as a medicine, it must first be collected. This is done through a process called plasmapheresis.

In today’s blog, we’ll be explaining everything you need to know about the plasmapheresis procedure.

What Is Plasmapheresis?

Apheresis is an umbrella term used to describe the process used to remove blood from the body, filter out elements of it, and retain other elements. Plasmapheresis is a type of apheresis that explicitly targets plasma and separates it from the blood.

The separation of blood from elements like plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells can be accomplished in two ways – centrifugation and filtration. Centrifugation involves spinning blood and dividing it based on the density of its parts while filtration involves passing blood through a filter in an effort to separate plasma.

During the plasma donation process, donors are intravenously connected to an apheresis machine that draws whole blood and separates plasma from other blood components. Other cellular components are returned to the donor’s body with a sterile saline solution to help replace the plasma that has been removed. The volume of plasma removed during plasmapheresis is dependent on a person’s body weight.

Why Is Plasmapheresis Performed?

Plasmapheresis is performed in order to collect source plasma that can be used to manufacture life-saving therapies. Tens of thousands of Canadians rely on these therapies and they can be used to treat a number of ailments, some of which include:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Immune deficiencies
• Respiratory disorders
• Liver disorders
• Surgical bleeding
• Burns and shock

What To Expect During Plasma Donation

At DB Plasma, donors begin the plasmapheresis process after they have registered and undergone a thorough screening. Our phlebotomists will then carefully insert a sterile single-use needle into a vein in the donor’s arm and connect them to the apheresis machine through an IV line. It takes approximately 50 minutes to complete the plasmapheresis process, and donors are monitored at all times by trained medical professionals during this period. The DB Plasma team closely monitors donors not only to ensure they are in good health while donating, but also to make certain that they are well cared for and comfortable throughout the process, as this is of utmost importance to us. 

Book your next appointment today!

July 26, 2019

Plasma donation is a safe process that closely resembles the blood donation process. During plasma donation, whole blood is drawn and plasma, a straw-coloured liquid that is packed with proteins, is separated from blood via a process called plasmapheresis. Since blood is drawn during plasma donation, it is vital that donors replenish themselves so they can avoid a drop in blood pressure and replace lost fluids.

Certain foods are much more effective when it comes to replenishing the nutrients your body has lost after plasma donation. Here are all the best foods to eat after donating:

Foods Rich in Folic Acid

Folic acid, also known as B-9, is a form of folate that helps to create new red blood cells in your body. This B vitamin also helps to replace the blood cells that are lost during plasma donation. Foods that are rich in folic acid include asparagus, liver, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and orange juice.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B-2

Vitamin B-2, or Riboflavin, is also vital to the production of red blood cells. It is necessary for normal cell function and growth, and can effectively fight fatigue by turning carbohydrates into energy. Foods that have a high amount of vitamin B-2 include green vegetables, nuts, eggs, meats, and dairy products like yogurt and milk.

Foods Rich in Iron

Iron is a nutrient that helps transport oxygen to tissues and is essential to maintaining strength and energy in your body. During the plasma donation process, iron is removed from your body, which may cause fatigue and weakness. To replace the iron you have lost and maintain healthy levels of this important nutrient, consume iron-rich foods like beans, whole grains, meat, fish, and nuts after donating.

You should also try to consume vitamin C-rich foods to help with the absorption of iron and mitigate fatigue. Good sources of vitamin C include broccoli, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.

Liquids

Replenishing yourself with liquids is equally as important as consuming food after plasma donation. Juice is a good beverage to drink immediately after donating because the sugar in it will help you to refuel. Continue to drink lots of water 24-48 hours after donating plasma to rehydrate and prevent your blood pressure from getting too low.

At DB Plasma, we care about the health of our donors and understand the importance of rest and replenishment after donating. That’s why we provide our donors with delicious snacks and refreshing beverages that they can enjoy in our waiting room after donation. We also recommend that our donors eat a healthy, well-balanced meal once they return to their residence.

Book your next appointment today!

July 19, 2019

Plasma is a yellow liquid component of blood that contains life-saving proteins. The proteins in plasma can help treat a number of rare autoimmune diseases. One such disease is alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency.

In today’s blog, we’ll be unpacking everything you need to know about alpha-1 and the important role plasma plays in treating this disease.

What Are the Causes of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that is passed down from parents to children when both parents carry abnormal genes. An alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency occurs when mutations in the SERPINA1 gene, a gene that provides instructions for making alpha-1 antitrypsin proteins, occur.

The alpha-1 protein is essential to good health as it protects the body from neutrophil elastase, a powerful enzyme that gets released from white blood cells to fight infection. When neutrophil elastase is not controlled by alpha-1, it can attack normal tissues.  

What Are the Symptoms of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

Symptoms and signs of alpha-1 can vary greatly among individuals. Some people living with the condition get their first symptoms in childhood, while others don’t experience any symptoms until they are 60 years old. The organs that are most commonly affected by AAT deficiency are the liver, lungs, and skin.

Here are the symptoms those with an alpha-1 deficiency may experience according to affected organs:

• Liver: Fatigue, swelling of belly or legs, loss of appetite and weight loss, jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes), blood in stool, and/or vomiting blood.
• Lungs: Numerous lung infections, excessive coughing and phlegm production, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or low energy.
• Skin: Painful lumps under skin that are warm to the touch.

An alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may eventually cause liver disease or lung disease.

How is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Diagnosed?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is typically diagnosed by a doctor that will check for signs your lungs aren’t working correctly and ask about other common symptoms of the disease. A blood test that checks for mutations in the SERPINA1 gene and levels of protein in the bloodstream is needed to confirm an AAT deficiency diagnosis.

How is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treated?

There is no cure for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, but the disease can be managed via augmentation therapy (or “replacement therapy”). In augmentation therapy, plasma from healthy donors is used to increase levels of alpha-1 in the blood and lungs of those who have the condition. Plasma protein is administered through intravenous infusion on a weekly basis.

The goal of augmentation therapy is to slow or stop damage to affected organs. The therapy cannot reverse damage already incurred, but it can improve quality of life. Alphas have to undergo these treatments throughout the rest of their life.

The importance of having enough plasma to treat those living with conditions like alpha-1 cannot be emphasized enough. More than 900 plasma donations are required each year to treat one Alpha-1 patient. At DB Plasma, we do everything in our power to provide the plasma needed for these lifesaving treatments. Not only do our donors leave our centres with the satisfaction of knowing they’ve saved a life, they are also compensated for their time.

Book your next appointment today!

June 28, 2019

Plasma donation is a complex process that requires whole blood to be drawn and plasma to be separated from blood via a process called plasmapheresis. For donors, plasma collection is very similar to blood donation and there are certain risks and side effects associated with the process, albeit the chances of them happening are very small. As such, a team of experienced professionals are required and they must adhere to Health Canada’s strict plasma collection standards.

There is one role, however, that plays a particularly important part when it comes to donor health and care – nurses. In today’s blog, we’ll be exploring the significant role that nurses play in the plasma donation process.

Nurse’s Plasma Donation Responsibilities

Nurses are clinically responsible for plasma donation sessions and ensure every donor receives the best service. Nurses are also the party that ultimately determines the eligibility of potential donors. They are heavily involved in three major areas of plasma donation – screening, donation, and post-donor care.

1. Screening

Nurses provide the necessary medical expertise needed to determine the eligibility of donors. The basic eligibility requirements for plasma donation include the following:

• Donors must be between 17 and 68 years of age.
• Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.
• Donors cannot have gotten a tattoo or piercing done in the past 12 months.
• Donors cannot have donated blood in the past 56 days.

Certain medical conditions, lifestyle-related issues, or medications taken also impact donor eligibility. Nurses medically examine and review the paperwork of each and every donor to determine whether or not they are fit to donate.

2. Donation

Once a donor has been thoroughly screened and confirmed consent, the donation process can begin. Nurses escort donors to their bed, prep them for donation, and connect them to a plasmapheresis machine. They practice the appropriate hygeine standards needed to withdraw blood from donors. 

The donation process typically takes around 50 minutes to complete. During this time, nurses closely monitor donors to ensure they are comfortable and the process is going smoothly.

3. Post-Donor Care

After a donor’s plasma has been collected, it’s time for them to sit down, relax, and enjoy refreshments. It is essential that donors replenish themselves after donating so that they replace lost fluids and avoid a drop in blood pressure. Nurses continue to keep a close eye on donors after the donation process and make sure they are in good health.

Evidently, nurses play a huge role in plasma donation and without them the demand for plasma would never be met. At DB Plasma, we prioritize donor health and our friendly and experienced nurses will always make your experience a pleasant one.

Book your next appointment today!

June 20, 2019

Presently, plasma donors are permitted to make one plasma donation in a 7-day period in accordance with DB Plasma’s Health Canada approved standard operating procedures. This regulation has restricted the amount of plasma that can be collected as well as the amount of money donors can receive. Thankfully, this will no longer be the case as of July 5^th, because long awaited changes to the plasma donation wait period are finally here!

In today’s blog, we’ll be going over everything you need to know about the plasma donation changes that will come into effect on July 5^th.

Increased Weekly Plasma Donation Frequency

Donation frequency will be changed from once a week to two donations in a 7-day period. Donors that opt to donate twice in a week need at least one rest day between the two donation days. For example, you can donate on a Monday and Wednesday, and the next time you’d be eligible to donate would be the following Monday.

Increased Six Month Plasma Donation Frequency

Currently, donors are allowed to donate a maximum of 18 to 23 times in a six-month rolling period depending on their weight. In accordance with the changes made to the frequency of weekly donations, six-month cumulative volume limits will no longer have such restrictions. Plasma donors are now permitted to donate up to 104 times in a year, or twice a week for 52 weeks.

Total Protein Measurements Taken During Registration

Donor safety standards are changing along with the donation wait period, and total protein (TP) is an increasingly important parameter to assess donor eligibility. TP will now be measured in screening stations during the donor registration process as opposed to after donation.

A finger stick test will be performed using a single use sterile lancing device. After a blood sample is collected, the capillary tube will be spun and hematocrit (HCT) and TP will be measured. HCT measurement is replacing the hemoglobin (Hb) which is done at reception. The minimum acceptable TP level is 6.0 g/dl and the minimum acceptable HCT measurement is 38.0%.

Donors with unacceptable TP and HCT levels will be deferred and ineligible to move on to a plasmapheresis session the day they have been tested. Once TP and HCT levels have returned back to normal, a donor can resume with subsequent donations.

What This Means for DB Plasma

Plasma donors at DB Plasma will soon have the opportunity to donate more frequently and will be paid accordingly. Keep your eyes peeled for changes to our donor compensation plan!

Book your next appointment today!

June 3, 2019

Donating plasma is a great way to give back and help patients who suffer from rare and chronic conditions. A significant number of plasma donations are needed to help individuals living with hemophelia, Alpha-1, and primary immune deficiencies. These patients are wholly reliant on plasma donations to lead healthy and productive lives.

Sadly, years of myths and misconceptions have deterred healthy people from donating their plasma. This has led to a shortage of plasma collection in Canada and an inability to meet the demand for plasma products.

We’ve decided it’s time to put these rumours to rest and separate fiction from fact.

Fiction: Donating plasma puts your health at risk.

Fact: This prominent misconception about plasma donation has been notoriously difficult to dispel. Contrary to popular belief, plasma donation in Canada is completely safe. In fact, Canada has one of the safest blood systems in the world due to the strict standards that have been laid out in Health Canada’s Blood Regulations and Food and Drugs Act.

Every establishment that collects plasma in Canada must abide by Health Canada’s regulations so you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

Fiction: Plasma donation is used solely for research.

Fact: As was mentioned previously, plasma is required to treat a variety of rare and chronic conditions. A small number of plasma donations are used for research purposes, but the vast majority are used to produce necessary medicines.

In addition, plasma donations are used to treat patients who have suffered from severe trauma, shock, and burns.

Fiction: Plasma from volunteer donors is safer than from paid donors.

Fact: There is no difference whatsoever between the plasma that is collected from volunteer VS paid donors. Health Canada works diligently to ensure that all plasma is collected safely and according to the correct procedures. Their role is to oversee the safe collection of plasma for both paid and unpaid donations.

Modern technology has also made it possible for all plasma products to be made equally safe and there hasn’t been a transmission of a viral infection in over 20 years.

Fiction: Plasma donation centres specifically target those in unfavourable circumstances.

Fact: There are a number of factors that might influence a person’s decision to donate plasma. Some individuals want to lend a helping hand to the community while others know someone that is reliant on plasma donations for their wellbeing.

We have compensated plasma donations in Canada because plasma from paid donors is needed to meet the demand for plasma products.

Book your next appointment today!