June 1, 2023

Plasmapheresis is a treatment process that separates plasma from blood cells. 

While plasma exchange is similar, there are a couple of key differences. Plasma exchange not only separates plasma from blood, it also removes harmful antibodies from the bloodstream. Usually, this plasma is discarded and substituted with a replacement fluid. Whereas with plasmapheresis, the plasma is manipulated once it’s separated and it’s returned to the body. We’re breaking down all of the specific of these key differences below – so if you aren’t a doctor or a scientist, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. 

What is Plasmapheresis?

Plasmapheresis is the plasma donation process that we use here at our centres. The plasmapheresis process involves being connected to a plasmapheresis machine in order to have your plasma separated and extracted from whole blood. Here’s how the process works here at DB Plasma: 

Step 1. The Plasmapheresis Machine

Donors are connected to a plasmapheresis machine. The plasmapheresis machine withdraws all of the components of blood, separating plasma from the other blood cells before returning those other components back to the body.

Step 2. The Donated Plasma is Frozen 

After you donate plasma, it has to be frozen within 24 hours in order for it to be viable. From there, it will be able to be supplied to patients in need!

Step 3. Patients in Need Receive Plasma Treatments. 

Donated plasma can be used in a variety of different treatments, from treating patients with chronic illnesses to trauma victims. 

When it comes to treating the latter, Plasma is used to heal tissue with platelet-rich plasma therapy, otherwise known as PRP therapy. This is the most common treatment method for healing tissue with plasma due to injuries from everyday accidents.

What is Plasma Exchange? 

While plasmapheresis separates the components of blood and plasma intravenously, plasma exchange involves completely removing the plasma and swapping it in with replacement fluid. This, like plasmapheresis, is a process of apheresis. Apheresis simply describes the process of filtering out the plasma from whole blood: and the key difference between these two processes is what is done with the plasma once it’s separated (ie, it’s filtered or extracted entirely).

Thank You for Donating 

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the differences between plasmapheresis and plasma exchange. We value your time as a donor and appreciate your willingness to be an informed member of the Give Plasma community! To book your plasma donation appointment today, visit our website.

May 1, 2023

Meet Jester Onin Magaling! Jester is the Centre Administrator at our Calgary centre. Centre administrators are responsible for overseeing the day to day operations at our centres, from managing donor relationships to ensuring that our staff have everything that they need to succeed.

Pre-work Prep

One thing that we at DB Plasma have in common with Jester is that we believe in the importance of a balanced breakfast before coming to our centre.

Prior to donating plasma, it’s important that you keep your key nutrient levels up to ensure a smooth donation process and recovery. Aim to eat a healthy meal that’s rich in iron and protein to pass the health screening required to donate plasma!

Foods that are rich in iron include:

• Grains: Oats, quinoa, spelt, whole wheat products, and iron-fortified products.
• Fruit: Figs, dates, raisins, watermelon, and strawberries.
• Vegetables: Broccoli, string beans, cabbage, potatoes, and dark leafy greens. 

Foods that are rich in protein include:

• Nuts and seeds.
• Fish and shellfish.
• Lean meats and poultry.
• Beans, peas, and lentils.

Jester describes breakfast as their “main preparation for the day,” and we couldn’t agree more. 

“I do not go to work without eating breakfast,” Jester said. We love to hear it!

A Typical Work Day

“My favourite part of being the Center Administrator is being able to support the department that needs some help,” Jester said. 

When things get stressful at the centre, Jester enjoys talking with other staff members to unwind, or play a quick cellphone game.

You can also unwind at our centre as a plasma donor. When you donate plasma, you have an hour of me-time during the plasmapheresis process to relax and unwind. Whether, like Jester, you want to play a game on your phone, read a book, catch up on your favourite TV show or phone a friend, it’s an hour of time that you’re earning extra cash without having to work – and when else can you say that!

The Post-Work Wind Down

Jester was promoted from Donation Hall Supervisor to Centre Administrator. Because of this promotion, once the Centre Administrator work is finished, Jester goes to the donation hall “to support staff wherever needed.” 

One of the ways that you can support your post-plasma donation recovery is by grabbing a snack and a bottle of water from reception. Winding down with a nutrient-rich bite to eat and proper hydration is key after your appointment!

Visit a DB Plasma Centre Today

“Working in DB Plasma is very fun especially with the diversity of the staff that we have,” Jester said. 

“We learn a lot with each other. Some staff have some problems of their own and when they work at DB Plasma, they tend to forget their problems. I think all of the staff here know that I am always behind their back supporting them all the time and that is very special to me.”

Thank you to Jester for sharing the kind words and their experience as a Centre Administrator here at DB Plasma! Book your appointment today and help patients in need receive the treatments that they require. And make sure to thank the staff members who you interact with – connecting with each other is one of the perks of being a donor, as well. 

May 1, 2023

What is Plasma?

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. It’s 91-92% water, and the rest of it is comprised of salts and proteins. Plasma is a straw-coloured liquid, colloquially referred to as “liquid gold.” 

Some of the proteins included in plasma are: 

• Immunoglobulins
• Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor 
• Clotting factors
• C1 esterase inhibitor

These proteins are the backbone of plasma’s immune-boosting powers.

How Plasma is Used to Treat Autoimmune Conditions via Plasmapheresis

Plasma is known as a “second-line therapy” treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), after the use of steroids. It can also be used as an alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate steroid injections.

Plasma exchange, known as plasmapheresis, can be used to treat MS (also known as TPE in the context of MS treatment) by “cleaning” the plasma portion of whole blood. Plasmapheresis, to treat MS, is the process of removing plasma from whole blood, cleaning it, and returning it and the blood back into the body. From one arm, blood is removed, then the plasma is separated and returned to the patient in the other arm. The plasmapheresis process takes approximately one hour, and MS patients who require this treatment need it every day for 5-7 days. 

The “cleaning” portion of plasmapheresis is meant to remove inflammatory factors and antibodies from the plasma, helping to reduce overall inflammation and its symptoms in MS patients. These inflammatory factors and antibodies can cause relapses, which is why clearing them out can be beneficial for MS patients.

How Plasma is Used to Treat MS

Plasma therapies can be used to alleviate symptoms of MS for patients with Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). 

There are three main types of MS: 

• RRMS. RRMS stands for Relapsing Remitting MS, which means that the patient’s case can go into remission for an extended period of time. RRMS is the only type of MS that plasma treatment can effectively aid. 
• Secondary Progressive MS. This type of MS is the bridge between RRMS and Primary progressive, with symptoms worsening and little to no remissions/relapses. 
• Primary Progressive MS. Primary Progressive MS means that the condition worsens to disability from the onset of symptoms without any remissions. 

During a relapse, patients with RRMS can use plasma treatments and therapies to mitigate their symptoms. Some of the symptoms of an MS attack include: 

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Trouble with your vision
• Issues with your bladder
• Numb or tingling feelings (pins and needles)
• Problems with your memory
• Trouble concentrating

Plasma can be used to help ease the symptoms of these sudden attacks or flare ups. The plasma of MS patients could attack their own bodies, which is why plasmapheresis can be helpful during these flare ups.

The Importance of Donating Plasma

Plasma donation is essential so that patients with autoimmune conditions can obtain the treatments and therapies that they need to live healthy lives. Book your next plasma donation appointment today to earn some extra income and make a difference in someone else’s life – you may not know the positive impact that you could have, but it could make all the difference in the world for someone who needs a plasma transfusion.

April 1, 2023

The plasma donation process is smooth, effective and streamlined for your comfort and ease. 

First time plasma donors should set aside 2 ½ to 3 hours for their first plasma donation appointment. This is to make time for the health and screening checks that will take place prior to your plasma donation appointment – but the donation process starts before you come through our centre doors. 

The Requirements for Plasma Donation 

In order to donate plasma, you have to meet a set of eligibility requirements. In order to donate plasma, you have to: 

• Be between 17 and 68 years of age.
• Weigh between 50-180 kg.
• Have not had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months. 
• Have not donated blood in the past 56 days.

You also have to have a permanent address within 100 km of one of our facilities and present valid proof of identification. 

How to Prep for Your Appointment 

Prior to donating plasma, it’s important that you’re healthy and hydrated. Your health is a priority to ensure that your plasma won’t be rejected, as well as supporting your post-donation recovery. 

Stay Hydrated 

Plasma is 92% water, so it’s important that you make sure that you’re properly hydrated prior to your plasma donation appointment. Drinking a proper amount of water ensures that your veins are full and ready for donation. It also impacts how your plasma separates during the plasmapheresis process. 

A low volume of plasma collected can be caused by dehydration. Drinking too much caffeine or smoking prior to your appointment can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to: 

• Drink 6-8 cups of water on the day of your donation. 
• Not consume caffeinated beverages at least 6 hours prior to donating. 
• Refrain from smoking for at least 8 hours prior to your appointment. 

Avoid Eating Fatty Foods

Your plasma can be rejected for being lipemic. Lipemic plasma occurs when there is a high concentration of fats in the blood, and it causes plasma to turn milky white and cloudy. This high concentration of fats in the blood makes plasma unsafe to use in plasma-derived medicines and medical treatments. 

Keep Your Protein Levels Up 

A part of the plasma screening process includes measuring your protein levels. It’s important to keep your protein levels up for your plasma donation because plasma contains essential proteins, like antibodies and coagulation proteins. 

There are a few easy ways that you can boost your protein intake prior to your plasma donation appointment. 

• Eat red meat. Protein-rich meat like steak is a great way to get your protein in before you donate plasma!
• Have eggs and dairy. Three large eggs contain 19 grams of protein, making them an easy option for a protein-rich pre appointment breakfast! 
• Incorporate plant-based protein. Tofu, dark leafy greens and edamame are all examples of plant-based protein sources that you can easily throw into a salad or quick snack before your appointment! 

The Plasma Donation Process 

The plasma donation process is broken up into three separate categories that are necessary to safely collect your plasma and to prep you for the donation process. 

Registration 

The first step of your plasma donation appointment is registering. The registration process takes approximately 45 minutes for first time donors. Registration involves: 

1. Presenting valid identification 
2. Completing a questionnaire
3. Reviewing educational material 
4. Reviewing a consent form 
5. Undergoing preliminary health checks, such as blood pressure and temperature 

Screening

The screening portion of the plasma donation process is in place to make sure that you are healthy and capable of donating usable plasma. During the screening process, you will: 

1. Undergo a physical examination
2. Review your registration information with a registered professional 
3. Participate in an interview and a question and answer session 
4. Confirm consent  

Plasmapheresis

Plasma is collected through a process known as plasmapheresis. During plasmapheresis, you are intravenously connected to an apheresis machine. An apheresis machine separates plasma from whole blood and returns your blood back to your body. It takes 50 minutes for an adequate amount of plasma to be separated and collected through plasmapheresis. 

Post Donation Tips 

After the plasmapheresis process, you’re encouraged to take 10 minutes to rest, replenish your body with a snack and hydrate with fluids. We have a variety of snacks and drinks behind our reception desk that you are welcome to grab if you don’t pack a snack! You can also schedule your next plasma donation appointment during this time. 

How Your Plasma Donation Helps Others 

Patients who rely on plasma therapies need donors like you in order to access the treatments they need. In some cases, about 1,000 donations are needed each year to create enough therapies for one patient – meaning that it’s essential as a donor to donate on a regular basis! This also benefits you, as you can earn up to $595 as a new donor in your first month! Book your plasma donation appointment today.

February 28, 2023

Plasma donation can seem like a confusing process, so we’re breaking down the facts, stats and numbers to paint a clear picture of how your plasma donation directly impacts patients in need. 

Breaking Down the Numbers: 

You might be surprised to learn that it takes 130 plasma donations to treat one person with primary immunodeficiency for one year! That’s why it’s so important to donate plasma consistently, especially given the current plasma shortage, as patients who receive plasma treatments rely on donors for source plasma. 

What are the Diseases that Plasma is Used to Treat? 

Did you know that it takes 465 plasma donations to treat someone with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy for one year? If you glazed over the name of that disease, here’s a quick recap: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a regressive neurological disorder that reduces senses in the arms and legs. Some of the symptoms include: 

• Tingling or no feeling in fingers and toes
• Weakness of arms and legs
• Loss of deep tendon (muscle stretch) reflexes
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Unusual feelings in the body

Plasma is also used to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a condition that increases your risk of contracting lung or liver disease. It takes 900 plasma donation to treat one person with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency for one year! 

Treating Bleeding Disorders with Plasma 

Plasma is also used to treat bleeding disorders as well as autoimmune disorders. IT takes 1,200 plasma donation to treat one patient with hemophilia for one year. Hemophilia is an inherited blood disorder in which a person’s blood doesn’t clot properly. Due to plasma’s clotting properties, it can help to manage someone with hemophilia’s symptoms. 

It takes 10-40 donations to create a single dose of one of the serum proteins that plasma is turned into, gamma globulin! Gamma globulin is used to treat immunodeficiency conditions. 

The Importance of Plasma Donation

Needless to say, source plasma’s uses are integral to the health of patients with a variety of immunedeficiency and bleeding disorders, as well as trauma patients! We hope that examining the facts and stats surrounding plasma donation clarified its importance – and why it’s crucial that you donate plasma consistently! Book your next plasma donation appointment today to help patients in need.

February 28, 2023

Blood plasma can be used to treat over 80 autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. While these diseases are considered rare, most of them are genetic and chronic – meaning that those who have these conditions will have to manage them for life. 

How Plasma is Used to Treat Autoimmune Patients?

Donated source plasma is turned into plasma protein therapies, which are used to help boost the immunity of autoimmune patients. Plasma’s immune boosting properties can be harnessed in the form of regular injections and infusions that autoimmune patients will require for life. 

Plasma’s Support for Immune Deficient Patients 

How does blood plasma help to support the health and wellbeing of immune deficient and bleeding disorder patients? It comes down to its core qualities: blood plasma supports immune function, blood pressure, clotting and volume. The proteins contained in plasma help to ensure that a patient doesn’t bleed excessively and dangerously, by supporting blood clotting (known as coagulation). 

Plasma also contains albumin, which helps patients to maintain healthy blood pressure and volume by stopping fluid from leaking into other areas of the body. 

The Immune Disorders that Plasma is Used to Treat: 

Some of the diseases that plasma is used to treat include: 

Guillain-Barré syndrome 

Lambert-Eaton syndrome 

Primary Immunodeficiency Disease 

Kawasaki Disease 

And more! 

Types of Plasma Treatments: 

There are a few key categories of plasma therapies that are made from donated source plasma, including Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor Therapies, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Therapies and Coagulation Factor therapies. To learn more about the various kinds of plasma therapies, check out our blog! 

How You Can Help: 

Donating source plasma is the only way to ensure that patients in need have access to the plasma treatments that they require. There is no man-made substitute for plasma, and with the current plasma supply shortage, patients rely on plasma donors now more than ever. Book your plasma donation appointment today!

February 1, 2023

Plasma donation is the only way to ensure that people who rely on plasma protein therapies have access to the medications and treatments they need to live healthy, well-rounded lives. These patients rely on generous donors to sustain their lives. 

What is Plasma Used For?

Plasma, a straw-coloured component of blood, is used to treat immunocompromised patients as well as trauma, burn, and shock victims. It contains proteins that are essential for treating patients with autoimmune diseases and bleeding disorders, such as primary immunodeficiency disease and Von Willebrand disease. 

What Caused the Plasma Shortage? 

The current plasma shortage was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic supply shortages across the board due to inflation, increased demand and shipping costs, weight producers, exporters and more.  

After the pandemic broke out in 2020, plasma donations remained below pre-pandemic levels, in a study conducted that analyzed plasma donations from 2019-2021. 
Pandemic aside, the demand for plasma has been increasing by 6-10% each year. Canada outsources 80% of our required plasma because Canadians don’t supply enough to meet our own country’s needs. Relying on other countries, such as the United States, poses risks to our supply, as if we are outbid by other countries, our plasma supply will be short and patients will suffer.

How Can Paid Plasma Help With the Shortage?

Paid plasma helps to guarantee a steady, secure supply of plasma. Paying donors encourages consistent donation, and we are proud to fairly compensate our donors for their time and effort.

How Can You Help?

When you donate plasma, you provide immunocompromised patients with the treatments that they need to live healthy lives. 
At DB Plasma, you can earn up to $400/month by consistently donating plasma twice per week! Book a plasma donation appointment at a centre near you to help others while also supplementing your income.

February 1, 2023

Did you know that there are different types of plasma? There are over 100 different types of plasma proteins, that can be separated into three categories: Plasma Albumin, Plasma Globulin and Fibrinogen. To read more about the different types of plasma proteins, check out our blog!

Today, we’d like to talk about convalescent plasma. Convalescent plasma therapy differs from whole blood plasma transfusions: it’s a type of therapy that takes the blood plasma from donors who have recovered from an illness, in order to help others recover.

The Difference Between Regular Plasma and Convalescent

Regular plasma is collected from donors who have to meet a list of requirements that ensures they are healthy enough to donate. Plasma donors are encouraged to eat whole foods and drink plenty of water prior to donation, and at their donation appointment they will be screened and undergo a physical exam to confirm that they are able to donate. You can read more about the health and wellness requirements of plasma donation on our website. 

Convalescent plasma donation comes with a twist: by definition, it has to be collected from someone who has recovered (key distinction here is that they are not still sick!) from a viral infection or illness.

How is it Used to Treat Others?

You might be wondering how convalescent plasma can be used to treat others – let’s get into it. Convalescent plasma – plasma collected from someone who has recovered from a viral illness and/or someone who has been vaccinated against a viral illness  – can help to treat others who are sick with the same infection.

How does this work? When you get sick and recover from a viral illness, or are vaccinated against an illness, you develop antibodies that help you to fight the virus and ultimately recover. These antibodies can be found in plasma, and when transferred into someone who is sick can help them to recover.

The More You Know

It’s important to learn about the different types and methods of plasma donation, so you can be an informed donor. When you donate plasma at DB Plasma, we ensure that you’re in good shape to give healthy blood plasma by conducting a quick screening prior to your appointment. To read more about what your pre-appointment health check will look like, you can learn all about it on our website. 

To earn some extra cash and provide patients in need with plasma, which has amazing, immune boosting properties, book your plasma donation appointment today!

January 4, 2023

What Does the Plasma Donation Process Involve?

Donating plasma is the only way to provide immunocompromised patients with the life-sustaining plasma protein therapies they need to live well-rounded lives. 

Before we dive into how plasma provides you with ample me-time to relax and recharge, it’s important to discuss the intricacies of the plasma donation process. 

Plasma donation is different from blood donation, even though it involves a similar process of blood extraction. Plasma is The key difference is that your blood is actually returned to you through a process known as plasmapheresis. 

What is Plasmapheresis?

A plasmapheresis machine safely collects plasma, the straw-coloured portion of your blood containing vital proteins and vitamins. The device carefully returns your blood back into your body, saving the plasma to be turned into plasma protein therapies. 

Plasma is converted into plasma protein therapies between 7-12 months after it’s extracted. During this time, the plasma is frozen to ensure that it remains fresh and usable. Through a process known as plasma fractionation, it’s converted into therapies that patients who lack proteins in their own plasma rely on to live healthy lives.

What is Plasma Used For? 

Plasma is used to treat patients with a variety of illnesses, conditions and ailments. From trauma victims to patients with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders and more, plasma is liquid gold that is often turned into life-sustaining pharmaceutical products, but can also be used for its clotting properties in emergency medical situations.

How Does Plasma Donation Give You Me-Time? 

Now that we’ve discussed how plasma is used to treat people in need and why, it’s time to highlight not only why you should donate, but why donating plasma is actually good for you!

Plasmapheresis takes approximately 50 minutes, giving you almost an hour to completely relax and unwind. As we mentioned earlier, plasmapheresis involves extracting plasma using a plasmapheresis machine, meaning that you’re connected to the machine for the entirety of the process. 

The process provides you with a rare opportunity to truly relax and unwind – there is nothing for you to do at this time but see the donation process through, meaning that you have 50 minutes of uninterrupted me-time.

We suggest bringing a book, listening to your favourite music, an audiobook, a podcast or watching a comfort TV show! The time can be as relaxing and restorative as you make it. 

Plus, not only do you get some well-earned me-time during the plasma donation process, the act of donating plasma is good for your health.

Studies show that acts of kindness – like doing good for others – can boost your happiness, make you feel connected to a social community and even help you to feel more positively about the world around you.

Why Should You Donate Over the Colder Months?

In winter, we know that it can be tempting to stay indoors and not leave your house when the weather turns cold! 

But patients who require plasma protein therapies to live healthy, well-rounded lives rely on donors year round. It takes 1,000 donors to supply enough plasma for one patient with haemophilia. This holiday season, consider the benefits that giving back offer you and the critical need of those who rely on your donations. Book an appointment at a centre near you today!

January 4, 2023

Plasma, the yellowish-golden component of blood containing vital proteins and vitamins, is used to treat patients who live with autoimmune conditions as well as victims of trauma in emergency situations. 

What Defines a Trauma Victim? 

Trauma victims are patients requiring urgent care for critical injuries and severe wounds. The most common categories of trauma resulting in fatalities range from car accidents to falls. Many survivors of trauma survive – the mortality rate is 20%, and this largely hinges on their post-trauma care. 

Why is Plasma Used to Treat Trauma Victims? 

Plasma is used to treat trauma victims because of its clotting properties. Plasma is separated from red blood cells and platelets (the other components of blood) during the plasmapheresis process. Plasma’s different components also have different shelf lives – when frozen, plasma is usable for up to a year, whereas red blood cells and platelets cannot be safely frozen. 

Plasma contains antibodies, clotting factors, and various proteins. Because of this, plasma can be used to treat trauma, shock and burn victims. 

One study found that, within a 30 day window, 76.8% of patients who received plasma survived, compared to 67% of patients who did not receive plasma and only received standard care. 

How Plasma is Used to Treat Trauma Victims

Plasma transfusions are used to treat a variety of trauma victims – even those in the NICU. 15% of NICU patients are treated with plasma, mostly to treat or prevent bleeding. 

For patients requiring blood transfusions after a massive injury, when they’ve suffered from extensive blood loss, aggressive plasma transfusions have been proven to help people survive!

Plasma transfusions boost blood clotting and volume, helping trauma and burn victims to prevent and treat shock. 

Why Donate Plasma?

In order to live healthy lives, people with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders, and more rely on plasma protein therapies. Plasma donors ensure that patients are able to receive the life-sustaining treatments that they need. Every donation helps! Book a plasma donation appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to help us help others.