January 5, 2021

The holiday season is all about the giving spirit. After everything we’ve gone through this past year, the importance of giving back has become more apparent than ever before. If you’re looking for a good cause to contribute to this holiday season, you should consider plasma donation!

Here are three reasons to donate plasma during the season of giving.

1. The Growing Demand for Plasma Donations

Blood plasma is used to treat several rare conditions, including Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDs) and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, just to name a few. The demand for this straw-coloured liquid portion of blood is only growing, and Canada is among the leading users of human plasma products in the world. Currently, we rely on paid plasma donations from the US to manufacture the majority of our nation’s plasma therapies.

By donating plasma at DB Plasma, you can help pharmaceutical manufacturers meet the growing demand for plasma products. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn up to $400/month for your donations.

2. Contributing to Convalescent Plasma Therapies

Canada began rolling out Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine last week, which was a moment we’ve all been waiting for since this pandemic began. While the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine does signal the beginning of the end, we still have many challenging months ahead of us. Convalescent plasma, the term used for plasma that is collected from an individual who has recovered from a virus, will likely still play a role in helping patients affected by COVID-19.

Since May, DB Plasma has been accepting convalescent plasma donations from COVID-19 survivors and testing all plasma donations for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Your plasma donations can help find a potential treatment for COVID-19.

3. Donating Plasma Is A Great Way to Give Back

Patients with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases rely on the generosity of others to access the treatments they need. Remaining in good health is especially important for these patients during these uncertain times.

DB Plasma is the largest producer of normal and specialty human source plasma for further manufacturing in Canada. When you donate plasma at our centres, you can rest assured that your donations will be making a big difference in the lives of immunocompromised patients.

Plasma donation truly encompasses the spirit of the holidays. To help patients in need during the holiday season and get compensated for your contribution, book an appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you!

January 5, 2021

Donated plasma is used to create a variety of life-saving pharmaceutical products that treat patients with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other ailments. The wide range of uses for this yellowish liquid component of blood is the reason it is often referred to as “liquid gold”. 

In today’s blog, we’ll be unpacking the three main medications that are manufactured from the plasma collected at our centres. Keep reading to find out what they are!

Plasma Product #1: Human Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver that circulates in human plasma. It helps keep fluid in your bloodstream and carries substances including hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout your body.

Medicinal albumin, which is composed of plasma proteins from human blood, helps increase the volume of blood plasma. It can also replenish levels of albumin. Medicinal albumin is mainly used to treat or prevent shock that is brought on by severe burns, serious injury, bleeding, or surgery. Other ailments that albumin is capable of treating include abdominal infections, dialysis, liver failure, pancreatitis, and respiratory distress.

Plasma Product #2: Intratect

This brand of immunoglobulin G-prepared treatments is more commonly known as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most common antibody in blood and other bodily fluids. It plays a vital role in protecting the body against bacterial and viral infections. During the Intratect manufacturing process, the functional activity of IgG is maintained and high standards of purity and viral safety are adhered to.

As with other IVIg therapies, Intratect is administered intravenously by a doctor or nurse. It is used in patients who do not have a sufficient amount of antibodies. This includes patients who are born with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) and those with secondary immunodeficiencies who suffer from severe and/or recurrent infections. Intratect can also be used to treat inflammatory disorders including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barre syndrome, Kawasaki disease, primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN).

Plasma Product #3: Haemoctin

Haemoctin is a plasma-derived medicine that contains the coagulation factor VIII. Coagulation factors are a group of related proteins that help the body form blood clots after injury, therefore preventing further blood loss. Coagulation factor VIII, which is mostly made by cells in the liver, plays an integral part in the blood clotting process.

Patients with haemophilia, an inherited genetic disorder that is characterized by an impaired ability to form blood clots, have either a mutated version of coagulation factor VIII or reduced amounts of this essential protein. Haemoctin can be used to treat and prevent bleeding in patients with haemophilia A.

Human plasma is capable of incredible things, and these products are just a few of the treatments that are manufactured from DB Plasma-collected plasma. To donate your plasma and contribute to the creation of life-changing plasma products, book your next appointment at DB Plasma today!

January 5, 2021

The debate around paid plasma donations is a long-standing one that people on both sides of the argument feel very strongly about. Despite the fact that remunerating donors has been proven to be the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma, there is still uncertainty about the safety and morality of this practice. With plasma products manufactured from convalescent plasma now being trialled to treat COVID-19, it’s never been more important to prevent supply shortages from happening.

Here are three reasons why paid plasma donations should be made legal across Canada.  

1. The Growing Demand for Plasma Donations

Blood plasma, the protein-rich yellow liquid component of blood, has long been used to manufacture a wide range of life-saving therapies. The number of illnesses that can be treated using blood plasma is only increasing and the demand for blood plasma is growing at a rate of 6-10% per year globally. This does not include the demand that has come about as researchers have begun to explore the possibility of convalescent plasma being a viable treatment for COVID-19.

We cannot rely on voluntary, non-remunerated plasma donations alone to meet this growing demand.  The only way to provide immunocompromised patients with the plasma-derived products they rely on is to pay plasma donors.

2. Ensuring A Secure and Sufficient Supply of Plasma

In Canada, we currently import 80% of the plasma therapies we create from the plasma of American donors. In fact, the United States, a nation that permits paid plasma donations,  is responsible for 70% of the global plasma supply. When grouped with other countries that allow plasma donors to be compensated, including Austria, Czechia, Germany, and Hungary, 90% of the total supply of plasma can be accounted for. Clearly, paid plasma donations work.

If we allowed plasma donors to be remunerated across Canada and repealed the Voluntary Blood Donations Act in provinces where it has been enacted, we wouldn’t have to rely so heavily on the plasma of paid American donors. We’ve all witnessed the supply chain issues that have come about as a result of COVID-19, and these same interruptions could happen to the global supply of plasma at any time. This scenario would spell out a matter of life or death for patients who rely on plasma-derived products.

As it stands now, the majority of Canadian plasma donors are not compensated.

3. Paid Plasma Donations Are Both Safe and Ethical

Time and time again, paid plasma donations have been proven to be just as safe as unpaid donations. Health Canada has laid out strict regulatory requirements that plasma collectors must abide by and they oversee the safe collection of plasma. All donors are required to undergo rigorous screenings to ensure tainted blood supplies never make their way to patients who are receiving these life-saving therapies.   

Paid plasma donations are also ethical, as they incentivize rather than coerce donors to give plasma. By paying plasma donors, you increase the range of options available to them. A mutually beneficial situation in which donors are paid for their time and effort and patients are able to receive the treatments they rely on is also created when donors are compensated.

As of late, there has been some good news on the paid plasma donation front in Canada. The Alberta legislature has officially repealed the Voluntary Blood Donations Act, which means Albertans can now receive remuneration for their plasma donations! As long time proponents of this practice, we’re thrilled to see some progress being made. 

If you’d like to help create life-saving therapies for immunocompromised patients and get compensated for your contribution, book an appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you! 

January 5, 2021

Paid plasma donations are largely responsible for the creation of plasma therapies. In fact, compensated plasma accounts for 89% of all the world’s plasma that is used to manufacture plasma-derived products. It’s statistics like these that motivate us to continue to pave the way for paid plasma donations in Canada.

If you’re interested in learning how you can earn up to $4,680/year as a plasma donor at DB Plasma, keep reading to find out!

Donate Plasma Consistently

With our donor compensation program, donors get rewarded with more compensation the more they donate! All donors who give plasma at DB Plasma start at Orange level. At this level, donors earn $30 for their first donation of the week and $50 for their second donation of the week.

Donors who have given plasma twice per week for two consecutive weeks move on to Silver level. Silver level donors are eligible to receive $30 for their first donation of the week and $55 for their second donation of the week.

The highest level donors can reach is Gold level. Donors attain this status after they’ve given plasma twice per week for two more consecutive weeks (following the initial two consecutive weeks). These two weeks of consecutive donations do not need to occur back to back. Gold level donors are eligible to receive $30 for their first donation of the week and $60 for their second donation of the week!

Refer a Friend

Another great way to earn additional compensation is by referring a friend or family member to donate plasma! Donors who refer a friend or family member to donate plasma are eligible to receive a $25 bonus so long as the referee follows through on the donation. Here’s how the donor referral process works:

1. Send a text message, WhatsApp message, Facebook message, Instagram DM or Twitter DM to the person you’re referring.

2. Include your full name in the message

3. Have the referee show the message to our reception staff after they donate.

We’re also offering referees the opportunity to earn a one time $50 bonus if they start donating by November 29^th!

Participate in Events

At DB Plasma, we regularly hold events that give donors the opportunity to earn a monetary bonus if they meet certain donation criteria. To make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities to earn additional compensation, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and keep an eye out for our announcements!

We’ve seen firsthand just how beneficial paying plasma donors can be for both donors and patients alike. To contribute to a good cause and make money all the while, book your next plasma donation appointment!

January 5, 2021

Plasma donation is an incredible process that is responsible for the creation of several life-altering therapies. Millions of people around the world donate plasma every year, and the highly controlled, clinical environments where plasma donations take place are required to abide by strict regulatory requirements to keep donors safe. That being said, there are new safety concerns that have arisen for plasma donors since the arrival of COVID-19.

At DB Plasma, we’ve continually revised our precautionary measures to reflect the current status of COVID-19. Without further ado, here’s how we’ve altered the plasma donation process at our centres to keep donors safe during this unprecedented time.

Step 1: Registering

The registration portion of the donation process is where we confirm the eligibility of new donors and perform preliminary health checks. For first-time plasma donors, the registration process typically takes 25 minutes, and during this time they:

·  Present valid identification

·  Complete a questionnaire

·  Review educational material

·  Review the consent form

·  Undergo preliminary blood pressure and temperature checks

This process gets easier and faster for return donors, who usually only spend 10 minutes in registration. To minimize contact between donors and staff and ensure safe physical distancing, we’ve put plexiglass barriers at our reception desks and asked donors not to enter our centres more than five minutes before their appointment time. We’ve also increased the frequency with which we clean donor folders and our staff now wear gloves at all times.

Step 2: Screening

To ensure donors are in good health and eligible to give plasma, all of our donors undergo a screening prior to donating. Similarly to the registration process, first-time donors spend approximately 25 minutes being screened while return donors spend roughly 10 minutes being screened. Donors undergo a physical examination, review registration information with a medical professional, participate in a question and answer session, and confirm consent when being screened.

All of our screening staff are required to wear masks during this stage of the plasma donation process. They also diligently clean all of the equipment in our screening rooms after every screening.

Step 3: Donating Plasma

Once a donor has been given the green light to donate, they are escorted to a donor bed, prepped for donation, and connected to an apheresis machine. All of the beds in our donation halls are spread apart so that donors can safely give plasma six feet away from one another. During the venipuncture procedure, where staff access a donor’s vein in order to subsequently extract plasma via plasmapheresis, donors are asked to breathe away from staff members to avoid close contact. We’ve also asked our donors to refrain from walking around, speaking with other donors, and talking on their phones when they are in our donation halls.

Donors are continuously monitored by staff during plasmapheresis to ensure everything is going smoothly. When they are finished with plasmapheresis, which usually takes 50 minutes to complete, the beds and apheresis machines that were used are thoroughly cleaned.

Step 4: Relaxing

The last part of the plasma donation process involves relaxing, enjoying snacks and refreshments in our waiting rooms, and scheduling your next appointment. To minimize contact, we’ve moved all snacks behind our reception desks. Donors now have to ask reception staff for snacks and refreshments.

All seating in our waiting rooms has been set up for physical distancing. We’ve added signage to split up our waiting rooms and minimize the amount of cross traffic. One side is now designated for donors who have just been registered while the other side is for donors who have just finished donating or are waiting to donate.

Keeping our donors and staff safe has always been our top priority at DB Plasma, and we will continue to do everything in our power to make everyone feel comfortable. Giving plasma is more important now than ever before, and together we can help provide vulnerable patients with the treatments they need. Book your next appointment today! 

September 30, 2020

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that targets the body’s nerves. It is the most common form of chronic autoimmune neuropathy, and it is one of many disorders that can be treated using plasma products. Keep reading to learn more about CIDP and how blood plasma is used to manage this condition.

What are the Symptoms of CIDP?

Symptoms of CIDP progress slowly and occur over the course of at least two months. Chief symptoms of CIDP can include:

• Impaired motor function
• Loss of balance and your ability to walk
• Loss of sensation in your arms and legs
• Loss of reflexes
• Tingling sensations or in your arms and legs
• The gradual weakening of your arms and legs

Other symptoms may include burning, clumsiness, pain, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and double vision. 

What Causes CIDP?

Anyone can get CIDP, but people in their 50s and 60s are more likely to develop it. Men are also twice as likely as women to get this autoimmune disorder. Experts haven’t identified why people get CIDP, but what is known is that it is caused by inflammation of the nerves and nerve roots.

When someone has CIDP, their body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheaths, which are the protective covering around nerve cells. This can damage nerve fibres and impair the nerves’ ability to send signals.

How is CIDP Diagnosed?

CIDP is a rare disorder, which means it can be difficult to diagnose. There’s no test available that diagnosis CIDP, so doctors typically ask patients questions about their symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. Doctors may also do blood and urine tests, a nerve conduction study or a lumbar puncture, which is a procedure that involves extracting a small sample of your cerebrospinal fluid in an effort to detect elevated levels of specific proteins that are associated with CIDP.

Healthcare providers sometimes confuse symptoms of CIDP with those of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), which is another illness that causes nerve problems. However, unlike GBS, CIDP isn’t brought on by an illness. CIDP also tends to be a longer-term problem.

How is CIDP Treated?

Early treatment is extremely important for patients who have CIDP, and it is critical to preventing irreversible damage. The sooner a patient begins treatment, the better their chances are of a full recovery. Common treatments for CIDP include steroids, plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).

Plasma exchange is used to remove immune system proteins that may be contributing to nerve damage from the blood. This treatment method has proven to be effective in up to 80% of patients.

Intravenous immunoglobulin, which is a plasma product composed of antibodies from donors, is used to mitigate the effects of an individual’s immune response. It is most effective in patients who have had symptoms of CIDP for less than a year and/or present acute symptoms of the disorder. IVIg is often used in combination with steroid treatments.

CIDP is a disorder that exemplifies just how life-changing plasma products can be. With early intervention, patients can lead relatively normal lives and avoid permanent physical impairments. If you’d like to help create therapies for patients in need, book an appointment at DB Plasma today! Every donation helps.

September 25, 2020

It’s officially been over half a year since the world went into lockdown and COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. A lot has happened since then, and we’ve all had to adapt to the social distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitation practices that are required during this unprecedented time. We’ve also learned a lot more about the nature of this novel coronavirus, but with that said, we’re still a long way away from finding a vaccine. To date, convalescent plasma remains at the forefront of potential treatment options that can be made readily available.

In today’s blog, we’ll be unpacking what early convalescent plasma studies have revealed about its efficacy against COVID-19.

What Is Convalescent Plasma?

Convalescent plasma is the term used for plasma, the yellow, protein-rich component of blood, that is collected from an individual who has recovered from a virus. It is a treatment method that has been used during epidemics for more than 110 years, and the scientific community has been exploring the viability of it since the emergence of COVID-19.

The idea behind convalescent plasma therapy as a potential treatment for COVID-19 is that individuals who have recovered from the virus now have an acquired immunity to it due to the presence of virus-specific antibodies in their plasma. These antibodies are specifically designed to fight the pathogen, and when they are transferred from recovered patients to sick patients, they provide them with passive immunity.

Emerging Evidence of Convalescent Plasma Efficacy for COVID-19

During the early days of the pandemic, a small study in China revealed that five critically ill COVID-19 patients who were treated with convalescent plasma all recovered after receiving treatment. Although no conclusive evidence could be drawn from this study, it was an early sign of hope, and since then numerous larger studies have been conducted.

One such study that has shown even more promise is Houston Methodist’s ongoing study of 350 patients that have been treated with convalescent plasma. This study tracked critically ill COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Houston Methodist’s system of eight hospitals over a period of 28 days from March 28th to July 6th. It measured the medical effectiveness of transfusing severely ill COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma by comparing them to a similar group of COVID-19 patients who did not receive treatment. 

The study found that therapies administered within 72 hours of hospitalization provided the most effective results and reduced mortality rates. Patients treated with convalescent plasma early in their illness were more likely to survive and recover than patients who did not receive treatments.

A Cautiously Optimistic Outlook

There are dozens of studies similar to the Houston Methodist study taking place worldwide, and Canadian researchers are leading the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial for COVID-19, which involves more than 1,000 patients. While there is emerging evidence that convalescent plasma is a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19, it will take a while to generate sufficient data to confirm these findings. With that said, in due time results from prospective and well-controlled randomized trials will provide us with the answers we need.

At DB Plasma, we’ve joined forces with world-leading plasma companies to help manufacture a potential treatment for COVID-19 and contribute to clinical trials that will help determine the efficacy of convalescent plasma. To learn more about how your plasma can potentially help COVID-19 patients, visit the COVID-19 program page on our website.

August 27, 2020

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a life-saving treatment manufactured from human plasma. It is used to treat a host of rare and chronic conditions, some of which include primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs), Kawasaki disease, and hereditary angioedema. IVIG has come a long way since it was first used in 1952, and today it is a widely-used product that is considered to be safe. Here’s a look at how IVIG therapy came to be.

Fractionation and Intramuscular Immune Globulin (IMIG)

There are several scientific discoveries and events that contributed to the creation of IVIG treatments. One notable discovery that helped make IVIG treatments possible is plasma fractionation, the process of separating the various components in blood plasma.

The invention of fractionation was born out of necessity during WWII. Countless American soldiers were bleeding out on the battlefield and going into shock before they had the chance to receive medical aid. Dr. Edwin J. Cohn, a biochemist and protein scientist, stepped in to help and figured out a way to individually separate the proteins in human plasma so that albumin, the chief protein constituent of plasma, could be quickly administered and increase blood volume.

In 1941, Dr. Cohn was commissioned by the Department of the Navy to develop a large-scale fractionation process to separate albumin from plasma. More than 2 million units of albumin were manufactured as a result of his invention and purified immune globulin treatments were made possible. The first human immune globulin treatments were intramuscular immune globulin (IMIG) injections that were extremely painful when administered, but life-altering for immunocompromised patients nonetheless.

First Generation IVIGs

The first generation of IVIGs came to be after Dr. Ogden Bruton, an Army lieutenant colonel and practicing pediatrician, successfully administered immune globulin as a subcutaneous treatment to an 8-year-old boy who had congenital agammaglobulinemia. Dr. Charles A. Janeway Jr., an immunologist from Harvard School of Medicine, subsequently used Bruton’s work to establish IM dosages of immune globulins as a treatment for primary immune deficiency (PIDD) patients. These immune globulin injections became a standard treatment for PIDD patients between 1950 and 1960.

By 1970, the first generation of intravenous immune globulins were created and patients were able to receive large amounts of immune globulin for the first time, which resulted in fewer infections for PIDD patients. IVIG treatments were also found to be effective against previously untreatable diseases, like Kawasaki syndrome.

Second Generation IVIGs

The first generation of IVIGs were far from perfect and the use of pepsin, a naturally occurring enzyme, to break apart proteins decreased the immune globulin activity. Thankfully, by the mid-1980s they were able to figure out a way to use sugars and amino acids to make the products more tolerable in large doses, which meant patients could receive large quantities of IVIGs with fewer associated side effects. 

Third Generation IVIGs

To improve the safety of IVIGs and prevent the possibility of virus transmission, steps such as solvent-detergent and pasteurization were added to the third generation of IVIGs. These effectively destroyed harmful viruses and unwanted organisms, making the treatment even safer. This manufacturing practice became the new standard in the 1990s. 

Fourth Generation IVIGs

The IVIGs that are available today are fourth generation IVIGs. They are safer and better tolerated than prior generations, and they are used to treat patients with rare diseases around the world. 

IVIG treatments have drastically improved over the years and their safety and efficacy have made it possible for immunocompromised patients can receive the treatments they need with minimal risk. To help create this life-changing product for patients in need, book your next appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you. Every donation makes a difference in someone’s life.

August 21, 2020

Plasma donation is a fulfilling experience from start to finish. Not only does this act of kindness help patients in need, but there are also many positive aspects of plasma donation for donors themselves. If you’re thinking about becoming a donor, these 5 benefits of donating plasma should be taken into consideration!

1. Compensation

At DB Plasma, we compensate our donors to show our appreciation for the time and effort they put into donating plasma. With our new Super Hero Rewards loyalty program, Orange level donors can earn up to $80 per week, Silver level donors can earn up to $85 per week, and Gold level donors can earn up to $90 per week. If donors retain their Gold status throughout the year, they can earn up to $520 in additional compensation for the whole year!

2. Me-Time

After everything that’s gone on over the past few months, all of us deserve to relax, unwind, and get some much-needed me-time. Plasma donation is the perfect opportunity to do just that!

The plasmapheresis portion of the plasma donation process, where donors are intravenously connected to apheresis machines that receive and separate donor blood into its individual components, takes roughly 50 minutes to complete. During this time, our donors typically read novels, listen to podcasts, or watch their favourite TV series.

3. Improved Heath

One benefit of regularly donating plasma that isn’t often discussed is the fact that doing so can actually improve the health of the donor. The rigid screening processes donors undergo prior to donating, including blood pressure measurements and temperature checks, allow them to know their current health status. This can help with early disease detection. 

4. Exciting Giveaways and Bonuses

We have plenty of exciting giveaways and bonus opportunities for our plasma donors throughout the year. With our Super Hero Rewards program, donors who give plasma at least once a month are automatically entered into our monthly Walmart Gift Card prize draws. We’re also giving away a brand new iPhone 11 Pro to one lucky donor this month!

In addition to our giveaways, we also regularly host events where we give donors the opportunity to earn additional compensation. If donors refer a friend or family member through our donor referral program, they can earn a $25 bonus!

5. Helping Others

One of the greatest benefits of plasma donation is helping others. Not only is the plasma donated at DB Plasma used to help create life-saving therapies for immunocompromised patients that are especially vulnerable during this time, but it is also being used to help find a potential treatment for COVID-19. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than giving back. 

Providing plasma donors with the best donation experience possible is something we pride ourselves on at DB Plasma, and we’re always happy to welcome new donors to our centres. Become a donor at DB Plasma and experience the numerous benefits of plasma donation for yourself!  

July 30, 2020

Plasma is a protein-rich component of blood that helps your body defend itself against infections. It is used to treat a host of rare diseases and is often described as being “yellow”, “gold”, or “straw-coloured”, but that isn’t always the case. A number of factors can cause plasma to become discoloured and/or cloudy, which can affect the viability of a donation. 

In today’s blog, we’ll be exploring the reasons why blood plasma isn’t always yellow. 

Why Is Blood Plasma Yellow?

Before we get into all the reasons behind discoloured plasma, it’s important to first establish why plasma is supposed to be yellow. The reason plasma is typically yellow in colour and not red like our blood is due to a pigment called bilirubin. Bilirubin is the end product of red blood cell (haemoglobin) breakdown. It is circulated in your blood then travels to your liver where it is processed and eventually removed. Higher bilirubin values cause a stronger yellow blood plasma colour.

Other bodily components that contribute to plasma’s yellow hue are carotenoids, which are pigments commonly found in fruits and vegetables like carrots, and haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells.

Causes of Blood Plasma Discolouration

Common hues that are seen when plasma becomes discoloured are reddish-orange and green. Reddish-orange plasma is usually caused by red blood cells that have ruptured and decomposed, which is a process known as haemolysis. Smokers are more prone to having reddish-orange plasma due to the contaminated lack of oxygen in their system. Unfortunately, plasma that is too red cannot be used.

Green plasma, on the other hand, has been attributed to elevated levels of a copper-containing pigment called ceruloplasmin. Hormonal medications, like the pill, can cause higher levels of ceruloplasmin in the body. Infections and medical dyes used in diagnostic procedures can also cause green plasma.  

Causes of Cloudy Blood Plasma

In addition to being reddish-orange and green, plasma can also sometimes be milky white and cloudy. This phenomenon, known as lipemia, occurs when a donor has consumed fatty food prior to donating. Cloudy blood plasma cannot be used to manufacture plasma products. 

How to Improve the Quality of Your Plasma

As a plasma donor, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your plasma is the best possible quality. We recommend that donors refrain from smoking at least 8 hours prior to plasma donation. Donors should also avoid eating fatty foods like potato chips, pizza, peanut butter, and French fries before donating.

At DB Plasma, our goal is to safely contribute to the creation of as many life-saving therapies as possible. We measure each and every plasma unit we collect against a colour chart to ensure they meet manufacturing requirements. Book your next appointment today to help us help patients in need.