July 24, 2020

Compensating donors is a practice we’ve been long-time proponents of at DB Plasma. Not only do paid plasma donations help us show our appreciation for the time and effort our donors put into helping others; they have also been proven time and time again to be the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma.

The importance of paid plasma donations for donors and patients alike cannot be overstated, which is why we’re always looking for ways to optimize our compensation plan. Without further ado, here are 3 benefits of our brand new Super Hero Rewards loyalty program that launched on July 6, 2020!

1. Ongoing Payments

With our new Super Hero Rewards loyalty program, there are three levels donors can achieve:

• Orange level: All donors who give plasma at DB Plasma start at this level. They will receive $30 for their first donation of the week and $50 for their second donation of the week.
• Silver level: Donors who give plasma twice per week for two consecutive weeks will reach Silver level. They will receive $30 for their first donation of the week and $55 for their second donation of the week.
• Gold level: Donors who give plasma twice per week for two more consecutive weeks, following the initial two consecutive weeks, will reach Gold level. These two weeks of consecutive donations do not have to occur back to back. Gold level donors will receive $30 for their first donation of the week and $60 for their second donation of the week. 

Instead of donors receiving their additional compensation in a lump sum payment, the additional compensation Silver and Gold level donors earn will be paid following their plasma donations over the course of the year. With this program, you’ll be able to spend the additional compensation you earn sooner rather than later!

2. Opportunities to Earn More

DB Plasma’s current Super Hero Rewards loyalty program gives donors the opportunity to earn more bonuses much sooner! Donors no longer have to wait for their 25^th donation to start earning $4 bonuses and their 50^th donation to start earning $5 bonuses, as was the case with our previous program. Now donors can earn $5 bonuses after giving plasma twice per week for two consecutive weeks and $10 bonuses if they give plasma twice per week for two more consecutive weeks. This means that donors can start earning up to $85/week after four consecutive donations and up to $90/week after eight consecutive donations (if they choose to do their two consecutive weeks of two donations per week back to back).

3. Promoting More Plasma Donations

Last but certainly not least, our new program is designed to promote more plasma donations. For donors to maintain their Silver or Gold status, they must donate plasma at least once per calendar week. If a donation is missed in a given week, donors will return back to the Orange level. For donors to earn their additional $5 or $10 bonuses after attaining Silver or Gold status, they must give plasma twice per calendar week.

With this plan, we hope to encourage donors to give plasma as much as they possibly can. At the end of the day, more plasma donations lead to the creation of more life-saving therapies for chronically ill patients.

To learn more about our new Super Hero Rewards loyalty program, visit the Compensation page on the Canadian Plasma Resource’s website. To start earning your bonuses as soon as possible, book your next appointment today!

June 30, 2020

Plasma has been found to be an effective treatment for a number of rare diseases, and hereditary angioedema (HAE) is one of them. Hereditary angioedema is a genetic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling of the skin and other parts of the body. Read on to learn more about hereditary angioedema and how plasma products are used to manage the condition. 

What are the Symptoms of Hereditary Angioedema?

The symptoms of HAE typically begin in childhood and persist for the rest of a person’s life. The skin and tissue directly underneath the skin are usually the areas of the body most affected by swelling, though it can also happen on other parts of the body, including:

• Feet
• Hands
• Face
• Intestinal tract
• Mouth or throat

When recurrent episodes of severe skin swelling occur in the intestinal tract, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting may occur. Swelling in a person’s airway can lead to restricted breathing and potentially life-threatening obstruction. Symptoms of hereditary angioedema can worsen during puberty.

What are the Causes of Hereditary Angioedema?

Hereditary angioedema is an inherited disorder that individuals are born with. The most common form of HAE is caused by a single copy of an abnormal gene that can be inherited from either parent. The parent that carries the abnormal gene has a 50% chance of passing it on to their offspring, regardless of gender. Sometimes it can also occur due to a spontaneous new gene mutation.

Type I and type II HAE are caused by mutations in the C1NH gene, which is responsible for making a blood protein known as C1-inhibitor. Individuals with hereditary angioedema type I, the most common form, have a deficiency of this protein. Those with hereditary angioedema type II have normal levels of the protein, but they don’t function properly.

How is Hereditary Angioedema Diagnosed?

Recurrent episodes of severe swelling that aren’t able to be treated using antihistamines or steroid therapy are a telltale sign of HAE. Doctors will usually ask patients questions about their swelling and any allergies they may have, conduct a physical exam, and have a blood test done to confirm the diagnosis.

How is Hereditary Angioedema Treated?

Plasma-derived C1-INH products, like Haegarda and Kalbitor, have been proven to be an effective treatment for HEA. Many patients living with the disease rely on these plasma products to make their condition more manageable. 

Since these products contain the C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) protein that the majority of patients with hereditary angioedema are lacking, by receiving regular treatments patients can correct their underlying deficiency and reduce inflammation in the body. These treatments can be injected or infused either in a clinical setting or at home. 

With the right treatments, patients with hereditary angioedema can manage their condition and their quality of life can vastly improve as a result. To contribute to the creation of life-altering plasma treatments that people with disorders like HAE rely on, book an appointment at DB Plasma today. Every donation helps.

June 23, 2020

Plasma donation is a complex process that involves a range of scientists and healthcare professionals. From nurses and production managers to registration and plasma processing staff, every team member plays an essential role.

If you’ve donated plasma in the past, you were probably assisted by one team member in particular during your donation session – a phlebotomist. In today’s blog, we’ll be shining a light on these incredible medical professionals and explaining how they contribute to the plasma donation process. 

What Are Phlebotomists?

Phlebotomists are trained professionals who specialize in extracting blood for research, transfusion, testing or donation purposes. To become a phlebotomist, one has to complete a phlebotomy program at an accredited institution. Once accreditation is attained, a phlebotomist will typically end up working in a hospital, clinic, laboratory or donation centre.

What Job Duties Do Phlebotomists Perform?

Standard job duties that phlebotomists perform include:

·  Explaining the blood draw process.

·  Prepping patients for blood draws.

·  Performing venipuncture and drawing blood.

·  Assisting patients or donors if they experience adverse reactions to their blood being drawn.

·  Identifying, labelling, and tracking samples collected.

·  Maintaining the supplies and equipment used to draw blood.

Most importantly, phlebotomists need to be able to care for patients and ensure that the samples collected aren’t tainted and don’t degrade. 

The Role of Phlebotomists at DB Plasma

Phlebotomists are an essential part of our business at DB Plasma, and we wouldn’t be able to conduct plasma donations without them. They work closely with our donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience and are there to guide them every step of the way.

In addition to the duties listed above, phlebotomists at our centres also do the following:

·  Check in donors for their appointment.

·  Ensure donor confidentiality.

·  Set up apheresis machines according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·  Operate apheresis machines and other equipment according to SOPs.

·  Attend to donor needs and ensure they are safe and comfortable throughout.

·  Maintain accurate documentation throughout the plasmapheresis procedure.

·  Report quality issues or procedural deviation to the QSM department and management.

·  Assist physician substitutes as needed.

Over the years, we’ve seen how our phlebotomists exercise compassion for our plasma donors and the difference their infectious smiles and personable nature makes in the donation experience. We couldn’t be more thankful for the many amazing phlebotomists that work for us!

Book your next appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to meet our incredible team of phlebotomists and help create life-saving treatments.

May 28, 2020

The apheresis machine is a revolutionary invention that has helped streamline the plasma donation process. If you’ve donated plasma, you’ve probably come in close contact with this machine, but not many people are aware of its origins. Read on to find out more about the history of apheresis machines and how they’ve forever changed the healthcare industry.

What Is an Apheresis Machine?

An apheresis machine is a medical device that receives blood from a donor’s body and separates it into its individual components: white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. This apparatus is used for donation purposes and in therapeutic procedures. Depending on the reason behind apheresis, blood components can either be isolated and collected or returned to the body.

When an apheresis machine is being used for the purpose of plasma donation, the procedure is referred to as “plasmapheresis”. During plasmapheresis, donors are intravenously connected to an apheresis machine that draws whole blood, separates plasma from other blood components, and returns non-plasma components to donors’ bodies. It typically takes around 50 minutes for this process to complete. 

The Invention of Apheresis Machines

Prior to the invention of the apheresis machine in 1972, blood had to be collected and mechanically separated into its various components to treat specific medical conditions. This arduous process required a lot more blood to be donated in order to treat a patient with the blood component they required.

Thankfully, in the ‘60s a man by the name of Herb Cullis came along and began working on a machine that would revolutionize the blood donation process. Cullis was an American medical technologist who knew he wanted to use his skill set to help others ever since he began his studies at the University or Maryland. In 1965, Cullis got the opportunity to do just that when the American Instrument Company hired him and tasked him with building a machine that draws blood from donors, separates platelets out, and returns remaining blood components.

By 1972, Cullis was able to successfully build the first blood separator, Fenwal CS3000™, with seven other team members. The term “apheresis”,  a Greek word for “to separate”, was coined thanks to Cullis’ work and started to be used as a clinical term in 1979.

The Fenwal CS3000™ has since been distributed worldwide, and Cullis considers it to be his most important invention to date. He received the Dale Smith award from the American Association for Blood Bankers in recognition of his achievement.

The Impact of Apheresis Machines on Plasma Donations

Apheresis machines have made it possible for plasma donors to donate more frequently than they otherwise would have been able to. It also allows plasma collection facilities to collect an overall greater amount of plasma per donation session. Since hundreds of plasma donations are typically required to treat just one patient with an immune disorder or autoimmune condition, this capability has far-reaching impacts.

At DB Plasma, we use apheresis machines every day at our donation centres, and we’ve seen firsthand how amazing these devices are. In this time of need, we’ve decided to expand the use of our apheresis machines and collect plasma that can be used to help find a potential treatment.

If your plasma does not contain the antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 required to manufacture a potential treatment, it will still be used to create life-saving therapies for immunocompromised patients. Book your next appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to help vulnerable patients during this especially challenging time. 

May 26, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world as we know it, and finding a viable COVID-19 treatment will undoubtedly be one of the most important scientific discoveries made during our lifetime. One treatment that researchers have been exploring since COVID-19 came to light is using a plasma-derived therapy to help COVID-19 patients that are experiencing serious complications.

Several plasma-derived therapy alliances have been created in an attempt to find a treatment. With DB Plasma centres being among the leading plasma collection facilities in Canada, we knew that joining the cause was well within our capabilities. Here’s how DB Plasma is helping find a potential treatment for COVID-19.

The Scientific Community Coming Together

World-leading plasma companies have joined forces in an effort to accelerate the development of a potential treatment for COVID-19. This bold move is unlike anything the industry has seen before, and smaller institutions have been called on to join alliances.

The hope is that these collaborations will expedite the process of bringing a potential therapy to market and increase supply. Through this collaborative effort, scientists will also have the opportunity to leverage their expertise by utilizing work that participating companies already have underway.

How DB Plasma Is Helping Find a Potential COVID-19 Treatment

DB Plasma has joined leading plasma fractionators in North America and Europe to help develop a plasma-derived therapy for COVID-19. In order to develop said therapy, plasma containing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 will need to be collected from donors. This plasma will then be used in clinical trials and/or to manufacture a potential treatment.

How Donors Can Help

There are two types of plasma donations that may qualify for the programs DB Plasma is involved in:

1. Convalescent Plasma Donations

One of the programs we’re participating in requires that donors have a prior COVID-19 diagnosis and that they provide the test results. Donors must wait 28 days after fully recovering from the virus to begin donating plasma. They must also meet the eligibility requirements to donate blood plasma. Convalescent plasma donations will be used in clinical trials and in the manufacturing of a potential treatment.

2. SARS-CoV-2 Tested Donations

All plasma donations made at DB Plasma will be tested for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Plasma that contains COVID-19 antibodies will be used to manufacture a SARS-CoV-2 hyper immunoglobulin (HIg) therapy at a facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

Donors who are eligible for these programs will receive a bonus on top of their regular compensation. If your plasma is found to contain no COVID-19 antibodies, it will still be used to create life-saving therapies for patients with rare and chronic conditions.

COVID-19 has affected us all in one way or another, and if you’ve survived the disease, this is your opportunity to help those at risk do the same. Book your next appointment at DB Plasma today and be on the right side of history.

April 6, 2020

Life as we know it has drastically changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and navigating this new world can be a challenge, to say the least. Nobody knows how long this coronavirus pandemic will last or when the curve will start to flatten. Infectious disease experts are still learning the specifics of how exactly it is spread and government bodies are constantly updating their recommendations and policies.

We’ve entered unchartered territory, and that means everyone needs to make adjustments in their everyday life. In today’s blog, we’ll be providing guidance on how to handle scenarios you may find yourself in during the coronavirus pandemic:

Getting Supplies

Preparing for a pandemic of this proportion is important, but that doesn’t mean you need to stockpile every household item you can get your hands on. Here are the essentials you should supply yourself with:

• EPA-approved disinfectants
• Prescription medications
• Non-perishable goods (canned foods, dried goods)
• Frozen goods
• Trash bags
• Laundry detergent

Necessary Outings

The Government of Canada is recommending that people practice physical (social) distancing as much as possible. With that said, you’ll likely need to go to the grocery store or run other necessary errands at some point. Here’s how you should handle outings during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Have a Plan in Place

The fewer people going in and out of your household, the better. You should designate one person to be the household errand-runner to minimize outside exposures. Also, have a disinfecting station set up in a low-traffic area where the errand-runner can sanitize the items they are bringing into your home. 

2. Be Cautious and Prepared When You’re Out

When you’re in public you’ll want to practice physical distancing by staying at least six feet away from other people. Bring along an EPA-approved disinfectant and wipe down the handles of carts and baskets you’ll be touching. Wash and/or sanitize your hands as frequently as you can and avoid touching your face.

3. Practice Good Hygiene When You Get Back

When you return to your residence, you’ll want to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Make use of your disinfecting station, and sanitize all the items you have purchased. All produce should be thoroughly rinsed before being put in your kitchen. 

Everyday Chores

Even everyday chores like laundry and cleaning need to be altered in the wake of the novel coronavirus. We recommend doing the following:

Laundry

• Thoroughly disinfect your laundry hamper.
• Avoid shaking dirty laundry or tossing it between baskets.
• Clothes, linens, and towels should be frequently washed on the warmest setting to remove germs.

Cleaning

• Clean everything you touch, but especially high-touch areas like doorknobs, keys, keyboards, and your phone.
• Items should be left wet for at least 3 minutes after using EPA-approved disinfectants.

Taking Care of Your Pets

There’s little evidence to support the fact that dogs and cats are susceptible to catching the coronavirus, but they can be carriers of the virus as a surface. If you want to play with your pet outside, maintain physical distance from others and don’t let people touch your pet. If you end up getting sick and don’t have anyone else to take care of your pet, wash your hands as frequently as possible.

Someone In Your Home Getting Sick

The majority of people who get COVID-19 will only have mild symptoms and they’ll be able to recover at home. They should only be brought to the hospital if they are at risk of getting seriously ill. These are the precautions you should be taking if you’re looking after a loved one that has been diagnosed with COVID-19 at home:

• Consult with their doctor by phone or email.
• Isolate the sick person in a separate room and ask them to use a different bathroom if you have one available.
• Refrain from sharing items with them.
• Wear gloves if you need to do their laundry.
• If you have a facemask available, ask them to wear it.
• Continue to frequently clean your home and wash your hands.

With these tips, we hope you’ll be able to better navigate life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, DB Plasma will be remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are an eligible donor in good health, we ask that you book and keep your appointments. Donated plasma is essential to creating lifesaving therapies for patients living with rare and chronic conditions.

Source

Andrew, S. (2020). How to coronavirus-proof your home. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/03/health/coronavirus-tipsheets/coronavirus-proof-your-home/index.html

April 3, 2020

The healing benefits of plasma are truly incredible, and the list of ailments this yellow liquid component of blood is capable of treating continues to grow. In recent days, researchers in the US and Canada have begun exploring the possibility of using convalescent plasma, plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from COIVID-19, to treat individuals who are currently infected with the virus.  

There is no guarantee this treatment will work, but early studies have shown promise. Here’s everything you need to know about convalescent plasma therapy and how it is being used to help COVID-19 patients.

The History of Blood Plasma Products and Viral Infections

This is not the first time donated plasma from individuals who have recovered from viral infections has been used to treat newly infected patients. In fact, it is an approach that has been used for over a century. Blood plasma was used to treat patients during the 1918 flu pandemic and to treat measles in the 1930s. More recently, plasma therapy has been used to treat patients who have contracted SARS, Ebola, and H1N1 influenza.

A Promising Study in China

The first known case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China late last year. They subsequently had an outbreak in the city and Chinese doctors and researchers began testing experimental treatments. One of the treatments that was used in severe cases of COVID-19 was convalescent plasma transfusions. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the five COVID-19 patients that were treated with convalescent plasma in China have all since recovered, albeit to varying degrees.

Although no conclusive evidence can be drawn from this small scale study, it does raise hope. Of the five critically ill patients, who also suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and ranged from the age of 36 to 73, three have been discharged from the hospital and two are in stable condition following the treatment.

Why Convalescent Plasma Therapy Is Being Used

The effectiveness of plasma therapies in prior studies combined with the fact that there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19 makes plasma a promising treatment option. Scientists are hoping that the virus-fighting antibodies contained in the plasma of recovered patients will help individuals currently afflicted with COVID-19 fight off the virus until they develop antibodies of their own. 

Only time will tell if convalescent plasma will be an effective and viable treatment option for patients with COVID-19, but the incredible healing properties of this bodily component are undeniable. At DB Plasma, we’ve been long-time proponents of the healing abilities of human plasma, and we’ve committed ourselves to providing lifesaving therapies to patients with immune deficiencies and autoimmune conditions. Book an appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to help patients that rely on plasma when they need it most.

March 26, 2020

For several decades, donated plasma has been used to treat a whole host of conditions, and scientists continue to discover new uses for this yellow liquid component of blood every day. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration recently permitted doctors to treat some COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma from individuals who have already recovered from the virus. The antibodies in convalescent plasma have proven to be effective at treating other strains of coronaviruses in the past, and health experts are hoping that it will also be a viable treatment option for COVID-19.

There are also many established treatments that have been created using donated plasma, which is packed with several different types of life-saving proteins. These proteins each have their own unique healing properties, and some have proven to be more effective at treating specific diseases than others. Read on to learn more about the kinds of proteins that are found in human plasma and how they are used as medical interventions to help treat and cure various conditions.

Plasma Protein #1: Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver and circulated throughout the body via the bloodstream. It is the most abundant protein found in plasma, and it plays a critical role in many bodily functions, including transporting substances, maintaining appropriate volume inside blood vessels, and wound healing. This water-soluble protein has been found to be an effective treatment for the following:

• Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery
• Shocks
• Burns

Plasma Protein #2: Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins are glycoprotein molecules that are produced by antibodies in response to an immunogen. They are one of the most abundant proteins in blood plasma and can be turned into intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments that help individuals with weakened immune systems fight off infections. The conditions immunoglobulins can treat include:

• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
• Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
• Autoimmune Diseases

Plasma Protein #3: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin

Alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT, is a protein produced by the liver. AAT protects the lungs from inflammation that can be caused by infection or inhaled irritants. This protein is used as a treatment for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition that can result in serious lung and/or liver disease.

Plasma Protein #4: Coagulation Factors

Coagulation factors are proteins in the blood that are essential for proper blood clot formation. Factor VII and factor IX are coagulation factors found in plasma that can be used to treat various diseases. Both of these coagulation factors are composed of cells made in the liver. They set off a chain of chemical reactions that help form blood clots that protect the body when an injury occurs. The conditions that can be treated using coagulation factors found in plasma are as follows:

• Hemophilia A & B
• von Willebrand Disease
• Bleeding Disorders

Plasma proteins play an essential role in the wellbeing of individuals living with rare and chronic conditions, and no matter what is going on in the world, the need for plasma never goes away. Book your next appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to help provide patients with the life-saving treatments they rely on. 

March 19, 2020

In the span of a few weeks, our world and the way we operate on a day-to-day basis has changed drastically due to a novel coronavirus that has been formally named COVID-19. Both the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of New Brunswick have declared a state of emergency over the matter, and many people are coming to the realization that life truly is fragile. For patients living with rare and chronic diseases, this sentiment is one that they have lived with for a long time. The emergence of COVID-19 doesn’t change the fact that these individuals rely on donated plasma to maintain their health.

DB Plasma (DB Plasma) falls under the category of essential, critical infrastructure, and we’re committed to continuing to provide lifesaving therapies to patients in need while also protecting the health and safety of our donors. Here are 5 things we’re doing to keep our centres safe and clean in the wake of the novel coronavirus. 

1. Upkeeping Practices That Were Already in Place

Prior to the emergence of the coronavirus, we already had strict sanitary practices in place, and we’ve always prided ourselves on setting the highest standard for cleanliness in the industry. In addition to our stringent daily cleaning and sanitizing practices, we abide by strict screening procedures that include measuring the temperature of donors and assessing changes to their health. Our staff is also trained on Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and proper lab hygiene. We are confident in our ability to safely collect plasma at our centres.

2. Increasing Our Sanitary Practices

In addition to the strict sanitary procedures that were already being practiced, we’ve decided to also do the following:

• Clean the waiting area, screening rooms, and donation rooms more frequently.
• Thoroughly sanitize donation beds between every donation.
• Increase the frequency with which we clean high-touch areas including doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, faucets, sinks, and tabletops.

3. Abiding By Safety Protocols 

DB Plasma is closely monitoring the situation at hand through information shared by the Pubic Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are abiding by recommended safety protocols, and as of March 14^th, we asked that anyone who has travelled internationally to any country to avoid plasma donation for 14 days. We also request that donors with flu symptoms stay at home for 7 days after their symptoms subside.

4. Implementing Social Distancing Measures

Social distancing is a measure that is being used to limit the spread of coronavirus, and we’ve made the following changes at our centres to minimize close contact:

• Operating donation beds have been rearranged to have one non-operating bed in between. Donors will now be more than 6 feet away from one another.
• The number of individuals permitted in donor-specific areas of the building has been reduced to below 50 persons throughout the day.
• Staff have been advised to have more restricted contact with donors going forward. For example, they will avoid touching donor ID cards as much as possible and will disinfect them if they do have to touch them.
• Wait times have been effectively eliminated, which means donors can proceed to the donation hall very rapidly.

5. Taking Extra Precautions With Employees

Every person is individually responsible for preventing the spread of COVID-19, and this includes DB Plasma staff. As such, we’ve asked our team members to take these extra precautions:

• Stay home if they are feeling unwell or have travelled internationally.
• Wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds and use approved hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick outside of our centres.
• Not touch their eyes, nose, or mouth with unsanitized hands.
• Not shaking hands, hugging or kissing when coming in contact with people.

The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority at DB Plasma, and we will continue to make the appropriate changes as the situation at hand evolves. In the meantime, we’d like to assure everyone that DB Plasma centres are not places where sick people gather. In fact, they are quite the contrary, and some of the healthiest people amongst us are plasma donors. 

Book your next appointment today to help patients with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases get the plasma they need.

February 26, 2020

Manufacturing blood plasma into lifesaving treatments is a complex process that involves several steps beyond plasma donation. To ensure the safety and quality of plasma products, manufacturers must abide by strict regulatory requirements, and creating therapies that can treat rare conditions using the albumin, alpha-1 proteinase inhibitors, clotting factors, and immunoglobulins present in plasma can take anywhere from 7-12 months to complete. If you’re curious about what happens to your plasma beyond the donor bed, keep reading to learn how plasma is processed post-donation.

Collecting and Holding Blood Plasma

Unlike many other manufactured drugs that are created from synthetic materials, plasma-derived therapies are made from blood plasma, a biological material that is collected from donors via apheresis machines. Once a donor’s blood has been run through an apheresis machine and the plasma is separated out, it is collected, sampled, and sent for testing.

Plasma must be held in inventory for 60 days before the manufacturing process can begin in accordance with international standards that have been set out by Quality Standards of Excellence, Assurance and Leadership (QSEAL). This hold period makes it possible for source plasma to be identified, retrieved, and destroyed if post-donation information reveals a donor isn’t qualified to give plasma.

Blood Plasma Fractionation

After blood plasma has made it past the 60-day inventory hold, it is pooled, purified, and processed through a process known as “fractionation”. During fractionation, plasma proteins are separated or “fractioned off” through a combination of changing temperature, time, ethanol concentrations, and pH. Purification methods including precipitation, centrifugation, separation, and filtration, as well as viral reduction treatments are then used according to individual properties of the protein classes present in plasma.

Viral reduction treatments play an important part in ensuring the plasma products being manufactured are as safe as possible. Viral inactivation methods include solvent/detergent (S/D) and pasteurisation, both of which have proven to be effective at preventing the transmission of highly pathogenic viruses via coagulation factor concentrates.

In addition to the extensive manufacturing processes fractionators perform, they also invest heavily in research and technologies in an effort to improve the quality of proteins extracted from plasma. 

The complex processes, strict regulations, and innovative techniques involved in the manufacturing of plasma products set this production apart from other pharmaceuticals. From the initial plasma donation to the lifesaving therapies that individuals living with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases benefit from and everything in between, the creation of plasma-derived products is truly an incredible feat.

Book your next appointment at DB Plasma today to contribute to the creation of therapies that help save lives.