mars 23, 2022

Plasma donation is a safe process that has long been used to collect plasma, a straw-coloured liquid component of blood that can be manufactured into life-saving therapies. All establishments that collect plasma in Canada are required to have strict donor eligibility, screening, and testing requirements in place. These requirements help ensure that both the donors who give plasma and the patients who receive it are safe. 

If you would like to know more about what the requirements for plasma donation are and the reasons why donors may be deferred, keep reading to find out. 

Why Donate Plasma?

There are numerous reasons why you may want to donate plasma. First and foremost, it is a great way to give back and help others. Patients with rare diseases, like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and PIDD, rely on plasma donations to treat their conditions. They often need to receive these plasma-derived treatments for the rest of their lives, so continued donations are very important.

Another reason why you may want to donate plasma is because it is a great way to earn extra money! Paid plasma donations have been proven to be the only way to ensure a secure global supply of plasma, and at DB Plasma we give our donors the opportunity to earn up to $400/month. 

What Is the Plasma Donation Eligibility Criteria?

Basic eligibility criteria for plasma donation includes:

• Being between 17 and 68 years of age.
• Weighing between 50-180 kg. 
• Not having had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months. 
• Not having donated blood in the past 56 days. 
• Having a permanent address within 100 kilometres of a DB Plasma facility. 

Prospective donors must also fill out a questionnaire, do an interview, undergo a medical examination, and present proof of their SIN number before a decision can be made as to whether they are eligible to donate plasma. SIN numbers are required for plasma donation so that donors can be checked in the National Donor Deferral Registry, which is a database that tracks those seeking to donate who have tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. We accept SIN cards as well as all government-issued documents or records that have SIN numbers on them at our centres. 

Why Prospective Plasma Donors May Get Deferred

There are several reasons why donors may get deferred after meeting the initial eligibility requirements. Some of these things are preventable and some are not.

Causes for Deferrals That Plasma Donors Have Some Control Over

One of the most common reasons that donors get deferred is due to the fact that they don’t have a meal before coming in for their plasma donation appointment. This can cause their HCT/iron levels to not be within an acceptable range and/or low protein levels. High blood pressure levels also frequently lead to donor referrals. Here are some things you can do to improve your chances of not getting deferred for these reasons:

• To avoid getting deferred for iron and/or protein levels that are not within the acceptable range, be sure to eat an iron and protein rich meal a few hours before donating plasma and stay hydrated. Ideally, you should drink 6-8 cups of water on the day of your donation. 
• To avoid getting deferred due to high blood pressure levels, get at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before donating plasma. You should also book your appointment at a time that works well with your schedule to lessen stressors. 

Causes for Deferrals That Plasma Donors Do Not Have Control Over

Some reasons why prospective donors may be deferred for circumstances that are out of their control include medical conditions they have and/or medications they take. Donors must be in good health to safely donate plasma that can also be used to create life-saving therapies. The reason why certain medications may prevent someone from donating is because medications can be passed through plasma, which is unsafe for both the donor and the recipient. 

Donors may also be deferred due to surgery or dental work. In these cases, donors usually have to wait a certain amount of time before they are eligible to donate again. 

Now that you know some common reasons why donors get deferred, we hope you will be able to make a well-informed decision about whether plasma donation is a possibility for you. If you do feel it is a good fit, book a plasma donation appointment at a centre near you to give back and get compensated for it!

février 28, 2022

Plasma is the most abundant component of our blood. It contains specialized proteins that help fight off infections and can be used to create life-saving medicines. These medicines, which are also commonly referred to as plasma protein therapies, treat a host of rare and chronic diseases. 

If you’d like to learn more about the conditions plasma is used to treat, keep reading to find out. 

What Is Plasma Made Of?

Plasma is a straw-coloured mixture made of water, salts, and proteins. The proteins contained in it include:

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

Each of these proteins can be used to create therapies that treat specific diseases. 

What Does Plasma Donation Do?

Plasma donation is the process by which the plasma that is used to create life-saving therapies is collected. To collect plasma, donors undergo a process called plasmapheresis, which removes blood from the body, separates out plasma, and returns all other blood components to the body. This type of plasma donation is known as source plasma donation, and it brings in three times more plasma than just removing plasma from a blood donation. 

After plasma is collected, it undergoes an extensive manufacturing process that can take anywhere from seven to 12 months to complete. Once plasma has been manufactured into medicinal products, it is then administered to immunocompromised patients. 

Who Needs Plasma Therapies?

Plasma protein therapies are used to treat a number of bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies. Here are some specific conditions that plasma is used to treat: 

1. Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDDs)

PIDDs are a group of more than 300 diseases that are caused by missing immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies. Antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to foreign invaders and can help prevent illness. 

Patients who have a PIDD often have persistent, recurrent infections and are chronically ill as a result. PIDDs can be treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapies. 

2. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

This rare genetic disorder is caused by a lack of the protein alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor. Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor protects your lung tissue from being damaged. 

Patients living with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may have chronic emphysema and/or liver damage. Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor therapies can help manage this condition. 

3. Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that is caused by missing or mutated clotting factor proteins. It causes recurrent bleeding episodes in the skin, muscles, and/or joints, the latter of which can ultimately lead to crippling joint disease. This disorder can be treated via hormone replacement therapies that are made from clotting factors. 

4. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

CIDP is a form of chronic autoimmune neuropathy that causes your immune system to attack your nerve coating. This, in turn, impairs the ability of your brain to deliver messages to your body. 

Impaired motor function, progressive weakness, and loss of limb function are some of the symptoms patients who have CIDP may experience. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapies can be used to treat this condition. 

5. Hereditary Angioedema 

Caused by missing or low levels of the C1 esterase inhibitor protein, hereditary angioedema is an inherited disorder that is characterized by persistent and severe swelling. This swelling can be fatal if your airway is obstructed. Plasma-derived products made from the C1-inhibitor protein are effective treatments for hereditary angioedema. 

The fact that plasma can be used to treat so many rare diseases is one of the reasons why plasma donation is so important. By donating plasma, you can help improve the lives of patients living with these conditions. Book your next plasma donation appointment today to change someone else’s life for the better. 

février 22, 2022

Plasma donation is a great way to earn extra money while also getting some much-needed me-time. It is a truly fulfilling process that ultimately helps save lives, but not many people know exactly what the plasma donation process entails. 

As a new plasma donor, there are certain things you should be aware of before you come in for your first appointment, and we’re going to let you know what they are in this blog!

What Is Plasma?

Before we get into the things you can do to prepare for your plasma donation appointment, it’s important to first understand what plasma is and why donations are needed. Plasma is a yellowish liquid component of blood that contains several important proteins. It is used to create medicinal products that treat patients with rare and chronic diseases. 

Can I Donate Plasma?

Making sure you’re eligible to donate plasma is one of the first things you should do as a prospective plasma donor. Eligibility requirements for plasma donation exist to ensure donor and patient safety. To donate plasma at a DB Plasma centre, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 17 and 68 years of age.
• Weigh between 50-180 kg. 
• Not having had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months. 
• Not having donated blood in the past 56 days. 
• Have a permanent address within 100 kilometres of a DB Plasma facility. 

How to Donate Plasma

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet all the eligibility requirements for plasma donation, it’s the perfect time to book your first appointment! You can easily book an appointment at one of our centres on our website. 

On the day of your plasma donation appointment, you can electronically fill out our donor health questionnaire on your mobile device or computer by clicking the “Check-In” button on our homepage. Items you will need to bring to your plasma donation appointment include:

• An electronic or physical copy of the barcode emailed to you after filling out the electronic questionnaire. 
• A valid photo identification (e.g. a driver’s licence or passport).
• A document that shows proof of address (e.g. a bill or lease agreement).
• Your social insurance card. 

You may also want to bring something to do while you are donating plasma, such as a book to read, as well as a water bottle. The actual donation portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete, and it is a perfect time to do something you enjoy while also staying hydrated! 

Other things you may want to consider doing in preparation for your plasma donation appointment include dressing in loose, comfortable clothing and eating an iron and protein-rich meal a few hours before donating. It’s best to refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages, and eating fatty foods before donating plasma. 

There you have it – all the things you should bring and do to prepare for your plasma donation appointment! At DB Plasma, we’re always happy to welcome new donors to our centres. Book an appointment at a centre near you to give back and get compensated up to $400/month for your contributions! 

janvier 31, 2022

Plasma, a protein-rich part of blood, is an essential component of several life-saving therapies. The patients who receive plasma-derived medicinal products often need them for the rest of their lives. One example of these essential treatments is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). 

If you haven’t heard of IVIg before, keep reading to find out what it is and how plasma is used to create this incredible therapy! 

What Is IVIg Infusion Treatment For?

IVIg is a treatment that is made from immunoglobulins, which are antibodies naturally produced by the body’s immune system. Immunoglobulins help fight infection and disease, and they can treat various medical conditions when they are made into IVIg treatments. IVIg treatments are administered intravenously, hence the name intravenous immunoglobulin. 

Who Needs to Receive IVIg Treatments?

There are two main reasons why someone might need to receive IVIg treatments, the first being that your body does not make enough antibodies. IVIg therapies can provide extra antibodies that your body is unable to make on its own and, in turn, help your body fight off infections. These antibodies typically last for several weeks to months. 

The most common types of primary immune deficiencies are caused by antibody deficiencies and can be treated with IVIg therapies. Because the antibodies provided by IVIg don’t last forever, regular treatments are needed. 

Another reason why you may need to receive IVIg treatments is if your immune system starts producing antibodies that destroy your own cells. This phenomenon occurs in the following conditions:

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

IVIg is believed to help prevent your immune system from attacking your own body if you are living with one of these conditions. 

How Is Plasma Used to Create IVIg Treatments?

Plasma contains important antibodies that protect the body against foreign invaders. Without plasma donations being made by thousands of different people, creating IVIg treatments would not be possible. 

IVIg is prepared from the pooled plasma of healthy donors. An extensive manufacturing process is involved in the creation of IVIg therapies. Plasma fractionation, filtration, and viral reduction procedures are just some of the steps involved in creating IVIg therapies that are safe to use. 

Evidently, IVIg is life-changing therapy that has made it possible for people who have rare and chronic conditions to live healthier lives. To help create IVIg therapies and change someone else’s life for the better, book a plasma donation appointment today. Every donation matters! 

janvier 25, 2022

Plasma donation is an important, albeit lesser-known, type of donation. It is responsible for the creation of several different types of life-saving therapies for immunocompromised patients. 

Even though plasma is a component of blood, plasma donation and blood donation have notable differences. One of these differences is how frequently donors are permitted to donate. Plasma donors can safely give plasma up to twice per week. 

In this blog, we will be unpacking what the plasma donation process entails and why plasma donors can donate more frequently than blood donors. 

How Does Blood Plasma Donation Work?

Plasma donation is a four-step process that involves registering, screening, donating, and relaxing. Before prospective donors can give plasma, they first need to meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo screenings to ensure they are in good health. Some eligibility requirements for plasma donation include:

• Being between 17 and 68 years of age
• Weighing between 50-180 kg
• Not having had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months
• Not having donated blood in the past 56 days

Once donors qualify to donate plasma, they can then proceed to the donating portion of the plasma donation process. This part of the process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. During this time, donors are connected to a plasmapheresis machine, which separates plasma from other blood components and returns those other cellular components of blood to the body. Donors are free to read, watch TV, or listen to music while undergoing plasmapheresis. 

After a plasma donation has been made, donors can then relax and enjoy the snacks we provide in our waiting room. 

Why Donate Plasma Instead of Blood?

Both plasma and blood donations are used to do good and save lives, but there are a few reasons why you may opt to donate plasma over blood. 

If you’d like to specifically help patients living with immune disorders, autoimmune conditions, and rare blood disorders receive the treatments they need, plasma donation may be the right choice for you. Even though the plasmapheresis process is longer than the blood donation process, which takes about eight to 10 minutes to complete, it does enable larger quantities of plasma to be collected more frequently. That means more life-saving therapies for rare conditions can be made. 

Another reason you may want to donate plasma is compensation. Paid plasma donations are permitted throughout the U.S. and in certain provinces in Canada. Plasma donors receive compensation because of the time and effort that goes into giving plasma. It has also been proven time and time again that compensating donors is the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma, as most of the global supply of plasma comes from countries that pay their donors. 

Why Can You Donate Plasma More Frequently Than Blood?

Whole blood donations can only be made every 56 days for males and every 84 days for females. Plasma donations, on the other hand, can be made twice in a seven-day period. This is because your body replenishes its plasma within 48 hours, but it can take anywhere from four to six weeks to replace blood. Since red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are returned to the body during plasmapheresis, it is safe for donors to give plasma more frequently. 

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. 

décembre 30, 2021

Now that the festive season is winding down, you may be looking for a way to pay off your holiday bills. Plasma donation is a great way to do just that, but if you haven’t given plasma within Canada, you may have a few questions that need answering first. Keep reading to learn more about how you can go about getting paid for donating plasma!

Can You Get Paid to Donate Plasma in Canada?

Unlike the US, where people are allowed to be compensated for plasma donations throughout the country, paid plasma donations are only permitted in certain provinces in Canada. Provinces where you can potentially get paid to donate plasma include:

• Saskatchewan
• New Brunswick
• Alberta
• Manitoba
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

You also need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to get paid to donate plasma, like being between 17 and 68 years of age, weighing between 50 to 180 kg, and not having had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months. 

Why Do You Get Paid for Donating Plasma?

There are numerous reasons why plasma donors get paid for their contributions, the first being the time commitment that is required for plasma donation. Repeat donors can expect their plasma donation appointments to take a little over an hour. This is due to the plasmapheresis portion of the plasma donation process where donors are connected to a specialized machine that extracts plasma and returns all other blood components to the body. 

Another reason plasma donors are compensated is because it is the only way to ensure a safe and sufficient supply of plasma therapies. Currently, the US, a country that compensates donors, is responsible for over 70% of all the plasma that is used to create life-saving medicines around the world. When grouped with other countries that also pay their donors, including Austria, Hungary, Germany, and the Czech Republic, 90% of the total global supply of plasma can be accounted for. 

How Much Can You Get Paid for Donating Plasma?

The amount of money you make from donating plasma largely depends on how frequently you donate and the volume of plasma you donate. At DB Plasma, you can earn up to $400/month if you consistently donate between 875-975 ml of plasma twice per week. Typically, your compensation will be sent to you within 48 hours of each donation you make. 

Donors at DB Plasma also get plenty of opportunities to earn monetary bonuses and gift cards at our centres. We regularly hold theme day events where donors who participate can earn $5 bonuses. Donors who give plasma at any time during the month are automatically entered to win $100 gift cards in our monthly Super Hero Prize Draws. 

Whether you want to spend the compensation you earn on paying off your holiday bills, saving up for a much-needed vacation, or putting money towards school, you can do all of those things by donating plasma. Plus, your donations will help patients in need. Book a plasma donation appointment at a centre near you to do good and get paid for it!

décembre 16, 2021

The holiday season is here, and one of the best ways to spread some cheer is by donating plasma! Plasma donation is a mutually beneficial act that benefits both donors and patients alike. If you’ve been thinking about donating plasma lately, we’re going to give you three reasons you should do just that in this blog!

What does plasma donation do?

Plasma donation is an incredible process that can ultimately help save lives. Plasma is a protein-packed component of blood that is used as a key ingredient in many medications. It sustains the lives of patients living with immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and clotting disorders, but that can only happen because generous donors willingly choose to give plasma. 

What is donating plasma like?

The plasma donation process involves four steps – registering, screening, donating, and relaxing. During the donation portion of this process, donors are intravenously connected to a plasmapheresis machine that separates plasma from other cellular components found in blood and returns those other cellular components to your body. The plasmapheresis process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. 

3 Reasons to Donate Plasma This Holiday Season

Now that you’re familiar with what plasma donation entails, let’s get into all the reasons you should give plasma during this time of year!

1. Get Some Me-Time

Because the plasmapheresis process takes roughly 50 minutes, you can get some much-needed me-time while donating plasma. During this time, you can read, watch TV, listen to a podcast, or put on your favourite tunes all from the comfort of our donor beds. 

Given how busy the holiday season can be, getting time to relax, unwind, and do what you please is a welcome respite! 

2. Earn Extra Spending Money

Plasma donation is an excellent way to supplement your income and earn extra spending money this holiday season! At DB Plasma, we’ve always believed in compensating our donors for the time and effort they put into donating plasma. Compensating donors is also the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma for patients who rely on plasma-derived treatments. 

You can earn up to $400/month when you donate plasma at our centres!

3. Help Others Enjoy the Holidays Too

Last but certainly not least, the holidays are all about the spirit of giving, and there’s no better gift to give than the gift of life! By donating plasma, you can help patients with rare and chronic diseases manage their conditions and lead healthier lives.  

All in all, plasma donation truly encompasses the spirit of the holiday season. If you’d like to give back and get rewarded for your contributions, book a plasma donation appointment today! Happy holidays!

novembre 29, 2021

For many decades, plasma, the main component of blood, has been manufactured into life-saving therapies and used to treat a host of rare and chronic conditions. In fact, donated plasma is capable of treating over 80 different autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and blood disorders. One of the conditions that plasma is capable of treating is myositis.

In this blog, we will be going over what myositis is and how plasma protein therapies can help individuals manage this condition. 

What Is Myositis?

Myositis is the term used to describe general inflammation or swelling of the muscles. It is a rare disease that can be difficult to diagnose. The five types of myositis are:

1. dermatomyositis
2. juvenile myositis
3. inclusion-body myositis
4. polymyositis
5. toxic myositis 

With the exception of inclusion-body myositis, women are more likely to be affected by myositis than men. 

What Causes Myositis?

The exact cause of myositis is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition that makes the body attack healthy muscle tissue. Researchers think that myositis may also be caused by: 

• Inflammatory conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma
• Viral infections, like the common cold and flu viruses
• Injury from vigorous exercise
• Drug toxicity

What Are the Symptoms of Myositis?

The main symptom of myositis is chronic muscle inflammation that may result in weakness, fatigue after standing or walking for a long time, and/or frequent falling. Other symptoms of this condition may include:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Swelling of the feet and legs
• Muscular and joint pain
• A rash on the eyelids, elbows, knees and/or knuckles
• Skin thickening on the hands

How is Myositis Diagnosed?

Myositis can be difficult to diagnose because it is so rare and the main symptoms of it – fatigue and weakness – are also associated with other diseases. If your doctor does suspect you might have myositis, he or she might suggest a blood test, an MRI, a muscle biopsy, and/or an electromyography test. 

What Is the Treatment for Myositis?

There is no cure for myositis, but treatment can improve your muscle strength and function. Depending on the cause of myositis, the treatment for the condition will vary. In general, myositis that is caused by an inflammatory condition is treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, myositis that is caused by a viral infection doesn’t have a specific treatment, and myositis that is brought on by a drug is treated by stopping that medication. 

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), which is a plasma-derived medicine, can also be used to treat myositis and other diseases of the immune system. IVIG helps regulate an overactive immune system by signalling for it to slow down inflammatory processes. 

By donating plasma, you can help patients with myositis and other rare diseases receive the treatments they need. It takes thousands of plasma donations to make one batch of IVIG treatments, so if you’re able to donate, please book an appointment at a centre near you. Every donation counts! 

novembre 25, 2021

Contrary to popular belief, plasma isn’t always “yellowish” or “straw-coloured”, as it is often described. This protein-rich liquid component of blood can come in a variety of different hues, including reddish-orange, green, and milky white. The latter hue is often referred to as “cloudy plasma”.

When plasma is cloudy, it cannot be used to make life-saving therapies. Keep reading to learn more about what causes cloudy plasma and how you can prevent it!

What is Cloudy Plasma?

Cloudy plasma is plasma that is full of fats. Unlike healthy plasma, which is clear and yellow in colour, cloudy plasma has a milky white appearance. This naturally occurring phenomenon is known as lipemia. 

Is Cloudy Plasma Bad?

Plasma that is cloudy looking is caused by increased levels of plasma triglyceride concentrations. This can occur if a donor has eaten a fatty meal before donating plasma, and it renders the donation unusable. 

What Foods Make Your Plasma Cloudy?

Foods that are high in saturated and trans fats can raise your triglyceride levels and cause cloudy plasma. You should avoid eating the following foods on the day of your plasma donation: 

• Fried foods, including chips
• Fast food, like french fries, pizza, and burgers
• High-fat dairy products

The Best Foods to Eat Before Donating Plasma

If you donate cloudy, or lipemic, plasma, you may be deferred or ineligible to receive full compensation for your donation. To prevent this scenario from happening, you should eat the following foods before donating plasma: 

• Lean proteins
• Low-fat dairy products
• Fruits and vegetables
• High-fibre whole grains
• Beans, nuts, and seeds

Now that you know what cloudy plasma is and how to avoid it, you’re well equipped to donate healthy plasma from here on out! Book your next appointment today to put our plasma donation tips into practice and help patients receive the treatments they need.

octobre 25, 2021

Have you been thinking about becoming a plasma donor as of late? Plasma donation is a fulfilling act that can ultimately help patients receive the treatments they need. However, you first must meet certain eligibility requirements to donate plasma.

In this blog, we’ll be unpacking everything you need to know about the standards and screenings that are in place to ensure plasma-derived therapies can be safely created.

Who Can Donate Plasma?

In order to protect your health and the health of patients who receive plasma-derived medicines, donors must meet the following requirements:

• 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.

To donate plasma at DB Plasma, you also must have a permanent address within 100 km of one of our facilities and present valid proof of identification. 

What Screenings Are Required for Plasma Donation?

There are various screenings and tests that you will have to undergo in order to donate plasma. These include getting your blood pressure and temperature checked. You will also have a blood sample taken in order to evaluate your protein and hemoglobin levels and check for transmissible viruses. 

Why Donate Plasma?

One major reason to donate plasma is to help other people live healthier and more productive lives. Plasma is used to treat immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other rare diseases. There is no substitute for plasma, which means that immunocompromised patients are completely reliant on the generosity of donors to receive the treatments they need. 

Another great thing about donating plasma is that you get paid for your contributions when you donate at DB Plasma. We’ve always believed in paying our donors for the time and effort they put into giving plasma. It’s also been proven that the global demand for plasma would not be met without paid plasma donations. We proudly pay our donors up to $400/month for their donations!

The me-time you get while donating plasma is yet another benefit worth noting. In everyday life, it can be difficult to find time to do the things you love, whether that be reading a good book, listening to a podcast, or just taking time to relax. During the plasmapheresis portion of the plasma donation process, you get 50 minutes to unwind and pass the time as you please!

Plasma donation is a fulfilling process that is beneficial for donors and patients alike. If you think you’d make a good plasma donor, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. Every donation helps!