décembre 30, 2019

The new year is nearly here and that means it’s almost time to make your resolutions. Every year on January 1^st, people all around the world make promises in an effort to better themselves, and the most popular New Year’s resolutions are always health-related ones. Whether your goal is to get more exercise in, up your water intake, or eat healthier, we’re here to tell you why all of the above make for good resolutions. Here are three reasons you should prioritize your health in the new year.

1. Your Health Is Your Greatest Asset

Healthy individuals often take their wellbeing for granted when in actuality your health is the greatest asset you have. It is what enables you to do whatever you want and live your life to the fullest. Without your health, it becomes very challenging to do everything you aspire to in life. Ask anyone that has dealt with a serious illness, and they’ll tell you that nothing matters more than your health.

2. Being the Best Version of Yourself

Making your health a priority can increase your longevity, contribute to disease prevention, increase your energy, improve your digestion, and even improve your self-worth. Simply put, when you take care of your body, you feel good, and you become the best version of yourself.

3. Positively Impacting Others

Believe it or not, prioritizing your health can benefit others just, if not more, than it benefits you. Your newly formed good habits will inevitably start to rub off on your loved ones and you will also have the opportunity to positively impact those that haven’t been as fortunate with their health. Plasma donation, in particular, is a great way to give back and change the lives of patients that need lifesaving plasma therapies.  

How to Optimize Your Health for Plasma Donation

To optimize your health for plasma donation, you should do the following:

• Drink plenty of water both before and after donating
• Eat healthy meals that contain foods rich in folic acid, vitamin B-2, and iron a few hours before and after your appointment
• Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, and foods high in cholesterol or fat prior to donating
• Get a good night’s rest before you donate

The benefits you’ll reap and the positive impact you’ll have on others as a result of putting your health first make the extra effort well worth it. At DB Plasma, we prioritize donor wellbeing and we’d like to wish all our plasma donors a happy and healthy New Year.

Book your next appointment today.

décembre 19, 2019

The holiday season is finally here and the next few weeks will be filled with plenty of cheer! There’s no doubting the magic that comes along with the traditions of this time of year, but it’s also important to remember that not everyone gets to enjoy the pageantry of holiday rituals and that the true spirit of this season comes from giving back. When it comes to plasma donation specifically, you get to fulfill your desire to do good and also enjoy other perks that come along with the process. Here are all the reasons you should give plasma during the holidays:

Plasma Donation is a Great Way to Earn Extra Cash

Between buying gifts for your loved ones, grabbing dinner and drinks with friends, and paying for airfare to see your family, the holidays can get pretty expensive! Thankfully, at DB Plasma, we pay our donors for the time and effort they put into giving plasma.

DB Plasma donors are directly compensated via e-transfer for each donation they make and if you’re donating at your maximum potential you can make up to $400 per month. Donors are also automatically enrolled in our Super Hero Rewards program, a standard points system that rewards donors with additional bonus payments based on the number of donations they make. Between these two compensation methods, you can easily earn the extra cash you need for all your holiday spending. 

Rest and Relaxation

The holiday season is typically go go go, and gift shopping can be especially hectic. The stress of checking everything off your list and making sure you haven’t forgotten anything (or anyone) can leave you feeling pretty exhausted if you don’t give yourself some downtime. Luckily, plasma donation involves getting some much-needed R&R and our comfy donation beds are the perfect place to unwind for a few hours. 

The Holiday Season is All About Giving Back

Last but certainly not least, the holiday season is all about giving back and plasma donation is a great way to do just that! For patients living with rare and chronic conditions, the need for plasma never goes away – no matter what time of year it is. Donating plasma is an excellent way to help ensure that lifesaving treatments are available for those who need them and that individuals with these illnesses have the ability to enjoy the holidays just like the rest of us do!

No matter what your motive is for giving plasma, you can rest easy knowing that this practice truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. To every donor that takes time out of their busy schedule to give plasma during the holiday season – thank you. We hope the giving spirit stays with you throughout the entire year and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Book your next appointment today.

novembre 28, 2019

Paying plasma donors in Canada is a contentious issue that has raised concerns and given rise to fierce debate for quite some time now. Despite a large number of ethicists, economists, and medical professionals publicly supporting paid plasma donations, there are a small percentage of Canadians that still question the practice and its legitimacy.  In today’s blog, we’ll be debunking common misconceptions about paid plasma donations and unpacking all the reasons that compensating donors is important.

Donor Appreciation

First and foremost, paying plasma donors is a great way to show your appreciation for their time and effort. Plasma donation is a process that takes anywhere from one and a half hours to over two hours to complete, depending on how many donations you’ve made in the past. This time commitment in addition to the temporary discomfort that can come from blood plasma being drawn makes donors more than deserving of economic consideration. Paid plasma donation also provides donors with additional remuneration that enables them to live much more comfortably.

Boosting Donations

In Canada, we don’t have nearly as many plasma donors as we need to meet the demand for plasma, and we largely rely on paid donors from the United States to make the lifesaving therapies that patients need. Compensating donors is pretty much the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma and the world’s largest exporters of plasma, the US and Germany, are both countries that have legislation permitting plasma donors to be compensated. Evidently, paid plasma donations give plasma donors the extra motivation they need to continue donating, which in turn increases and secures the plasma supply for patients who need it.

A Safe Supply

Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, paid plasma donations are just, if not more,  safe than unpaid donations. All paid plasma donors must undergo rigorous screenings and regular blood tests to ensure tainted blood supplies never make their way to individuals that need lifesaving plasma treatments. In addition, since most of Canada’s current plasma supply comes from paid plasma donors in the US, patients would already be at risk, making the “safety” argument invalid.

At the end of the day, there is no disputing the fact that paid plasma donations are mutually beneficial. Plasma donors get compensated for their time, effort, and commitment, and patients that need lifesaving therapies are much more easily able to access them. At DB Plasma, we’ve been long-time proponents of paid plasma donation and have seen first hand how this practice can make a difference in the lives of donors and recipients alike.

Book your next appointment today.

novembre 21, 2019

Plasma is a healing liquid packed with lifesaving proteins that can be used to treat a whole host of diseases. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are a group of diseases that are characterized by compromised immune system function and can be treated via immunoglobulin therapies made from human plasma. If you’ve ever been curious about what happens to your plasma post-donation and the conditions this blood component can treat, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about primary immunodeficiency diseases and how plasma is used as a treatment for patients with these disorders. 

What Types of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Are There?

There are more than 300 diseases that fall under the PIDD category and, depending on the part of the immune system affected, these conditions can cause acute or recurrent infections. Some of the most common primary immunodeficiency diseases include: agammaglobulinemia, Ataxia-telangectasia, chronic granulomatous disease, complement deficiencies, DiGeorge syndrome, selective IgA deficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, and Winscott-Aldrich syndrome.

What Causes of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases?

PIDDs are inherited genetic disorders that are passed down from one or both parents. Mutations in a patient’s genetic code cause the immune system defects that characterize these diseases. PIDDs are present at birth, but they may be diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adulthood depending on the severity of the disease.

What are the Symptoms of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases?

The most common sign of primary immunodeficiency diseases are frequent infections that last longer than normal and are difficult to get rid of. Opportunistic infections, infections that healthy individuals typically aren’t susceptible to, are also an indication of PIDDs. Other signs and symptoms of the disorder include:

• Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
• An enlarged spleen
• Blood disorders
• Digestive issues
• Recurring sinusitis, pneumonia, and ear infections
• Recurring abcesses on the skin and/or organs
• Stunted growth and/or weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes

How are Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Treated?

In most PIDD cases, the body produces too few immunoglobulins, the proteins that help immune cells recognize and neutralize micro-organisms, or none whatsoever. As such, the most effective treatment for PIDDs is immunoglobulin replacement therapies. Immunoglobulin therapies are created from purified human plasma that is donated from healthy donors. Immunoglobulin is administered either intravenously or subcutaneously as an infusion. Treatments are regularly given to patients with PIDDs, and they effectively control their infections and improve overall quality of life.

At DB Plasma, we wholeheartedly believe in the healing powers of plasma and its ability to treat immune system disorders like PIDDs. That’s why we’ve devoted ourselves to collecting quality plasma from healthy donors at our donation centres. Book your next appointment today to contribute to the creation of lifesaving therapies.

novembre 1, 2019

Plasma donation in Canada is an industry that’s had its fair share of setbacks. Despite a desire to do good and give back to individuals living with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases, plasma donation services have been met with protest and political debate. Thankfully, DB Plasma has been able to overcome these challenges and we’ve been contributing to the creation of lifesaving therapies since 2016. In fact, Canadian Plasma Resource’s Saskatoon centre collects more plasma than any other blood establishment in Canada, including those operated by CBS or Hema Quebec.

Getting our centres up and running was a step in the right direction for paid plasma in Canada, but we’re still lagging far behind the United States. To this day, we continue to rely on them to meet our country’s demand for plasma.

Canada only collects about 15% of the plasma needed to meet the demand for domestic immune globulin, one of the lifesaving medicines that is made from source plasma. That means we’re currently relying on paid donors in the United States to provide about 85% of our plasma supply. A relatively easy, short-term solution to this issue would be to pay more Canadian plasma donors, but Canadian Blood Services refuses to support paid plasma donations in Canada and prefers to import finished products made from paid US donors.

The lack of proper planning on the part of Canadian Blood Services has led to a shortage of take home immune globulin products in Canada, which means patients who weren’t already on it may no longer be able to access it. Many Canadians rely heavily on take home immune globulin products, and without it, their condition will significantly decline. This can result in issues walking, and for some, even breathing can become laboured.

With people’s health on the line and such a feasible solution available, it simply doesn’t make sense for Canadian Blood Services to block the efforts to make paid plasma donation possible. Paid plasma donations have been proven time and time again to be the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma. Paid donors in the United States provide over 70% of the entire world’s supply of plasma that is used to create plasma medicine.

Not only is paid plasma donation the only option, but it’s also a safe option. A Health Canada report has explicitly stated that paid plasma donations are just as safe as unpaid plasma donations. Patient groups that rely on plasma therapies have even come out and made their support for paid plasma known.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that has verified the positive effects of paid plasma donations, the previous governments of Alberta and Ontario, as well as the current NDP government in British Columbia, continue to listen to public sector unions that oppose this service instead of the patients that need it. Paid plasma is an absolute must for these patients, and it is something that we will likely always rely on in Canada. We can only hope that Canadian Unions and Canadian Blood Services will have a change of heart and realize that paid plasma donations in Canada benefit taxpayers, donors, and, most importantly, recipients, and this option is preferable to paid donations from the US.

Book your next appointment today.

octobre 25, 2019

Plasma donation exists so that life-saving plasma therapies can be created from this protein-rich liquid. Ever since the healing properties of plasma were discovered many moons ago, it has been used as a starting material in the manufacturing of commercial drugs known as plasma products. Here’s everything you need to know about the drugs that can be manufactured from blood plasma.

How Blood Plasma Is Made Into Manufactured Drugs

The process of taking source plasma from donors and turning it into a product that can be used safely is highly complex and takes a total of 7-12 months. After plasma is collected from donors through automated apheresis, it is thoroughly tested and held in inventory for at least 60 days to allow for the revival and destruction of donations that cannot be used.

Donated plasma that is deemed eligible for the manufacturing of therapies is broken down into individual proteins via a process called “fractionation”. During this process, a combination of heat treatments, chemical cleaners, pasteurization, filtration, and acid treatments are used to effectively remove any viruses or contaminants. Product samples are then tested once more before they are released.

Types of Blood Plasma Products

1. Albumin

Albumin is a water-soluble protein that is produced by the liver and circulates in plasma, making up a total of half of the protein content in this liquid. Medicinal albumin is made from source plasma that is heated to inactivate disease-causing agents. It helps to increase levels of albumin in the blood and overall plasma volume, making it an ideal treatment for fluid loss in burn patients, trauma patients, and transplant recipients.

2. Clotting Factors

This replacement therapy is typically used to replace missing blood clotting factors for individuals that have bleeding disorders like Hemophilia. Clotting factor concentrates are injected into veins and help to normalize blood clotting, which prevents unwanted bleeding episodes that can result in severe blood loss and complications. (Note: In Canada, it’s more common for Hemophilia patients to be treated using recombinant products that are made from recombinant DNA technology in a lab.)

3. Immune Globulins

This category of drugs has the highest demand of all plasma products. Immune globulin (Ig) products are pooled from plasma collected from various donors and contain antibodies that can effectively treat immune disorders and severe infections. Ig products are usually administered intravenously as a replacement therapy.

The true healing properties of plasma are still being discovered, and we have just scratched the surface when it comes to the ways in which plasma can be used. There will certainly be new plasma manufactured drugs created as we discover more about this liquid’s healing properties. While plasma has yet to be explored in its entirety, one thing’s for sure, the demand for plasma is here to stay.

To make a difference in the life of someone living with an autoimmune condition or autoimmune deficiency, book your next DB Plasma appointment today.

septembre 27, 2019

Plasma donation is a completely safe process that has been closely regulated by Health Canada since the late 1990s, and today Canada’s blood system is considered to be one of the safest in the world. Donor restrictions have been put in place to ensure that tainted blood supplies don’t make their way to individuals that require the lifesaving therapies manufactured from plasma. In today’s blog, we’ll be going over plasma donor restrictions and unpacking why they exist.

Plasma donors should be between 17 and 68 years of age.

At DB Plasma, the minimum plasma donation age is 17 and the maximum plasma donation age is 68. Individuals who are younger than 17 are classified as legal minors who cannot give consent to donate plasma by themselves. An upper age limit has been set for plasma donations in order to mitigate potential health risks. 

Plasma donors should weigh at least 50 kg (110 lbs).

Whole blood is drawn during the plasma donation process and since blood volume is in proportion to body weight, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate plasma for their own safety. Donors who weigh less than 110 pounds may not be able to tolerate the volume of blood that is removed for plasma donation.

Plasma donors cannot donate blood within 56 days of donating plasma.  

Making a donor wait 56 days between blood donations is a commonplace practice has been put in place to give the body time to replenish itself, especially its iron reserve. Since whole blood is drawn during the plasma donation process, waiting 56 days from your last blood donation is an extra precaution that should be taken.

It should be noted that donors do not have to wait 56 days between plasma donations and in accordance with DB Plasma’s Health Canada approved standard operating procedures, donors can give plasma twice in a 7-day period so long as there is at least one rest day between the two donation days.

Plasma donors cannot get a tattoo or piercing within 12 months of donating plasma.

When you get a tattoo or piercing, you risk contracting an infectious disease if a sterile needle is not used. Some of these infectious diseases cannot be detected immediately.

Plasma donors must have a permanent address within 100 kilometers of a DB Plasma facility.

Donor Recruiting Area (DRA) borders are imposed by the Plasma Protein Therapeutic Association (PPTA) through the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) certification process.  Canadian Plasma Resource’s DRA borders require donors to reside within the Saskatoon/GSA or Moncton/GMA area.

Hopefully we’ve put some of the questions you may have had about donor restrictions to rest. If you meet all the eligibility requirements listed, we’d be thrilled to have you as a donor. At DB Plasma, not only do you get to contribute to the well being of others, but you are also compensated for your time.

Book an appointment today!

septembre 20, 2019

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

Here’s everything you need to know about how plasma is used to treat injuries from everyday accidents.

What’s In Blood Plasma?

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

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

How Blood Plasma Is Used To Treat Injuries

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

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

Other Uses of Blood Plasma

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

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

août 30, 2019

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

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

1. Come to Your Plasma Donation Appointment Early

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

2. Come to Your Plasma Donation Appointment Prepared

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

Eligibility requirements:

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

Required documentation:

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

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing to Your Plasma Donation Appointment

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

4. Bring Something To Do During the Plasma Donation Process

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

5. Prioritize Rest, Relaxation, and Replenishment

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

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

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

Book your next appointment today!

août 15, 2019

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

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

What Is Plasmapheresis?

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

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

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

Why Is Plasmapheresis Performed?

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

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

What To Expect During Donation

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

Book your next appointment today!