septembre 8, 2021

At DB Plasma, we’ve always stood behind paid plasma donations and compensated our donors for their contributions. We also continuously look for ways to optimize our compensation plan so that it’s beneficial for our donors and for the patients receiving plasma-derived treatments. 

As of Monday, August 10th, we will be implementing a brand new compensation plan at our centres! Here’s everything you need to know about our updated compensation and reward plan.

How DB Plasma’s New Compensation Plan Differs from the Old Plan

Instead of compensating donors based on the frequency of their donations, we will now also be factoring in the collected volume of plasma that donors give. We’ve decided to make this change so that we can reward donors who donate a larger volume of plasma. After all, the more plasma that is collected, the more life-saving therapies can be manufactured. 

For most donors, this new compensation plan will increase their compensation for their second visit of the week! 

How DB Plasma’s New Compensation Plan Will Work

With our new compensation plan, donors will still have their Orange Level, Silver Level, and Gold Level Super Hero Statuses. Your current Super Hero Status will not be impacted when the new plan comes into effect on Monday, August 10th. For example, if you are a Gold Level donor in the days leading up to the new plan being put in place, you will remain a Gold Level donor.

If you donate between 180ml and 684ml of source plasma, you will be eligible to receive $30 for your first donation of the week and $30 for your second donation of the week, for a total of $60 for two donations per week. Your Super Hero Status will not affect how much compensation you receive. Donors only donate this amount of source plasma when their plasmapheresis session is interrupted or cut short. 

If you donate between 685ml and 874ml of source plasma, you will be eligible to receive $30 for your first donation of the week, regardless of your Super Hero Status. As an Orange Level donor, you will be eligible to receive $50 for your second donation of the week; as a Silver Level donor, you will be eligible to receive $55 for your second donation of the week; as a Gold Level donor, you will be eligible to receive $60 for your second donation of the week. This is the current compensation scheme we have in place, so if you donate this amount of plasma there will be no change to the amount of compensation you receive. 

Lastly, if you donate between 875ml and 975ml of source plasma, you will be eligible to receive $30 for your first donation of the week, regardless of your Super Hero Status. As an Orange Level donor, you will be eligible to receive $55 for your second donation of the week; as a Silver Level donor you will be eligible to receive $60 for your second donation of the week; as a Gold Level donor, you will be eligible to receive $65 for your second donation of the week. The majority of our donors will fall into this category and be able to earn more with our new compensation plan! 

How Compensation for Special Circumstances Will Change

We are also making changes to the compensation donors are eligible to receive when their source plasma units are rejected for being hyperlipidemic, overrun with red blood cells, or under our minimum volume level. Donors will be eligible to receive $10 when the new plan is implemented!

There will be no changes in compensation for “No Bleed”, “Sample Only”, or “Unsuccessful Venipuncture” visits:

• Donors will not be eligible to receive compensation for “No Bleed” visits, which occur when they are deferred by a physician substitute after filling out a questionnaire. 
• Donors will be eligible to receive $10 for “Sample Only” visits, which occur when they have been deferred for a certain period of time and come in to get a blood sample taken to see if they will be eligible to donate at a later date. 
• Donors will be eligible to receive $10 for “Unsuccessful Venupuncture” visits, which occur when donors pass their screening but are unable to donate plasma. 

We’re looking forward to implementing our new compensation plan on August 10th and giving our donors a well-deserved opportunity to increase their compensation! Book your next plasma donation appointment today to contribute to a worthwhile cause and get compensated for doing so. 

juillet 22, 2021

Staying well-hydrated is extremely important, especially during the summer months. Drinking enough water every day is crucial for preventing infections, delivering nutrients to cells, and keeping your organs functioning properly. 

For plasma donors, being well-hydrated is necessary for a successful donation. Keep reading to learn more about why staying hydrated before your plasma donation appointment is so important and what you can do to ensure you’ve consumed enough water!

How Does Hydration Affect Plasma Donation? 

Since plasma is 90% water, your level of hydration while donating plasma will impact the viability of your donation. Drinking enough water directly affects how full your vein is and how your plasma is separated during the plasmapheresis process. Ideally, you should drink six to eight cups of water on the day of your donation!

How Can I Tell If I’m Dehydrated?

Dehydration can happen at any time of the year, but it is especially common during the summer months. As a plasma donor, it’s good to know the signs of dehydration to look out for. Here are some symptoms of dehydration you should be aware of:

• Feeling thirsty
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded 
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Dry mouth, lips, or eyes
• Less frequent urination and/or dark coloured urine

Tips For Drinking More Water

Even though everyone knows how important drinking water is, it can still be difficult to do at times. These five simple ways to drink more water will help you ensure you’re hydrated for your plasma donation appointment: 

1. Set a SMART Daily Goal

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals are a well-established tool you can use to achieve your goals. Setting a SMART goal for your water intake can help keep you motivated and make drinking enough water a daily habit. 

2. Carry A Reusable Water Bottle With You

Carrying a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go is a great way to make sure you never go thirsty! It also serves as a visual reminder that you need to drink water no matter where you are or what you’re doing. 

3. Flavour Your Water

Not everyone likes the taste of water, and that’s ok! If you fall into that category, there are several ways you can flavour your water in order to drink more of it, including infusing it with fruit or using store-bought water enhancers. 

4. Set Reminders

If you’re forgetful or live a very busy lifestyle, setting reminders to drink more water either through an app or through the alarm feature on your smartphone can be extremely helpful. For example, you can set an alarm to go off every hour to remind yourself to finish your current glass of water. 

5. Consume Water Throughout the Day

The best way to ensure you’re drinking enough water is to sip on it throughout the day. Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning and always having water in arm’s reach can help you boost your water intake. 

At the end of the day, the more hydrated you are, the more healthy you’ll be, and your plasma donation appointment will go much smoother as a result! Book your next appointment today to help provide immunocompromised patients with the treatments they need – and don’t forget to drink plenty of water on the day of your donation!

juin 30, 2021

Plasma donation is a wonderful act that can help save lives and provide you with some much-needed me-time. Donors who give plasma at DB Plasma also get the unique opportunity to be compensated for their contributions! 

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a plasma donor and are wondering what to expect, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s how you can prepare for your first appointment and make it as seamless as possible.

What To Do Before Donating Plasma

As a donor, there are certain things you can do to better your chances of donating healthy plasma, a yellowish liquid component of blood that contains important proteins. The healthier your plasma is, the more likely it is that it will be used to create life-saving therapies. 

Here are some things you can do to better ensure your plasma gets put to good use:

• Drink 6-8 cups of water on the day of your donation.
• Eat a protein and iron-rich meal a few hours before donating. 
• Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before donating. 
• Refrain from smoking for at least 8 hours prior to your appointment. 
• Don’t eat fatty foods or drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol at least 6 hours prior to donating.  

It’s also a good idea to wear loose and comfortable clothing to your plasma donation appointment!

What to Bring to Your Plasma Donation Appointment

Certain documentation is required for donors to proceed past the registration portion of the plasma donation process. Three pieces of documentation you’ll need to bring to your appointment are:

• A valid photo identification
• A document that shows proof of address
• A social insurance card

Since the donating portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete, you may also want to bring something along to pass the time.

What to Expect During Your First Plasma Donation Appointment

Plasma donation is a four-step process that involves registering, screening, donating, and relaxing. You can expect your first plasma donation appointment to take up to two and a half hours to complete. Subsequent appointments will be easier and faster. 

Our amazing staff are always on hand to assist donors through every step of the plasma donation process. They are also more than willing to answer any plasma or donation-related questions you may have. If you’d like to have a snack or drink after you’ve made your donation, feel free to ask our reception staff! 

At DB Plasma, we’re always happy to welcome new donors to our centres. To get involved in a good cause and join our amazing community of donors, book an appointment at a centre near you today!

juin 23, 2021

Plasma is a straw-coloured liquid component of blood that contains life-saving proteins. Thousands of people around the world rely on donated source plasma to get access to the treatments they need. It is an essential material that cannot be synthetically produced, which is one of the many reasons why plasma donation is so important.

Curious about who exactly benefits from the plasma donations you make? Keep reading to find out!

Who Needs Plasma Therapies?

Over 80 different autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and blood disorders can be treated with plasma protein therapies. These diseases and conditions affect a relatively small percentage of the population, so they are considered rare. Most of these conditions are also genetic and chronic. 

The plasma protein therapies created from donated source plasma are used to replace missing or deficient proteins in these patients. Patients typically require regular infusions or injections throughout their lives. When individuals with rare and chronic conditions receive plasma protein therapies, it allows them to lead healthier and more productive lives. 

Types of Plasma Therapies

There are four main types of plasma therapies that can be manufactured from donated source plasma: 

1. Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor Therapies

This plasma-derived therapy is used to treat individuals living with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, one of the most common and serious hereditary disorders in the world. If left untreated, the condition can result in life-threatening liver disease or lung disease. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is also commonly referred to as genetic emphysema. 

2. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Therapies

Life-saving IVIg therapy treatments are used to treat several rare and chronic diseases, including:

• Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: A group of more than 150 rare diseases that are characterized by compromised immune system function. 
• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): A rare autoimmune disorder that targets the body’s nerves and can cause weakness and/or paralysis.
• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): A blood disorder that causes reduced blood platelet levels, which are essential for blood clotting. 
• Kawasaki Disease: An illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels and primarily affects children under the age of five. 

3. C1 Esterase Inhibitor Therapies

C1 esterase inhibitor therapies are used to treat hereditary angioedema (HAE), a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling. HAE is caused by a missing C1 esterase inhibitor protein (C1-INH), which is responsible for helping to regulate inflammation. 

4. Coagulation Factor Therapies

Coagulation factors, which are proteins in the blood that help with proper blood clot formation, are used to treat various bleeding disorders. Some of these disorders include:

• Antithrombin III Deficiency: A blood disorder that is caused by an abnormal gene that may lead to blood clots forming.  
• Hemophilia A: An inherited bleeding disorder that is caused by a lack of clotting factor VIII. 
• Hemophilia B: A rarer form of hemophilia that is caused by a mutation in the Factor IX gene. 
• Von Willebrand Disease: The most common bleeding disorder. It is an inherited disorder that affects men and women equally, though women are more likely to notice the symptoms of the condition. 

Donated source plasma is capable of treating a number of rare and chronic conditions, and scientists continue to find new uses for this “liquid gold” every day. Without continued plasma donations, patients wouldn’t be able to receive the plasma-derived treatments they need to live life to the fullest. Book your next appointment today to contribute to a good cause and get paid up to $400/month!

mai 20, 2021

As a plasma donor at DB Plasma, there are several ways you can go about earning extra money while simultaneously helping to create important life-saving therapies. With our new and improved referral rewards program, in particular, you get the opportunity to earn up to $50 per referral! 

Want to learn more about what this new program entails and how you can participate? Keep reading to find out!

How to Participate in DB Plasma’s New Referral Rewards Program

Referring friends or family members to donate plasma is a simple three-step process that involves the following:

1. Send a text message, WhatsApp message, Facebook message, Instagram DM, or Twitter DM to the person you’re referring.
2. Include your full name in the message.
3. Have the referee show the message to our reception staff after they donate.

We recommend that you review the eligibility requirements for plasma donation to better your chances of successfully referring a donor and receiving your compensation!

How Compensation Works for DB Plasma’s Referral Rewards Program

DB Plasma’ new donor referral program is a tiered system that gives donors the opportunity to up to $50 per referral. Here’s how it works:

For example, if you refer two donors in a month, you will receive $25 for each referral and earn a total of $50 that month. If you refer six donors in a month, you will receive $35 for each referral and earn a total of $210. If you refer seven donors in a month, you will receive $45 for each referral and earn a total of $315. If you refer 10+ donors in a month, you will receive $50 per referral! Please note that referees must complete their plasma donation at some point during the month that they were referred to be counted as a referred donor. 

Reasons to Refer a Friend or Family Member to Donate Plasma

Not only is our referral program a great way to boost your compensation, but it’s also an excellent way to further contribute to the creation of life-saving therapies. Hundreds of donations are needed to create the plasma-derived products that immunocompromised patients rely on. Every year, it takes 130 plasma donations to treat one person with primary immunodeficiency disease and 900 donations to treat one person with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. 

The more plasma donations that are made, the more likely it is that someone living with a rare and chronic condition will receive the treatments they rely on. By referring a friend or family member to donate plasma, you can make a big difference in someone else’s life and get compensated in the process! Every donation helps. 

avril 24, 2021

Plasma donation is an incredible act that can change the lives of others for the better. It can also be a great way to make some extra money if you live in a province where paid plasma donations are permitted. 

If you’re thinking about becoming a plasma donor and are wondering what the process will entail, you’re in luck! Here’s the ultimate guide to plasma donation for first-time donors.

What is plasma?

Plasma is a yellowish liquid component of blood that contains vital proteins. It helps to maintain blood pressure and volume, carries electrolytes to our muscles, supports cell function, and supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. When healthy plasma is donated, it can be used to treat a wide range of autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders.

Am I eligible to donate plasma?

In order to donate plasma, you must be in good health and meet certain eligibility requirements. At DB Plasma, donors must meet the following requirements:

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

At your first appointment, you will be asked to present valid photo identification, proof of address, and a social insurance card. You will also undergo a screening process that involves answering a questionnaire, being interviewed, and having a medical examination and testing performed on two separate occasions within a 26-week period.

What is the process to donate plasma?

If you meet all the eligibility requirements to become a plasma donor, you can then proceed to the donation portion of the plasma donation process. Plasma is collected through a specialized donation procedure known as plasmapheresis. During the plasmapheresis procedure, you will be intravenously connected to a medical device known as an apheresis machine that will separate plasma from whole blood and return the rest of your blood to your body. This portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.

After you’ve completed your plasma donation, you will be encouraged to rest, relax, and enjoy refreshments in our centre’s waiting room for 10 minutes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re currently keeping snacks and drinks behind our reception desk, but our reception staff are always more than willing to hand them out when donors ask! During this time, you can also schedule your next appointment.

How long does it take to donate blood plasma?

From start to finish, you can expect the entire plasma donation process, including the registering and screening portions, to take approximately two hours and 30 minutes as a first-time donor. Subsequent donation appointments will be easier and faster. Appointments for repeat donors typically take around one hour and 30 minutes.

Are plasma donations paid or unpaid?

Both paid and unpaid plasma donations exist in Canada. Whether or not you’ll be compensated for your plasma donation depends on where you live and what company you’re making the donation with. 

At DB Plasma, we compensate our donors for the time and effort they put into giving plasma. Donors at our centres in Saskatoon and Moncton have the opportunity to earn up to $400/month for their contributions. We also have monthly prize draws where donors are automatically entered to win $100 gift cards if they give plasma during that month!

Plasma donation is a great way to give back and get some much-needed me-time. As a donor at DB Plasma, you can also supplement your income with the compensation you receive for your donations. If you’d like to become a plasma donor, book an appointment at a centre near you today!

avril 21, 2021

Resources

To receive the most recent information regarding COVID-19, check the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control Prevention:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals.html

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA):

https://www.pptaglobal.org/23-advocacy/access-to-care/1057-covid-19

https://www.pptaglobal.org/media-and-information/ppta-statements/1055-2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-and-plasma-protein-therapies

https://www.pptaglobal.org/media-and-information/ppta-statements/1059-a-note-to-plasma-donors-on-the-coronavirus

mars 30, 2021

Plasma is a protein-rich component of blood that can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. In order for donated plasma to actually be manufactured into life-saving therapies, however, it must first meet certain quality standards. Thankfully, as a plasma donor, there are things you can do to give your plasma the best chance of being put to good use. Keep reading to find out what they are!

What Is Considered Healthy Plasma?

There are rigorous screening processes that have been put in place to ensure that only healthy pools of plasma are used for therapeutic purposes. At plasma collection centres, donors must meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo medical examinations before giving plasma. Once their plasma is collected, centre staff check to see whether it’s discoloured or cloudy. Healthy plasma is pale-yellow and clear.

It can take anywhere from seven to twelve months for plasma protein therapies to be manufactured from the time a donation is made to the time it is ready to be given to a patient. After blood plasma leaves the collection centre, samples are tested for indicators of viral infections. Plasma products are then further safeguarded by advanced pathogen reduction processes. Only after this extensive manufacturing process is plasma considered safe to use.

The Dos and Don’ts of Plasma Donation

There are plenty of things you can do to improve the quality of your plasma as a donor. Here’s a list of dos and don’ts you should consider.

Do:

• Drinking lots of water the day before and the day of your plasma donation appointment, ideally six to eight cups. The amount of water you drink directly affects how full your vein will be and how your plasma is separated.
• Eat a healthy meal that’s iron and protein-rich within two hours of donating. Iron-rich foods include broccoli, beans, leafy greens, chicken, and turkey. Foods high in protein include nuts, eggs, cheese, and yogurt.
• Get a good night’s rest prior to donating. The more rested you are, the smoother and quicker your recovery will be. Your donation will also be more plentiful.

Don’t:

• Drink alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to donating. Alcohol is a diuretic that can cause dehydration and make plasma donation more difficult.
• Drink caffeine, in any form, on the day of your plasma donation appointment. Caffeine can cause blood vessels to constrict, making finding a vein and returning the non-plasma portions of blood back to the donor more challenging. 
• Eat fatty foods like potato chips, pizza, and fries the day of your plasma donation appointment. These foods can negatively impact your blood tests and contribute to cloudy plasma.
• Use tobacco or cannabis for at least eight hours prior to donating. Smoking tobacco before giving plasma can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Smoking cannabis in this time period will lead to at least a one-day deferral. 

By following these tips and tricks, you can rest easy knowing you’ve done everything on your part to ensure your plasma can be used for the greater good. Book your next plasma donation appointment today to put them into practice!  

mars 24, 2021

Blood donation and plasma donation are both incredible acts that can help save lives. Given the fact that plasma is the main component of blood, these two processes are often confused with one another. While they do share some similarities, in actuality, they are quite different. Read on to learn more about the difference between blood donation and plasma donation!

What Is Blood Donation?

Whole blood donations are considered to be the most flexible type of donation. Since whole blood contains red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma, it can either be separated into its specific components post-donation or transfused in its original form. Donation times for whole blood donations average around eight to 10 minutes.

What Is Plasma Donation?

During a plasma-only donation, plasma, the yellowish liquid component of blood, is separated from blood cells and blood cells are returned to the bloodstream. This is done through a process known as plasmapheresis, which involves donors being intravenously connected to a medical device known as an apheresis machine. The plasmapheresis portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.

The Main Differences Between Donating Blood and Donating Plasma

Besides the differences in the blood donation and plasma donation processes, there are also major differences between the two when it comes to their end uses and donor compensation.

When whole blood is separated into its individual components, it can be used to treat cancer patients and patients with rare diseases, depending on the blood component that is being used. Plasma donations, on the other hand, are used to manufacture life-saving treatments for patients with autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and blood disorders. People who receive plasma-derived treatments, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapies, must do so on a regular basis and they rely on these treatments to manage their conditions.

In terms of compensation, blood donors are not compensated for their contributions in Canada. Some provinces in Canada, however, do permit paid plasma donations.

Since plasma donation is a more time-consuming process than blood donation, it makes sense that plasma donors would be compensated for their time and effort. Plasma donors are also able to donate much more frequently than blood donors are due to the fact that blood cells are returned to the donor during the plasma donation process, which is yet another reason why they should be compensated. Plasma donors can safely donate twice a week whereas male blood donors can only donate once every eight weeks and female blood donors can only donate once every twelve weeks.  

In addition, compensating plasma donors has been proven to be the only way to make sure there’s a secure supply of plasma for patients who need it. At DB Plasma, we’re proud to offer paid plasma donations at our centres in Saskatoon and Moncton, and we plan to continue this practice as we expand our business.

Now that you’re well aware of the differences between donating blood and donating plasma, we hope you can go into your donation appointment feeling more prepared. We’re always happy to accept new donors at DB Plasma, so feel free to book an appointment at a centre near you!

février 25, 2021

Plasma donation is a great way to give back to patients in need while also supplementing your income. It is a fulfilling experience from start to finish, and there are many benefits to becoming a plasma donor. With that said, if you’re not too familiar with plasma donation, you may have some questions that need to be answered before you decide to become a donor. Lucky for you, we’re going to be answering commonly asked questions about plasma donation that’ll help clear things up!

How does blood plasma donation work?

Plasma is a protein-rich liquid portion of blood. Roughly 55% of our blood is made up of plasma. In order to collect plasma and separate it out from our blood, plasma donors undergo a process known as plasmapheresis.

During plasmapheresis, donors are intravenously connected to an apheresis machine that separates the plasma portion of blood from blood cells then returns blood cells to the donor. This process takes approximately 50 minutes from start to finish.

For first-time donors, the donation process, which consists of registering, screening, donating, and relaxing, can take up to two and a half hours. Repeat donors are typically at our centres for about one hour and 30 minutes.

Who can donate plasma?

Certain eligibility requirements have been put in place to ensure only viable plasma is used to manufacture life-saving treatments. At DB Plasma, we accept donors who:

• Are between 17 and 68 years of age.
• Weigh between 50 kg to 180 kg.
• Have not had a tattoo or piercing done in the past 12 months.
• Have not donated blood in the past 56 days.
• Have a permanent address within 100 kilometres of a DB Plasma facility.
• Present valid photo identification, proof of address, social insurance card.
• Qualify to donate. This involves a process that includes a questionnaire, an interview, a medical examination and testing on two separate occasions within a 26-week period.

How much will I get paid to donate plasma?

Not all provinces allow for paid plasma donations and DB Plasma is one of the very few companies that compensate donors. Paying plasma donors has been proven to be the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma, which is one of the reasons why we’ve been long-time proponents of this practice.

DB Plasma donors have the opportunity to earn up to $400/month for their contributions. We also have a referral program that gives donors the opportunity to earn an additional $25 per referral and we regularly hold giveaway events.

What is plasma used for?

You may be curious about what happens to plasma post-donation. This yellowish component of blood has many uses thanks to its incredible healing properties.

Donated source plasma is typically used to treat patients with rare diseases and bleeding disorders. The patients who rely on these therapies receive regular infusions or injections of plasma-derived products that allow them to lead healthy and more productive lives.

There you have it – all the things you may want to consider when deciding whether to become a plasma donor! We hope this will make your decision much easier. If you’ve come to the conclusion that you’d like to become a donor, we’d be happy to have you! Book an appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to get started on your journey to becoming a plasma donor.