March 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!

January 23, 2020

Blood donation and plasma donation are both great ways to give back to those in need via bodily components that replenish themselves. Millions of Canadians take the time to give blood and/or plasma every year, but there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the difference between these two types of donations, and understandably so. Even though the process of giving blood and giving plasma are quite similar at first glance, they are vastly different in many other regards. In today’s blog, we’ll be giving you an in-depth look into all things blood donation VS plasma donation. 

The Difference Between Blood and Plasma

The major differences between blood donation and plasma donation stem from what these fluids are composed of and the purpose they serve in the human body. Here are some distinguishing features of blood VS plasma:

• Whole Blood: This red bodily fluid is composed of red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. It supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to cells and tissues in the body and removes waste materials like carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
• Plasma: Plasma is the clear, straw-coloured liquid component found in blood. It is made up of 90% water and carries nutrients, minerals, hormones, and proteins to parts of the body that need it. Plasma also contains antibodies that help fight infections and proteins including albumin and fibrinogen that help maintain serum osmotic pressure.

The Blood Donation Process VS The Plasma Donation Process

Whole blood donations involve cleansing an area on the donor’s arm, inserting a sterile needle, and drawing blood. Typically blood donation entails the collection of a pint of blood, which takes about 8-10 minutes to collect. Once donation is complete, a bandage is placed on the donor’s arm and they are given time to recuperate.

The plasma donation process and whole blood donation process are similar in that they both involve the cleansing of a donor’s arm and the insertion of a sterile needle; however, plasma is collected through a process known as plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is a method of removing and separating plasma from whole blood via an apheresis machine. This automated process takes about 50 minutes to complete.

Uses

Whole blood is commonly transfused in its original form in an effort to treat injuries and illnesses. It can be also be separated into its individual components and used to treat conditions including cancer and blood disorders.

Plasma, on the other hand, is typically used as a starting material to manufacture commercial drugs known as plasma products.  These plasma products serve as lifesaving therapies for patients living with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases.

Compensation

In Canada, donors are not compensated for their blood donations, but they may or may not be compensated for plasma donations, depending on whether the jurisdiction they’re located in has approved of paid plasma donations.

Thankfully, at DB Plasma, we are able to compensate our plasma donors at our Saskatoon and Moncton centres. Being able to offer paid plasma donations is important to us as it allows us to show our appreciation to donors and ensures a secure and safe supply of plasma for patients that need it.

Evidently, while blood donation and plasma donation do have their similarities, they are, in fact, more different than they are similar. At DB Plasma, we pride ourselves on collecting high-quality plasma from healthy donors that is then used to manufacture lifesaving and life-changing therapies. Book your next appointment to contribute to a good cause and get compensated for it.