June 1, 2023

Plasmapheresis is a treatment process that separates plasma from blood cells. 

While plasma exchange is similar, there are a couple of key differences. Plasma exchange not only separates plasma from blood, it also removes harmful antibodies from the bloodstream. Usually, this plasma is discarded and substituted with a replacement fluid. Whereas with plasmapheresis, the plasma is manipulated once it’s separated and it’s returned to the body. We’re breaking down all of the specific of these key differences below – so if you aren’t a doctor or a scientist, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. 

What is Plasmapheresis?

Plasmapheresis is the plasma donation process that we use here at our centres. The plasmapheresis process involves being connected to a plasmapheresis machine in order to have your plasma separated and extracted from whole blood. Here’s how the process works here at DB Plasma: 

Step 1. The Plasmapheresis Machine

Donors are connected to a plasmapheresis machine. The plasmapheresis machine withdraws all of the components of blood, separating plasma from the other blood cells before returning those other components back to the body.

Step 2. The Donated Plasma is Frozen 

After you donate plasma, it has to be frozen within 24 hours in order for it to be viable. From there, it will be able to be supplied to patients in need!

Step 3. Patients in Need Receive Plasma Treatments. 

Donated plasma can be used in a variety of different treatments, from treating patients with chronic illnesses to trauma victims. 

When it comes to treating the latter, Plasma is used to heal tissue with platelet-rich plasma therapy, otherwise known as PRP therapy. This is the most common treatment method for healing tissue with plasma due to injuries from everyday accidents.

What is Plasma Exchange? 

While plasmapheresis separates the components of blood and plasma intravenously, plasma exchange involves completely removing the plasma and swapping it in with replacement fluid. This, like plasmapheresis, is a process of apheresis. Apheresis simply describes the process of filtering out the plasma from whole blood: and the key difference between these two processes is what is done with the plasma once it’s separated (ie, it’s filtered or extracted entirely).

Thank You for Donating 

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the differences between plasmapheresis and plasma exchange. We value your time as a donor and appreciate your willingness to be an informed member of the Give Plasma community! To book your plasma donation appointment today, visit our website.

February 1, 2023

Did you know that there are different types of plasma? There are over 100 different types of plasma proteins, that can be separated into three categories: Plasma Albumin, Plasma Globulin and Fibrinogen. To read more about the different types of plasma proteins, check out our blog!

Today, we’d like to talk about convalescent plasma. Convalescent plasma therapy differs from whole blood plasma transfusions: it’s a type of therapy that takes the blood plasma from donors who have recovered from an illness, in order to help others recover.

The Difference Between Regular Plasma and Convalescent

Regular plasma is collected from donors who have to meet a list of requirements that ensures they are healthy enough to donate. Plasma donors are encouraged to eat whole foods and drink plenty of water prior to donation, and at their donation appointment they will be screened and undergo a physical exam to confirm that they are able to donate. You can read more about the health and wellness requirements of plasma donation on our website. 

Convalescent plasma donation comes with a twist: by definition, it has to be collected from someone who has recovered (key distinction here is that they are not still sick!) from a viral infection or illness.

How is it Used to Treat Others?

You might be wondering how convalescent plasma can be used to treat others – let’s get into it. Convalescent plasma – plasma collected from someone who has recovered from a viral illness and/or someone who has been vaccinated against a viral illness  – can help to treat others who are sick with the same infection.

How does this work? When you get sick and recover from a viral illness, or are vaccinated against an illness, you develop antibodies that help you to fight the virus and ultimately recover. These antibodies can be found in plasma, and when transferred into someone who is sick can help them to recover.

The More You Know

It’s important to learn about the different types and methods of plasma donation, so you can be an informed donor. When you donate plasma at DB Plasma, we ensure that you’re in good shape to give healthy blood plasma by conducting a quick screening prior to your appointment. To read more about what your pre-appointment health check will look like, you can learn all about it on our website. 

To earn some extra cash and provide patients in need with plasma, which has amazing, immune boosting properties, book your plasma donation appointment today!

January 4, 2023

What Does the Plasma Donation Process Involve?

Donating plasma is the only way to provide immunocompromised patients with the life-sustaining plasma protein therapies they need to live well-rounded lives. 

Before we dive into how plasma provides you with ample me-time to relax and recharge, it’s important to discuss the intricacies of the plasma donation process. 

Plasma donation is different from blood donation, even though it involves a similar process of blood extraction. Plasma is The key difference is that your blood is actually returned to you through a process known as plasmapheresis. 

What is Plasmapheresis?

A plasmapheresis machine safely collects plasma, the straw-coloured portion of your blood containing vital proteins and vitamins. The device carefully returns your blood back into your body, saving the plasma to be turned into plasma protein therapies. 

Plasma is converted into plasma protein therapies between 7-12 months after it’s extracted. During this time, the plasma is frozen to ensure that it remains fresh and usable. Through a process known as plasma fractionation, it’s converted into therapies that patients who lack proteins in their own plasma rely on to live healthy lives.

What is Plasma Used For? 

Plasma is used to treat patients with a variety of illnesses, conditions and ailments. From trauma victims to patients with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders and more, plasma is liquid gold that is often turned into life-sustaining pharmaceutical products, but can also be used for its clotting properties in emergency medical situations.

How Does Plasma Donation Give You Me-Time? 

Now that we’ve discussed how plasma is used to treat people in need and why, it’s time to highlight not only why you should donate, but why donating plasma is actually good for you!

Plasmapheresis takes approximately 50 minutes, giving you almost an hour to completely relax and unwind. As we mentioned earlier, plasmapheresis involves extracting plasma using a plasmapheresis machine, meaning that you’re connected to the machine for the entirety of the process. 

The process provides you with a rare opportunity to truly relax and unwind – there is nothing for you to do at this time but see the donation process through, meaning that you have 50 minutes of uninterrupted me-time.

We suggest bringing a book, listening to your favourite music, an audiobook, a podcast or watching a comfort TV show! The time can be as relaxing and restorative as you make it. 

Plus, not only do you get some well-earned me-time during the plasma donation process, the act of donating plasma is good for your health.

Studies show that acts of kindness – like doing good for others – can boost your happiness, make you feel connected to a social community and even help you to feel more positively about the world around you.

Why Should You Donate Over the Colder Months?

In winter, we know that it can be tempting to stay indoors and not leave your house when the weather turns cold! 

But patients who require plasma protein therapies to live healthy, well-rounded lives rely on donors year round. It takes 1,000 donors to supply enough plasma for one patient with haemophilia. This holiday season, consider the benefits that giving back offer you and the critical need of those who rely on your donations. Book an appointment at a centre near you today!

January 4, 2023

Plasma, the yellowish-golden component of blood containing vital proteins and vitamins, is used to treat patients who live with autoimmune conditions as well as victims of trauma in emergency situations. 

What Defines a Trauma Victim? 

Trauma victims are patients requiring urgent care for critical injuries and severe wounds. The most common categories of trauma resulting in fatalities range from car accidents to falls. Many survivors of trauma survive – the mortality rate is 20%, and this largely hinges on their post-trauma care. 

Why is Plasma Used to Treat Trauma Victims? 

Plasma is used to treat trauma victims because of its clotting properties. Plasma is separated from red blood cells and platelets (the other components of blood) during the plasmapheresis process. Plasma’s different components also have different shelf lives – when frozen, plasma is usable for up to a year, whereas red blood cells and platelets cannot be safely frozen. 

Plasma contains antibodies, clotting factors, and various proteins. Because of this, plasma can be used to treat trauma, shock and burn victims. 

One study found that, within a 30 day window, 76.8% of patients who received plasma survived, compared to 67% of patients who did not receive plasma and only received standard care. 

How Plasma is Used to Treat Trauma Victims

Plasma transfusions are used to treat a variety of trauma victims – even those in the NICU. 15% of NICU patients are treated with plasma, mostly to treat or prevent bleeding. 

For patients requiring blood transfusions after a massive injury, when they’ve suffered from extensive blood loss, aggressive plasma transfusions have been proven to help people survive!

Plasma transfusions boost blood clotting and volume, helping trauma and burn victims to prevent and treat shock. 

Why Donate Plasma?

In order to live healthy lives, people with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders, and more rely on plasma protein therapies. Plasma donors ensure that patients are able to receive the life-sustaining treatments that they need. Every donation helps! Book a plasma donation appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to help us help others.

December 31, 2022

Giving plasma is the ultimate way to get into the holiday spirit. Charitable giving has been proven to boost your mood and health. When you donate plasma, you provide patients with the life-sustaining treatments that they need to live healthy lives. This holiday season, give back to those who need it most by adding plasma donation to your New Year’s resolutions. And why not get ahead of your 2023 goals over the holidays? Book an appointment today and get started on your New Year’s resolutions!

For the top reasons to give plasma this holiday season, keep reading!

1. Giving back is good for you. 

Giving back to others helps to lower your blood pressure and stress levels, which are core components of health and wellness! Easing your stress is extra important this time of year, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Donating plasma will not only support your wellbeing, but it will provide immunocompromised patients with the treatments that they need year round. To read more about how giving back is good for you, check out this blog!

2. Donating plasma gives you some Me-Time

The time that you spend connected to the plasmapheresis machine during your plasma donation is quality time with yourself to relax and reset. With the busy nature of the holiday season, we could all use a break to read a book or watch a show – why not give back to others while you pamper yourself? 

3. It’s a great way to make some extra cash 

Looking to earn a little extra for presents, holiday dinners and Christmas treats this time of year? You can earn up to $500 a month as a plasma donor when you make your first donation this month with our $100 bonus. As a consistent donor, you can earn up to $400 a month when you donate twice every seven days for four consecutive weeks. To learn more about how our compensation plan works, visit our compensation page on our website.

4. You can become a part of a greater community.

Our DB Plasma community is spread out across Canada – wherever you donate plasma, you can connect with the staff and other donors at your local centre to join our plasma donation community! 

5. It’s an easy way to get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions.

If your New Year’s resolutions include helping others for the greater good, while supporting yourself and your family with some extra cash flow, donating plasma is a great way for you to meet your goals in 2023! It’s said that it takes 2 months to form a new habit, so why not get a head start on your habit-forming resolutions this month. That way, you’ll be good to go in the New Year!

Thank you as always for being a part of our Canadian Plasma donation community! We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season. For more information on plasma donation, check out our blog! Book your plasma donation appointment today.

December 31, 2022

Did you know that there are different types of plasma proteins? There’s globulin – which helps to support your immune system and blood clotting – and albumin, which provides amino acids to your body tissue. These two types of proteins – and their collection processes- are different. 

Source plasma is collected from donors to be turned into plasma protein therapies for immunocompromised patients and trauma victims. There is no replacement for source plasma – it can’t be manufactured in a lab and the only way for those in need to receive the plasma-protein therapies they require is for donors to donate plasma consistently. To learn more about how plasma is used to help others, keep reading! 

1. Plasma is used to treat immunocompromised patients. 

Plasma is extracted through a process known as plasmapheresis, in which the donor is connected to a plasmapheresis machine intravenously. The plasmapheresis machine withdraws all blood components, separating plasma from other blood cells and returning those cells to the body. The entire process takes 45-50 minutes to complete. You can read more about it here! Plasmapheresis separates the protein-rich plasma from the rest of the blood so it can be manufactured into live-saving therapies. 

2. It’s used to treat rare and chronic diseases. 

Plasma is used to treat over 80 different rare and chronic diseases. Patients who rely on plasma treatments often require those treatments for life, meaning that consistent donation is key to helping patients in need receive the treatments they require. It can take up to 1,200 donations to treat one patient for a year! That’s why it’s crucial to donate plasma consistently.

3. Plasma is used to treat trauma victims. 

Plasma is used to heal tissue with platalet-rich plasma therapy, otherwise known as PRP therapy. This is the most common treatment method for healing tissue with plasma due to injuries from everyday accidents.

Platelet—rich therapy involves injecting concentration of the patient’s platelets into the injured areas. These platelets aid in the body’s natural healing process. Growth factors stimulate the reparative cells produced by your body, helping it to heal.

Whether you’re looking to give back to others or make some extra cash (or both!) this holiday season, donating plasma is an effective way to do good for others while helping yourself. 

We’d like to extend a special shout out to our consistent donors in our plasma donation community. Your continued generosity is what makes the work that we do possible – helping patients in need to receive the treatments and care that they deserve! We look forward to seeing you come through our centre doors soon.

November 29, 2022

When you give back to others, you give back to yourself. Giving back to others has been proven to benefit your own mental health and well-being, and donating plasma is a perfect way to give back. 

The donating portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes, making it the perfect opportunity to get some me-time. With the busy holiday season, consider taking the time to give plasma to someone in need – while also taking care of yourself! 

Read on for more information on how giving plasma can be good for you! 

Why Give Back? 

Giving back comes with numerous health benefits. Some of the physical health benefits include: 

• Lowering your blood pressure
• Increasing your self esteem 
• Helping to mitigate symptoms of depression
• Decreasing problems with cognition
• Lowering your stress levels 
• Increasing your sense of happiness and well-being 

If you’re wondering why – and how – plasma donation, in particular, can boost your sense of happiness and well-being, we’re here to tell you! Participating in an altruistic act like donating plasma activates the pleasure regions in your brain, creating a “warm glow” feeling that is fueled by the release of serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. 

Donating Plasma and Giving Back 

An unexpected perk of donating plasma is that it can serve as an early preventative check for diseases! Because of the rigorous screening process that our donors go through, when you give back you actually take care of yourself by getting your vitals checked and assessed by our team of trained professionals. This can serve as early disease detection! 

Give Back this Holiday Season

If you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, book a plasma donation appointment today! You can safely donate plasma twice in a seven day period and earn up to $95/week for doing so. With the extra expenses of the holidays, donating plasma can be a great way to earn some extra cash during the season of giving. 

November 17, 2022

How to Best Support Your Plasma Donation Recovery Process

As a plasma donor, it’s important to take care of yourself before and after your donation, to ensure a smooth donation and recovery process. In this blog, we’re outlining the things you can do to optimize your plasma donation experience. 

If you’d like to learn about how to support your plasma donation recovery, keep reading!

How to Set Yourself Up for a Successful Plasma Donation

There are a few key things that you can do to properly prepare yourself for your plasma donation and give your body what it needs to recover later. 

Firstly, it’s essential to make sure that you’re getting the nutrients you need to boost the health of your supply of plasma and to support your own recovery process. Make sure to eat plenty of iron and vitamin rich foods, like dark leafy greens and fish, prior to your appointment. 

It’s also important to drink 6-8 glasses of water a few hours prior to donating. Not only will this help you recover afterwards, but it will also boost your plasma supply and prevent you from being deferred. 

In addition, you’ll want to avoid caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, and smoking before donating plasma. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you, fatty foods can render your plasma unusable, and smoking can restrict your blood flow. 

What to Do After Your Plasma Donation

Supporting your post-appointment recovery is also an essential component of the plasma donation process, as it’s necessary to maintain your health. 

As soon as you wrap up your appointment, we recommend resting for at least 10 minutes. During this time, it’s important for you to replenish your body with a quick snack and drink. You can get a snack and juice from our reception staff and enjoy your refreshments in our waiting room area following your appointment. 

Once you get home after donating plasma, it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water. It’s also crucial that you do not smoke for at least one hour, refrain from drinking alcohol for at least eight hours following your donation, and avoid vigorous exercise for 12 hours. 

Why Donate Plasma? 

Plasma donations provide those who require plasma protein therapies with the treatments they need to survive and live their lives to the fullest. By booking a plasma donation appointment today, you can save a life – and earn up to $400 a month! 

October 27, 2022

The history of plasma donation dates back over 100 years. Used to treat measles, Spanish influenza, and other diseases in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the medicinal uses for plasma have evolved in the 21st century. 

Keep reading to learn more about the history of plasma donation! 

The Historical Uses of Plasma

1. Early Uses: Late 1800s & Early 1900s

In the late 19th and early 20th century, convalescent blood was used as a therapy treatment for the measles, Spanish influenza and other diseases. In 1890, German scientist Emil Von Behring exposed horses to diphtheria-inducing bacteria. This broke the ground for serum therapy, the original iteration of convalescent plasma therapy using whole blood transfusions, before scientists figured out how to separate plasma from blood. 

Prior to a measles epidemic in the early 1900s, serum therapy was used to prevent, rather than treat, diseases. 

2. Post Influenza Pandemic 

Serum therapy became more popular after the Spanish influenza in 1918, as scientists claimed that it lowered your chances of dying from the flu or pneumonia. In the 1920s and 1930s, “serum depots” started popping up in cities and towns. 

Operating like milk depots, which ensured a healthy and steady supply of milk was available to the surrounding community, serum depots ran like blood banks, collecting blood from disease survivors to distribute to the local public. Serum depots were utilised to treat meningitis, the plague, scarlet fever, and other diseases. 

Convalescent blood was also used as a vaccine measure before vaccines became commonplace! 

3. The Breakthrough: Separating Plasma from Whole Blood 

When biochemist Edwin Cohn figured out how to split up the various components contained in blood, he consequently figured out how to separate plasma from whole blood. Because plasma is more shelf-stable than whole blood, it was shipped out during World War II and used to treat wounded soldiers, providing them with life-saving transfusions. 

4. Post War Medical Advancements 

After the war, the production of penicillin, antiviral medications, and antibiotics ensured that plasma wasn’t relied on as the sole treatment of life-threatening diseases. But there was still, and always will be, a dire need for plasma. The pharmaceutical industry began to conduct research into how plasma can be used to manufacture medications to treat a variety of diseases and ailments, such as hemophilia. 

Just like today, consistent donations from hundreds of donors was required to manufacture the treatments needed for one patient. 

How is Plasma Used Today? 

Today, plasma is used to help patients living with immune disorders, autoimmune conditions, and blood disorders receive the treatments they need. Donated plasma undergoes an extensive manufacturing process and is turned into therapies that replace missing or deficient proteins in these patients, making it possible for them to live healthier lives. 

Why Donate Plasma? 

Donating plasma is a great way to give back and earn extra money while doing so. 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 make a difference in someone else’s life and get compensated for your contributions! 

October 19, 2022

Plasma is used to treat various disorders, conditions, and injuries – from bleeding caused by trauma to autoimmune disorders. Plasma is also used to treat bleeding disorders, like hemophilia. 

In this blog, we break down exactly how plasma is used to treat bleeding disorders. Keep reading to learn more! 

What Bleeding Disorders Does Plasma Treat?

Plasma is used to treat multiple bleeding disorders, including: 

• Hemophilia A, a genetic disorder that is caused by a lack of blood clotting factor VIII. 
• Hemophilia B, a hereditary disorder that is caused by a lack of blood clotting factor IX. 
• Von Willebrand disease, the most common genetic blood clotting disorder. 

All of these conditions prevent blood from clotting properly to control bleeding. 

How Does Plasma Treat Bleeding Disorders? 

Blood plasma supports immune function, blood clotting, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and blood volume. It contains important proteins that help to stop a person from excessively bleeding by aiding in the clotting process via a process known as coagulation. Plasma also helps with blood pressure and volume thanks to a key protein called albumin, which helps to maintain healthy blood pressure by preventing fluid from leaking into other areas of the body. 

For someone with hemophilia A or B, in which someone’s blood doesn’t clot properly, seemingly insignificant cuts and scrapes can be life threatening without coagulation therapy, which is made from donated plasma. 

Individuals with Von Willebrand disease also require plasma for their treatments. 

How You Can Help 

Evidently, source plasma plays an important part in treating patients with bleeding disorders. It is also used to treat over 80 immune conditions and autoimmune diseases. 

Patients who require plasma-protein therapies need donors like you to show up consistently and donate quality plasma! At DB Plasma, you also get the unique opportunity to earn up to $400/month. Book a plasma donation appointment at a centre near you to help others while also supplementing your income.