March 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!  

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!

February 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.

February 19, 2021

December 9^th, 2020 was a day we’d all been waiting for since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of our lives. It was the day that Health Canada finally approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, Health Canada has also approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

While the approval of these vaccines is very exciting, a lot of misconceptions have come about with this news. This includes rumours surrounding donor eligibility after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Here’s a look at how the coronavirus vaccine will actually affect plasma donation.

Misconceptions About the COVID-19 Vaccine and Plasma Donation

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a negative impact on plasma donations, with some plasma collectors reporting significant declines in collections due to social distancing requirements and other restrictions. Given the fact that the manufacturing process for plasma-derived medicines is so complex and can take anywhere from 7-12 months, this decline is very concerning. Any decrease in plasma collections ultimately impacts patients’ ability to receive the therapies they rely on.

On top of the decline in donations, there have also been rumours circulating that claim that people who have received either the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca vaccine will no longer be eligible to donate source plasma. This rumour is not true. It does, however, have the potential to further impact the production of life-saving plasma treatments.

How the COVID-19 Vaccine Will Affect Source Plasma Donations

Receiving the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will have no bearing on your eligibility status as a plasma donor. You will still be able to donate regular source plasma just as you usually would. Your donations will also still be used to create therapies for patients with rare and chronic conditions.

All in all, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will, in fact, not have any impact on regular source plasma donations. With the reported declines in plasma collection, every person’s donations, whether they are vaccinated or not, matter more than ever before. Book your next plasma donation appointment today to help ensure a secure supply of source plasma for patients who need it.

January 26, 2021

Plasma is a clear, straw-coloured liquid component of blood that contains important proteins. The proteins found in plasma, including albumin and globulin, play an essential role in blood clotting and defending the body against infections. Donated plasma is often used to create life-saving therapies for patients with rare diseases whose bodies aren’t able to perform these vital functions on their own. As such, keeping your protein levels up as a plasma donor is very important.

If you’d like to learn more about the ways you can get your protein levels up for plasma donation, keep reading to find out!

Protein Levels and the Plasma Donation Process

Plasma donors must meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo screenings to ensure their plasma is safe and viable. Part of the screening process involves total protein (TP) measurements being taken.

The total protein measurement process is relatively simple. It involves a finger stick test that is used to collect a blood sample. A capillary tube containing the blood sample is then spun and TP is measured. The minimum acceptable TP level for plasma donation is 6.0 g/dl.

If your TP levels don’t reach that level, you won’t be eligible to donate plasma on the day of the test. However, there are things you can do to bring your protein levels up and resume your plasma donation sessions if you find yourself in this scenario.

3 Ways to Increase Your Protein Levels for Plasma Donation

1. Consume Animal Proteins

Eating animal proteins is a great way to boost the protein level in your blood. Red meat is one of the best sources of animal protein, but it is also high in saturated fat, which can ultimately affect your cardiovascular health. To get optimal protein levels in your diet while also keeping your health in check, opt for leaner cuts of red meat like sirloin steak and filet mignon. These red meats contain 23 grams and 22 grams of protein per 3 oz serving respectively.

Other meats that are high in protein include pork, poultry, and fish. Pork contains 23 grams of protein per 3 oz serving, chicken contains roughly 24 grams of protein per 3 oz serving, and salmon contains 17 grams of protein per 3 oz serving.

2. Consume Dairy and Eggs

Dairy and eggs are another excellent source of protein. There are 6 grams of protein in one large egg and, compared to other cheeses, low-fat ricotta and cottage cheese contain a substantial amount of protein without a high percentage of fat. One cup of low-fat ricotta has 20 grams of protein and one cup of large curd cottage cheese has 23 grams of protein.

3. Consume Plant-Based Protein

If you don’t eat animal products, there are still ways to increase your protein intake with just plant-based foods! Tofu, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are all great sources of protein.

No matter what your dietary preferences are, there are plenty of ways to boost your protein levels so that they are adequate for plasma donation! Book your next appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you to help patients that rely on plasma-derived therapies and earn up to $4,680/year. 

January 5, 2021

The new year is a great time to start a brand new habit. Whether you’re looking to give back to others or supplement your income in 2021, plasma donation is a fulfilling process that allows for the possibility of both of these things. 

Want to learn more about what plasma donation entails? In today’s blog, we’ll be uncovering the basics of plasma donation and how you can become a donor at DB Plasma.

What Is Plasma?

Plasma is a yellowish liquid component of blood. It makes up more than half, about 55%, of your blood’s overall content. The main role of plasma is to carry nutrients, hormones, and proteins around the body.

What Is Plasma Used For?

Blood plasma contains important antibodies, clotting factors, and proteins that can be manufactured into life-saving treatments. Bleeding disorders and rare diseases that affect the immune system can be treated using plasma-derived therapies. Plasma is also commonly used to treat animal bites, burns, and pediatric HIV.

How Does the Plasma Donation Process Work?

The plasma donation process entails registering, screening, donating, and relaxing. Plasma donors are thoroughly screened and undergo regular health checks to ensure they are in good health and able to donate. Once eligibility has been established, plasma donors are intravenously connected to high-tech apheresis machines and undergo plasmapheresis.

Plasmapheresis is a method used to remove plasma from the body and separate it from other blood components that are subsequently returned to the bloodstream. This process takes roughly 50 minutes to complete. After donors have completed their plasma donation, they are encouraged to relax and enjoy refreshments.

Benefits of Donating Plasma

There are many benefits to donating plasma. Plasma donation is a generous act that can ultimately help save lives. It is a great way to contribute to the creation of life-saving therapies and the discovery of innovative new treatments. As a plasma donor at DB Plasma, you also get the opportunity to earn up to $90/week for your donations!

How to Become a Plasma Donor At DB Plasma

If you’re interested in becoming a plasma donor, visit the eligibility page on our website to find out if you meet the requirements needed to become a donor. If you think you’d be a good candidate, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at a centre near you. We’re always happy to take on new plasma donors!

Plasma donation is an incredible act that can change the lives of others for the better. With the new year upon us, now’s a good a time as ever to get involved in a good cause and start giving back!

January 5, 2021

The holiday season is all about the giving spirit. After everything we’ve gone through this past year, the importance of giving back has become more apparent than ever before. If you’re looking for a good cause to contribute to this holiday season, you should consider plasma donation!

Here are three reasons to donate plasma during the season of giving.

1. The Growing Demand for Plasma Donations

Blood plasma is used to treat several rare conditions, including Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDs) and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, just to name a few. The demand for this straw-coloured liquid portion of blood is only growing, and Canada is among the leading users of human plasma products in the world. Currently, we rely on paid plasma donations from the US to manufacture the majority of our nation’s plasma therapies.

By donating plasma at DB Plasma, you can help pharmaceutical manufacturers meet the growing demand for plasma products. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn up to $400/month for your donations.

2. Contributing to Convalescent Plasma Therapies

Canada began rolling out Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine last week, which was a moment we’ve all been waiting for since this pandemic began. While the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine does signal the beginning of the end, we still have many challenging months ahead of us. Convalescent plasma, the term used for plasma that is collected from an individual who has recovered from a virus, will likely still play a role in helping patients affected by COVID-19.

Since May, DB Plasma has been accepting convalescent plasma donations from COVID-19 survivors and testing all plasma donations for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Your plasma donations can help find a potential treatment for COVID-19.

3. Donating Plasma Is A Great Way to Give Back

Patients with immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases rely on the generosity of others to access the treatments they need. Remaining in good health is especially important for these patients during these uncertain times.

DB Plasma is the largest producer of normal and specialty human source plasma for further manufacturing in Canada. When you donate plasma at our centres, you can rest assured that your donations will be making a big difference in the lives of immunocompromised patients.

Plasma donation truly encompasses the spirit of the holidays. To help patients in need during the holiday season and get compensated for your contribution, book an appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you!

January 5, 2021

The debate around paid plasma donations is a long-standing one that people on both sides of the argument feel very strongly about. Despite the fact that remunerating donors has been proven to be the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma, there is still uncertainty about the safety and morality of this practice. With plasma products manufactured from convalescent plasma now being trialled to treat COVID-19, it’s never been more important to prevent supply shortages from happening.

Here are three reasons why paid plasma donations should be made legal across Canada.  

1. The Growing Demand for Plasma Donations

Blood plasma, the protein-rich yellow liquid component of blood, has long been used to manufacture a wide range of life-saving therapies. The number of illnesses that can be treated using blood plasma is only increasing and the demand for blood plasma is growing at a rate of 6-10% per year globally. This does not include the demand that has come about as researchers have begun to explore the possibility of convalescent plasma being a viable treatment for COVID-19.

We cannot rely on voluntary, non-remunerated plasma donations alone to meet this growing demand.  The only way to provide immunocompromised patients with the plasma-derived products they rely on is to pay plasma donors.

2. Ensuring A Secure and Sufficient Supply of Plasma

In Canada, we currently import 80% of the plasma therapies we create from the plasma of American donors. In fact, the United States, a nation that permits paid plasma donations,  is responsible for 70% of the global plasma supply. When grouped with other countries that allow plasma donors to be compensated, including Austria, Czechia, Germany, and Hungary, 90% of the total supply of plasma can be accounted for. Clearly, paid plasma donations work.

If we allowed plasma donors to be remunerated across Canada and repealed the Voluntary Blood Donations Act in provinces where it has been enacted, we wouldn’t have to rely so heavily on the plasma of paid American donors. We’ve all witnessed the supply chain issues that have come about as a result of COVID-19, and these same interruptions could happen to the global supply of plasma at any time. This scenario would spell out a matter of life or death for patients who rely on plasma-derived products.

As it stands now, the majority of Canadian plasma donors are not compensated.

3. Paid Plasma Donations Are Both Safe and Ethical

Time and time again, paid plasma donations have been proven to be just as safe as unpaid donations. Health Canada has laid out strict regulatory requirements that plasma collectors must abide by and they oversee the safe collection of plasma. All donors are required to undergo rigorous screenings to ensure tainted blood supplies never make their way to patients who are receiving these life-saving therapies.   

Paid plasma donations are also ethical, as they incentivize rather than coerce donors to give plasma. By paying plasma donors, you increase the range of options available to them. A mutually beneficial situation in which donors are paid for their time and effort and patients are able to receive the treatments they rely on is also created when donors are compensated.

As of late, there has been some good news on the paid plasma donation front in Canada. The Alberta legislature has officially repealed the Voluntary Blood Donations Act, which means Albertans can now receive remuneration for their plasma donations! As long time proponents of this practice, we’re thrilled to see some progress being made. 

If you’d like to help create life-saving therapies for immunocompromised patients and get compensated for your contribution, book an appointment at a DB Plasma centre near you! 

January 5, 2021

Paid plasma donations are largely responsible for the creation of plasma therapies. In fact, compensated plasma accounts for 89% of all the world’s plasma that is used to manufacture plasma-derived products. It’s statistics like these that motivate us to continue to pave the way for paid plasma donations in Canada.

If you’re interested in learning how you can earn up to $4,680/year as a plasma donor at DB Plasma, keep reading to find out!

Donate Plasma Consistently

With our donor compensation program, donors get rewarded with more compensation the more they donate! All donors who give plasma at DB Plasma start at Orange level. At this level, donors earn $30 for their first donation of the week and $50 for their second donation of the week.

Donors who have given plasma twice per week for two consecutive weeks move on to Silver level. Silver level donors are eligible to receive $30 for their first donation of the week and $55 for their second donation of the week.

The highest level donors can reach is Gold level. Donors attain this status after they’ve given plasma twice per week for two more consecutive weeks (following the initial two consecutive weeks). These two weeks of consecutive donations do not need to occur back to back. Gold level donors are eligible to receive $30 for their first donation of the week and $60 for their second donation of the week!

Refer a Friend

Another great way to earn additional compensation is by referring a friend or family member to donate plasma! Donors who refer a friend or family member to donate plasma are eligible to receive a $25 bonus so long as the referee follows through on the donation. Here’s how the donor referral process works:

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’re also offering referees the opportunity to earn a one time $50 bonus if they start donating by November 29^th!

Participate in Events

At DB Plasma, we regularly hold events that give donors the opportunity to earn a monetary bonus if they meet certain donation criteria. To make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities to earn additional compensation, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and keep an eye out for our announcements!

We’ve seen firsthand just how beneficial paying plasma donors can be for both donors and patients alike. To contribute to a good cause and make money all the while, book your next plasma donation appointment!

January 5, 2021

Plasma donation is an incredible process that is responsible for the creation of several life-altering therapies. Millions of people around the world donate plasma every year, and the highly controlled, clinical environments where plasma donations take place are required to abide by strict regulatory requirements to keep donors safe. That being said, there are new safety concerns that have arisen for plasma donors since the arrival of COVID-19.

At DB Plasma, we’ve continually revised our precautionary measures to reflect the current status of COVID-19. Without further ado, here’s how we’ve altered the plasma donation process at our centres to keep donors safe during this unprecedented time.

Step 1: Registering

The registration portion of the donation process is where we confirm the eligibility of new donors and perform preliminary health checks. For first-time plasma donors, the registration process typically takes 25 minutes, and during this time they:

·  Present valid identification

·  Complete a questionnaire

·  Review educational material

·  Review the consent form

·  Undergo preliminary blood pressure and temperature checks

This process gets easier and faster for return donors, who usually only spend 10 minutes in registration. To minimize contact between donors and staff and ensure safe physical distancing, we’ve put plexiglass barriers at our reception desks and asked donors not to enter our centres more than five minutes before their appointment time. We’ve also increased the frequency with which we clean donor folders and our staff now wear gloves at all times.

Step 2: Screening

To ensure donors are in good health and eligible to give plasma, all of our donors undergo a screening prior to donating. Similarly to the registration process, first-time donors spend approximately 25 minutes being screened while return donors spend roughly 10 minutes being screened. Donors undergo a physical examination, review registration information with a medical professional, participate in a question and answer session, and confirm consent when being screened.

All of our screening staff are required to wear masks during this stage of the plasma donation process. They also diligently clean all of the equipment in our screening rooms after every screening.

Step 3: Donating Plasma

Once a donor has been given the green light to donate, they are escorted to a donor bed, prepped for donation, and connected to an apheresis machine. All of the beds in our donation halls are spread apart so that donors can safely give plasma six feet away from one another. During the venipuncture procedure, where staff access a donor’s vein in order to subsequently extract plasma via plasmapheresis, donors are asked to breathe away from staff members to avoid close contact. We’ve also asked our donors to refrain from walking around, speaking with other donors, and talking on their phones when they are in our donation halls.

Donors are continuously monitored by staff during plasmapheresis to ensure everything is going smoothly. When they are finished with plasmapheresis, which usually takes 50 minutes to complete, the beds and apheresis machines that were used are thoroughly cleaned.

Step 4: Relaxing

The last part of the plasma donation process involves relaxing, enjoying snacks and refreshments in our waiting rooms, and scheduling your next appointment. To minimize contact, we’ve moved all snacks behind our reception desks. Donors now have to ask reception staff for snacks and refreshments.

All seating in our waiting rooms has been set up for physical distancing. We’ve added signage to split up our waiting rooms and minimize the amount of cross traffic. One side is now designated for donors who have just been registered while the other side is for donors who have just finished donating or are waiting to donate.

Keeping our donors and staff safe has always been our top priority at DB Plasma, and we will continue to do everything in our power to make everyone feel comfortable. Giving plasma is more important now than ever before, and together we can help provide vulnerable patients with the treatments they need. Book your next appointment today!