August 15, 2019

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

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

What Is Plasmapheresis?

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

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

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

Why Is Plasmapheresis Performed?

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

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

What To Expect During Plasma Donation

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

Book your next appointment today!

July 26, 2019

Plasma donation is a safe process that closely resembles the blood donation process. During plasma donation, whole blood is drawn and plasma, a straw-coloured liquid that is packed with proteins, is separated from blood via a process called plasmapheresis. Since blood is drawn during plasma donation, it is vital that donors replenish themselves so they can avoid a drop in blood pressure and replace lost fluids.

Certain foods are much more effective when it comes to replenishing the nutrients your body has lost after plasma donation. Here are all the best foods to eat after donating:

Foods Rich in Folic Acid

Folic acid, also known as B-9, is a form of folate that helps to create new red blood cells in your body. This B vitamin also helps to replace the blood cells that are lost during plasma donation. Foods that are rich in folic acid include asparagus, liver, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and orange juice.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B-2

Vitamin B-2, or Riboflavin, is also vital to the production of red blood cells. It is necessary for normal cell function and growth, and can effectively fight fatigue by turning carbohydrates into energy. Foods that have a high amount of vitamin B-2 include green vegetables, nuts, eggs, meats, and dairy products like yogurt and milk.

Foods Rich in Iron

Iron is a nutrient that helps transport oxygen to tissues and is essential to maintaining strength and energy in your body. During the plasma donation process, iron is removed from your body, which may cause fatigue and weakness. To replace the iron you have lost and maintain healthy levels of this important nutrient, consume iron-rich foods like beans, whole grains, meat, fish, and nuts after donating.

You should also try to consume vitamin C-rich foods to help with the absorption of iron and mitigate fatigue. Good sources of vitamin C include broccoli, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.

Liquids

Replenishing yourself with liquids is equally as important as consuming food after plasma donation. Juice is a good beverage to drink immediately after donating because the sugar in it will help you to refuel. Continue to drink lots of water 24-48 hours after donating plasma to rehydrate and prevent your blood pressure from getting too low.

At DB Plasma, we care about the health of our donors and understand the importance of rest and replenishment after donating. That’s why we provide our donors with delicious snacks and refreshing beverages that they can enjoy in our waiting room after donation. We also recommend that our donors eat a healthy, well-balanced meal once they return to their residence.

Book your next appointment today!

June 28, 2019

Plasma donation is a complex process that requires whole blood to be drawn and plasma to be separated from blood via a process called plasmapheresis. For donors, plasma collection is very similar to blood donation and there are certain risks and side effects associated with the process, albeit the chances of them happening are very small. As such, a team of experienced professionals are required and they must adhere to Health Canada’s strict plasma collection standards.

There is one role, however, that plays a particularly important part when it comes to donor health and care – nurses. In today’s blog, we’ll be exploring the significant role that nurses play in the plasma donation process.

Nurse’s Plasma Donation Responsibilities

Nurses are clinically responsible for plasma donation sessions and ensure every donor receives the best service. Nurses are also the party that ultimately determines the eligibility of potential donors. They are heavily involved in three major areas of plasma donation – screening, donation, and post-donor care.

1. Screening

Nurses provide the necessary medical expertise needed to determine the eligibility of donors. The basic eligibility requirements for plasma donation include the following:

• Donors must be between 17 and 68 years of age.
• Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.
• Donors cannot have gotten a tattoo or piercing done in the past 12 months.
• Donors cannot have donated blood in the past 56 days.

Certain medical conditions, lifestyle-related issues, or medications taken also impact donor eligibility. Nurses medically examine and review the paperwork of each and every donor to determine whether or not they are fit to donate.

2. Donation

Once a donor has been thoroughly screened and confirmed consent, the donation process can begin. Nurses escort donors to their bed, prep them for donation, and connect them to a plasmapheresis machine. They practice the appropriate hygeine standards needed to withdraw blood from donors. 

The donation process typically takes around 50 minutes to complete. During this time, nurses closely monitor donors to ensure they are comfortable and the process is going smoothly.

3. Post-Donor Care

After a donor’s plasma has been collected, it’s time for them to sit down, relax, and enjoy refreshments. It is essential that donors replenish themselves after donating so that they replace lost fluids and avoid a drop in blood pressure. Nurses continue to keep a close eye on donors after the donation process and make sure they are in good health.

Evidently, nurses play a huge role in plasma donation and without them the demand for plasma would never be met. At DB Plasma, we prioritize donor health and our friendly and experienced nurses will always make your experience a pleasant one.

Book your next appointment today!