medical reasons why you can't donate plasma

by Kitty Kovacek 8 min read

Reasons Why You Cannot Donate Plasma

  • Medical Background. Your background history of illness may prevent you from donating plasma. If you have a serious or...
  • Physical Condition. Donation centers require that all donors be in acceptable physical condition before they donate any...
  • Pregnancy. Women who have been pregnant at any time cannot donate plasma. Pregnant women are...

Here are the most common factors that may disqualify you from donating your plasma:
  • Illness. People who have a fever, productive cough, or are feeling generally unwell shouldn't donate. ...
  • Medical conditions. ...
  • Low iron. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Travel.
Sep 22, 2020

Full Answer

What disqualifies you from donating plasma?

Jul 28, 2017 · Reasons Why You Cannot Donate Plasma Medical Background. Your background history of illness may prevent you from donating plasma. If you have a serious or... Physical Condition. Donation centers require that all donors be in acceptable physical condition before they donate any... Pregnancy. Women ...

What can disqualify you from donating plasma?

Nov 12, 2019 · People who have taken Accutane, oral Retin-A, or finasteride in the past month can’t donate. Anyone who has ever taken etretinate is not allowed to donate plasma. People who are currently taking medication for treating TB or malaria also can’t donate. Finally, if you’ve gotten a body piercing or tattoo in the past 12 months, you’re ineligible.

What are good foods to eat before donating plasma?

Persons with the following conditions are not allowed to donate blood anyime: Cancer Cardiac disease Sever lung disease Hepatitis B and C HIV infection, AIDS or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) High risk occupation (e.g. prostitution) Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over 6 months ...

What are the long term side effects of donating plasma?

Most medications will not preclude you from donating plasma. However, there are some exceptions, such as prescription blood thinners and insulin, that may prevent you from donating. You will be asked to list all of your current medications so that the blood center staff can determine if you are eligible to donate.

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How many people can donate blood?

Red blood cell, plasma, and platelets all the components of blood are vital for a lifeline. But, are you aware that only one in thirty people can donate blood.

How long do you have to wait to donate blood after getting a tattoo?

If you get a tattoo done from such places you have to wait for 12 months before donating blood, else you might spread infection (2). Always discuss your situation with a healthcare professional. Also, if gone for certain cosmetic treatments which require piecing with needles you got to wait at least for 4 months.

How long after syphilis can you donate blood?

In some, despite getting the treatment, they need to be re-treated. If wanting to donate blood, you should wait for 12 months after getting fully treated.

How long do you have to wait to donate blood?

If they lived in a malaria-risk country for more than five years, they are asked to wait three years after returning to the U.S. before donating blood.

How often can you donate blood?

Most healthy individuals will have no problem donating blood, and can do it as often as once every eight weeks. However, there are a select few who are not able to donate their blood, and the reasons why may surprise you.

How much blood volume do you need to donate?

In order to donate blood you must have at least 3400 mL of blood volume. Blood volume is determined by body weight and height, and individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate losing so much blood.

Can you donate blood with Coumadin?

Those who have a health condition where their blood doesn't clot normally, or are on anticoagulant medications such as Coumadin (warfarin), should not donate blood as they may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. However, according to the ARC they are not automatically disqualified from donating blood.

How long after getting a tattoo can you donate blood?

Due to concerns about hepatitis, in Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia donors are asked to wait a year after getting a tattoo and a year after getting a piercing from a “questionable source” before donating blood.

Can you donate blood after taking antibiotics?

However, even in the case where the infection is transmissible through blood, individuals are allowed to donate blood after they have finished their course of oral antibiotics, even if the last pill was taken on the day of the donation.

What happens if you donate plasma?

Donating plasma can have side effects that are typically minor, but if it’s your first time donating, you may wish to have a ride home, just in case. Bruising and nerve irritation are among the most common, usually around the injection site. It may have mild swelling, which can be treated with cold packs. Nerve irritation causes immediate, intense pain at the injection site and can cause shooting pain down the arm and into the hand. If this happens, alert the technician — they’ll immediately remove the needle. This should eliminate the stabbing pain, although some mild discomfort may remain for a day or two afterward.

How does plasma donation help?

Plasma donations help save lives and can put a little extra cash in your wallet. While many people experience very mild side effects, there are a few to consider, and you should consult with your doctor before your initial donation for their recommendation. Follow the proper health guidelines to ensure that you’re a good plasma donor candidate, and don’t worry if you’re turned away the first time. Many people can donate again after not being cleared the first time. Remember, your contribution can have a great impact on the health of others in your community.

Why is plasma used in medicine?

Plasma is also used in labs to create medications to treat certain kinds of diseases, such as immune deficiency diseases and certain pulmonary illnesses like hereditary emphysema. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers plasma an essential part of medication.

What is plasma in blood?

Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains the elements necessary for blood clotting. Donating it is a more complicated process than donating blood. The blood is drawn from your arm, the components are separated, and the plasma is put into a separate bag. Then, the remaining blood components are inserted back into your arm.

How old do you have to be to donate plasma?

The requirements for donating plasma are fairly consistent. You must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 110 pounds, and have a valid ID. Do they drug test you before donating plasma?

What is plasma therapy?

Then, the remaining blood components are inserted back into your arm. For many chronic diseases, plasma therapy is one of the primary treatments. For example, people with clotting disorders such as hemophilia or bleeding disorders may need scheduled plasma transfusions.

What are the side effects of plasma donation?

Other possible side effects include sweating and paleness, weakness, sudden warmness, or nausea or vomiting. Dizziness and blurred or tunnel vision may also occur. More serious risks of donating plasma may be a drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness or fainting.

How to make a blood donation appointment?

Blood donation appointments can be made by applying at redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733 -2767). Blood donors need to be 17 or older and must have a blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification.

How long do you have to wait to donate a tattoo?

If you’ve recently had a tattoo, piercing, semi-permanent make-up –any treatment that pierces the skin -- you will need to wait at least four months before being eligible to donate. The primary reason is to prevent transferring the hepatitis virus.

What is plasma donation?

Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood. It contains many important proteins that help fight infections and enable the blood to clot. But before heading to a local donation facility, there are some eligibility rules to consider. Age, weight and general health requirements must be met for your safety. You will also be asked about your medical ...

What are the requirements for plasma donation?

The FDA requires plasma donors to be examined by a physician at their first donation and yearly thereafter 1. On the day of donation , you must be feeling well with no signs of infection, such as a fever, cough or trouble breathing. Your temperature, blood pressure and pulse must also be normal.

How much weight do you need to donate plasma?

Your size determines the amount of blood in your body, so you must weigh at least 110 pounds to safely donate the standard amount of plasma collected during a donation 1 8. Donors must also be old enough to consent to the donation. In most states, the minimum age is 17. However, younger donors might be accepted with parental consent.

How often can you donate plasma?

According to FDA regulations, you can donate plasma up to twice per week -- but not 2 days in a row. The American Red Cross has different stipulations, stating you can donate plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times per year 1 5. Check with your donation center regarding its requirements about frequency of plasma donation 1. Plasma donations can occur more frequently than donations of whole blood because your body is able to replace plasma more quickly than blood cells.

Can you donate plasma with insulin?

Most medications will not preclude you from donating plasma. However, there are some exceptions, such as prescription blood thinners and insulin, that may prevent you from donating. You will be asked to list all of your current medications so that the blood center staff can determine if you are eligible to donate. A recent vaccination may also make you ineligible for a period of time but will not disqualify you permanently.

How long can you defer blood donation?

In most cases, you can usually make a second attempt to donate after a specific period has passed, usually a 12- month deferral.

What is the blood pressure for a blood donation?

If your blood pressure is at or above 180 systolic (first number) and at or above 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation, defer blood donation to another time when you have your blood pressure under control.

What is the most common type of anemia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anemia worldwide. Ir on deficiency an emia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Without adequate iron, your body can’t produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.

Can diabetics donate blood?

According to the Blood Bank, you should be mindful of a common misperception that persons who are either hypertensive or diabetic (non-dependent on insulin) are not allowed to donate blood. This is not the case and, even if you take oral medication, in many cases you are still eligible for blood donation.

Can blood be manufactured?

Blood is a priceless commodity that cannot be manufactured or reproduced . It can only be given by charitable persons. It is easy to give blood and this blog strongly encourages those who can to consider making a donation.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

A minimum age limit exists as to how old a person must be in order to donate blood (usually age 17). There is no maximum age limit. Pregnancy and recent childbirth rule one out as a blood donor. The safety of donating blood during and shortly after pregnancy has not been fully established.

Can you donate blood if you have low iron?

Potential blood donors may be temporarily prevented from donating if they have a low level of iron (hematocrit) in their blood. This requirement is for the safety of the donor in order to ensure that their blood iron level remains within the normal range for a healthy adult.

Can diabetics donate blood?

A person with diabetes is allowed to donate blood. Insulin dependent diabetics are allowed to donate blood as long as their insulin syringe, if reused, is used only by them. Being deferred from travel to the UK and Western Europe due to concerns about Mad Cow Disease rules one out as a blood donor.

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