Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood that carries platelets, red cells,white cells, and proteins throughout the body. Plasma is made up of 90% water and is more than 55 percent of your total blood volume.
Plasma is donated through a special automated process called apheresis. Apheresis allows donors to safely donate certain components of their blood in larger amounts. During an apheresis donation, blood is drawn into a machine which separates the needed component from the rest of the blood. The final component is collected in a donation bag, while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor.
Shelf life: |
1 year (frozen) |
Common uses: |
burn patients, bleeding disorders |
Best blood types
to donate: |
AB+, AB-, A+, A- |
Estimated
donation time: |
1 hour and 15 minutes |
How often you
can donate |
every 28 days, up to 13 times per year |
Eligibility: |
To be eligible you must:
|
You can e-mail specific eligibility questions to
CanIDonate@usa.redcross.org If you have questions before or after your donation, please call 1-800-737-0902.
*Platelet, Plasma and Double Red Cell donations are not available at all Red Cross Operations. Contact your local donor center for more information. |
