Ethiopian Review

Donating plasma is not the same as donating blood because of the fact that the clinic is not keeping your blood. While donating plasma the clinic goes through many procedures to first getting you started. First starting with a basic physical testing your reflexes, hearts, lungs, and veins, once passed then you may move on to the next step. This next step is mostly paperwork assuring that you understand and will cooperate with what the clinic asks of you, this is all confidential and will not be shared with anybody else. After this they will take a small blood sample from one of your fingers on your non writing hand and test for protein levels. This determines how the process of donating plasma will go and if your body is ready for it. The next step is the donation of plasma. Depending on your body’s weight will determine how much plasma you will be donating. This ranges from 705cc to 1000cc, the lesser amount of plasma donated are from people who weigh less. This time duration usually runs anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Once finished the needle will be removed and you will be bandaged up, paid, and ready to leave.

Steps to take before your donation.For your process to run smoothly it is good to not drink any alcoholic beverages within 24 hours before donating, consume mostly water and your process of donating will run faster. Eat a meal 2 hours before donating this will assure that you will not faint and that your body will be fine during the donation.

During the donation process. While donating plasma you will be seated comfortably and given either reading material or a television to watch. You will want to keep your arm straight and restrain from moving it as much as possible. While the blood is being drawn out it is put into a machine where the plasma is extracted from the blood, and the blood is put back inside of you. This process is not a fast process so be prepared to relax and let it take its course.

After your donation. After your donation it is good not to drink any alcoholic beverages or smoke. Drink plenty of fluids water being the best choice and let your body rejuvenate for the first couple of hours. Donating plasma does not take energy out of you like donating blood but it is a good idea to follow the same after donation procedures as if you were donating blood.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that defends your body against diseases; it is good to donate occasionally because it is a much needed medical supply. But donating plasma will not mean that your body is now defenseless. The human body can replace plasma donated within 24 hours of the donation time allowing your body to stay protected and no harm done to you. In most states plasma donations are paid varying from $20 to $45 a visit, but you can only donate plasma once every 48 hours.

- By Alden Morris | AC

- Bin Du