What’s Involved in Donating Plasma, Platelets, and Blood

If the idea of donating blood makes you uneasy, you’re not alone. Many people are uncomfortable with needles and worry that it will hurt. You would be surprised how easy the process actually is and how much good you can do with a single donation.

Blood products, including whole blood, platelets, and plasma, are used in a number of life saving procedures. Burn victims, surgery patients, trauma victims, and people with hemophilia may all need blood donations to survive. Furthermore, the people who develop vaccines need plasma from people with resistances to do their work.

When visiting the donation center, you will be asked to fill out a form detailing your recent exposure to certain diseases. It is crucial that you be honest on these forms to avoid giving a blood borne illness to an already weakened patient. Your blood will be tested for a number of illnesses after you donate it, but the extra layer of protection is important.

You will also have your temperature taken and a small sample of your blood taken by a finger stick. The temperature is to ensure that you are in good enough health to donate. The sample also helps the staff determine if you can donate by testing your iron levels.

After you have completed the beginning procedures you can sit in one of the center’s reclined chairs. The nurse will then sterilize your arm and insert the needle. If you are squeamish about needles or blood you may want to look away for this part.

All that’s left to do is sit back and let your heart do the work. You may be asked to squeeze a foam ball to speed the process along. If at any point you start to feel woozy, tell some one and they will help you.

After you have donated the prescribed amount the needle will be removed and your arm bandaged. You should leave these bandages on for several hours after you donate. Be sure to eat and drink plenty for the rest of the day, including the free soda you should get from the center.

The blood gained from this simple procedure could save up to three lives. Not bad for a half hour’s work. Not to mention some places will give gifts or money in exchange for your donation.

The traditional places to donate blood are local blood banks or traveling blood mobiles. You can also donate at certain research centers that may be willing to pay you for your plasma. There are quite a few patients who will greatly appreciate what you have to give.

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