Blood plasma donation is a process in which a person donates blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, to a blood bank or plasma collection center. The plasma is then separated from the other components of the blood, such as red blood cells and platelets, and is used for medical treatments and research. Plasma donation is typically done through plasmapheresis, in which a machine separates the plasma from the other components of the blood and returns the remaining blood components back to the donor.
Here are reasons why your blood plasma donation may be rejected:
Infectious diseases: If a person has a communicable disease such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or syphilis, their plasma donation will be rejected as these diseases can be transmitted through blood and blood products. This protects the donor and the person receiving the plasma from potential infection. Donors need to disclose any history of communicable diseases or risk factors for them when donating plasma and follow any recommendations for testing and screening.
Some medications: Some medications can disqualify a person from donating plasma as they can affect the safety and quality of the plasma. Blood thinning medications, immunosuppressant medications, and some antibiotics can lead to disqualification. If a person is currently taking any medications, they should check with the plasma donation center or consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the medication will affect their eligibility to donate. It’s important to note that some donation centers may have different policies and restrictions when it comes to medications, so it is always best to check with the center where you intend to donate.
Recent travel: Some blood donation centers may disqualify individuals who have recently traveled to certain countries or regions due to the risk of infection. This is because some regions have a higher incidence of infectious diseases that can be transmitted through blood, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. The disqualification period may vary depending on the disease and the country or region visited. It’s important for donors to disclose any recent travel history when donating plasma and to check with the plasma donation center to see if their travel history affects their eligibility.
Low hemoglobin: A person’s plasma donation may be rejected if their hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) levels are too low. Hemoglobin levels are typically measured as part of the screening process before plasma donation. Hemoglobin levels less than 12.5 g/dL in women and 13.5 g/dL in men may cause disqualification from a donation. Low hemoglobin levels can be caused by a variety of factors, such as anemia, chronic illness, poor nutrition, or blood loss. Donors who are disqualified due to low hemoglobin levels may be advised to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and to address any issues that may be impacting their hemoglobin levels.
Recent surgery or tattoos: People who have had recent surgery or a tattoo may be disqualified from donating plasma as it may pose a risk of infection. This is because piercing the skin can increase the risk of bacterial contamination, and the needle used in tattooing or piercing may not be sterile. The disqualification period may vary depending on the center and the type of surgery or tattoo. It’s important for donors to disclose any recent surgeries or tattoos when donating plasma and to check with the plasma donation center to see if their history affects their eligibility.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women are typically not eligible to donate plasma. This is because the process of donating plasma can cause a decrease in the volume of blood in the body, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Pregnancy can also cause changes in the blood that could affect the safety and quality of the plasma. It’s important for women to disclose their pregnancy status when donating plasma and to check with the plasma donation center to see if their pregnancy affects their eligibility.
Age: Some plasma donation centers have age restrictions for donors and may not accept plasma from donors who are younger or older than a certain age. The center often sets the age limit according to the guidelines and rules of the country, region or state. The minimum age for plasma donation is typically 18 or 16 with parental consent, while the maximum age may vary. Donors need to check with the plasma donation center to see if their age affects their eligibility.
Weight: Some plasma donation centers have weight restrictions, and people who do not meet the minimum weight requirement will be unable to donate. The minimum weight requirement is usually set to ensure that the donor has enough plasma to donate without risking their health. The weight requirement may vary depending on the donation center, but it is generally between 110 and 150 pounds.
Finally, consult your health professional to determine if you are eligible for blood plasma donation.
