Plasma Donation Safety
Your health and safety are our top priorities. PlasmaSource follows strict health and safety protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Is Donating Plasma Safe?
Yes, donating plasma at PlasmaSource is safe. Our certified donation center follows all safety guidelines and protocols, meaning every donation is safe for you and the patients who receive your donation.
These protocols help prevent the spread of infectious disease, ensure plasma donation safety, and confirm our facility meets the highest safety standards. We prioritize
- Proper hygiene practices (e.g., hand hygiene and cough etiquette)
- Regular cleaning and disinfecting
- Sterile, single-use donation kits and needles
Here are just a few ways we ensure safety for everyone involved in the donation process
Extensive staff training
Every PlasmaSource team member is trained in the latest plasma safety and medical technologies to ensure your donation experience is safe and comfortable.
Donor health screenings and physical exams
Every donor must attend and pass a health screening before each visit (as well as an annual physical exam) to ensure they are in good physical health and are not taking any medication that would prevent them from donating.
Comprehensive donation testing
Our state-of-the-art laboratory carefully tests and tracks every donation. Any donation that does not pass our safety protocols, will be discarded.
FDA Regulated
PlasmaSource is licensed and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They routinely visit and audit our donation center.
IDPH Monitoring
PlasmaSource is monitored by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure we comply with all required testing procedures.
Quality Assurance Program
Our robust quality assurance program monitors, tests, inspects, and verifies our collection process consistently meets all CDC, FDA, and IDPH requirements throughout the year.
Is Donating Plasma Healthy?
When deciding whether to donate plasma, you may ask, “Is it healthy?” The good news is there are several health-related benefits of donating plasma, including
- Provides access to vital health information
During your screening process, a certified technician will check your vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, and blood count), providing critical health information to help you monitor your overall well-being. - Provides regular health checkups
Regular plasma donors receive routine monitoring, which can help bring attention to any underlying health issues. - Promotes a healthy lifestyle
Regular plasma donors are encouraged to form healthier eating habits, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This promotes better blood flow and faster replenishment of lost fluids, making the donation process much more manageable.
Schedule a donation today, earn money, and make a positive impact in your community.
What Are the Side Effects of Donating Plasma?
For most, donating plasma does not cause any side effects. However, it is important to be prepared. Here are the potential side effects and risks of donating plasma
- Bruising and discomfort at the injection site
- Bleeding at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Is Donating Plasma Dangerous?
Plasma donation is safe when done at a licensed donation center.
Though extremely rare, serious infections or reactions may occur
- Infection
Any time a needle is used to pierce the skin, there is always a small risk of infection. Signs of infection include warm or tender skin or pain and swelling around the injection site. - Citrate reaction
This is a very rare but severe side effect of plasma donation. During your donation, a technician will infuse a blood-thinning medicine called citrate into the collected blood (the blood in the plasmapheresis machine). This helps prevent clots from forming. Though the machine retains most of this medicine, some will be returned to your body along with your red and white blood cells. Signs of citrate reaction include- Numbness or tingling in the lips, fingers, and toes
- Muscles twitching
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Chills or shivering
- Feeling vibrations throughout the body
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormally slow or rapid pulse
Please contact a doctor for treatment at the first sign of infection or adverse reaction.
PlasmaSource is serious about your plasma donation safety and comfort. If you have additional questions or concerns, please read our frequently asked questions or schedule a consultation.
