| 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. Automation allows donors to safely donate certain components of their blood in larger amounts. During an automated 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: |
- weigh at least 110 lbs.
- be in good health
- meet the minimum age requirement
- In Oregon 16-year-olds can donate with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form.
- In Washington, 16- and 17-year-olds can donate with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form.
- To obtain an American Red Cross parental consent form, please contact your blood drive coordinator or a Red Cross representative
|
If you have specific questions about your eligibility to donate blood, please contact our Donor Care and Response Center at
CanIDonate@usa.redcross.org or call 1.800.737.0902
Platelet, plasma and double red cell donations are
not available at all Red Cross operations. |
