Plasma Donation

Plasmapheresis, what is this?

In the 1970s, with the support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, researchers developed a new approach to the treatment of autoimmune conditions. Instead of trying to change the immune system with medication alone, they thought that it might be possible to mechanically remove autoantibodies from the bloodstream in a process similar to that used in an “artificial kidney,” or dialysis, treatment. The procedure became known as plasmapheresis, meaning plasma separation. It’s also known as plasma exchange.

What’s involved in a plasmapheresis treatment?
A plasmapheresis treatment takes several hours and can be done on an outpatient basis. It can be uncomfortable but is normally not painful. The number of treatments needed varies greatly depending on the particular disease and the person’s general condition. An average course of plasma exchanges is six to 10 treatments over two to 10 weeks. In some centers, treatments are performed once a week, while in others, more than one weekly treatment is done.

Who donates plasma?
Anyone at least 18 years of age and who weighs at least 110 pounds can donate plasma. All individuals who donate plasma must pass a brief medical examination, extensive medical history screening, and testing for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

Where are plasmapheresis treatments offered?
Plasmapheresis is performed at many major medical centers across the country.

Why should I have plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis may be recommended for a few reasons:

To stabilize a rapid decrease in muscle strength.

To reduce moderate to severe muscle weakness before surgery.

To add to present treatment if current forms of therapy are providing insufficient control of the disease.

How long does plasma exchange take?
The time spent on the machine may be one to three hours. This depends upon the patient’s weight, height and the amount of plasma to be exchanged.

How often can plasma be donated?
The body replaces the donated plasma within 24 to 48 hours if the donor keeps a healthy diet with an adequate amount of fluids and proteins. A donor may donate two times every seven days, but not more than every other day.

Can I get AIDS from donating plasma?
NO. Plasma donations are made in a highly controlled, aseptic environment by professionally trained staff. All plasma collection equipment is sterilized and equipment that comes in contact with the donor’s blood or plasma is used only once, eliminating the possibility of transmitting any viral infection.

What compensation do plasma donors receive?
To guarantee a safe and adequate supply of donors, the industry developed a system of donor compensation which recognizes the substantial commitment of personal time and effort required from donors. Current manufacturing supply requirements often demand that the donors visit a collection center up to twice per week for one and a half hours each visit.

What are the risks associated with a plasma donation?
Reinfusion (replacement) with human plasma may cause anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction. All procedures may cause a mild allergic reaction, leading to fever, chills, and rash. Bacterial infection is a risk, especially when a central venous catheter is used. Reaction to the citrate anticoagulant used may cause cramps and numbness, though these usually resolve on their own. Patients with impaired kidney function may require drug treatment for the effects of citrate metabolism.

Plasma contains clotting agents, chemicals that allow the blood to coagulate into a solid clot. Plasma exchange removes these. Bleeding complications are rare following plasmapheresis, but may require replacement of clotting factors.

What products are made from plasma and what are their uses?
Over a million hospital patients use plasma therapies each year. The listed products represent only a portion of the products manufactured from plasma.

Immune Globulin—The major globulin product is Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG), which is used to treat individuals exposed to infectious disease when no vaccine is available. Immune Globulin products are also used in the treatment of hepatitis, measles, rabies, rubella, tetanus, smallpox and chicken pox. In addition, several hundred infant deaths are prevented annually through the use of Rh Immune Globulin prepared from plasma.

Albumin—120,000 burn victims per year rely on the use of Albumin and 200,000 heart surgery patients receive Albumin for fluid replacement. Generally, Albumin is used as a body fluid replacement. Albumin is also often used as an ingredient in the manufacture of many biotechnology products.

AHF—Antihemophilic Factor is used in the treatment of the bleeding disorder. There are approximately 420,000 individuals with hemophilia worldwide.