Interested in becoming a plasma donor? Learn about the process, the side effects of this procedure, and the benefits of this gift. You’ll also discover how much it costs, and whether your condition disqualifies you from donation. Here’s a guide to the process. After reading through this article, you’ll be ready to donate! Donating plasma is a rewarding experience and can even save the life of a loved one.
Side effects
There are some potential side effects of plasma donation. Bruising can occur as a result of the needle’s puncture and when blood flows through soft tissues. The condition will not be serious unless it becomes a complication of a bleeding disorder. In rare cases, bruising can be more severe. Bruising from plasma donation is temporary and does not cause any long-term effects. However, it can be uncomfortable.
Some side effects of plasma donation include bruising, bleeding, dizziness, and a tired feeling. In some rare cases, donors have even experienced fainting and lightheadedness. In addition, plasma donation can also lead to a decrease in immunoglobulin levels, which are responsible for a person’s good immune system. Regular donors may also experience depression or other mental health problems. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of plasma donation before committing to donating.
Conditions that disqualify you from donating plasma
Some conditions disqualify you from donating plasma. These include recent surgery, infection, or illness. Some medications can also disqualify you from donating plasma. According to the American Red Cross, you can donate plasma only after the drug is out of your system. The list also includes over-the-counter aspirin. If you are unsure whether a particular medication will disqualify you, check with your doctor.
People with certain conditions can’t donate plasma because they’re infected with HIV or hepatitis. They have to be free of all active or chronic diseases, including those that can lead to infections. People who have bleeding disorders such as hemophilia aren’t allowed to donate plasma. High blood pressure and HIV are also disqualifying factors for plasma donation, so check with your physician before donating.
Arterial puncture
Despite its rarity, arterial puncture during plasma donation can be painful and cause other side effects. A needle is inserted into an artery, usually the brachial artery, or one of its branches. This process can result in a slight complication called delayed bleeding. It also can lead to bleeding in arm tissue. Some signs include faster blood flow and lighter blood color in the collecting machine, as well as weakness near the elbow. After the blood collection, the technician will check the blood for signs of artery puncture and remove the needle. If a patient does experience any of these side effects, medical attention is required.
Hypotension and other related problems are rare, but can occur at any time during the process. The rate of hypotensive and phlebotomy events was highest for first-time donors and older donors over 65. First-time donors should receive special attention. They may feel dizzy, have trouble breathing or experience difficulty urinating. In some cases, bruising is the only side effect.
Cost of donating plasma
To get started, you can look in your local phone book or use Google to find plasma donation centers near you. You should also ask about their payment schedules. Most plasma donation facilities have a similar system. You will typically pay a small fee of around $20 for your first donation and an additional $40-50 for your subsequent donations. The price for each donation will vary, so be sure to ask for details before you make your appointment. Also, keep in mind that many centers offer referral bonuses, so you can earn a few hundred or more every month.
If you’re on a budget, consider making two donations. Most donation centers will only pay for one donation, so you might find that the first visit will cost you more than the second. Also, many of the donation centers require two donations before they can use your donation. You can make two donations within seven days if you have several donation centers nearby. However, the cost of donating plasma depends on your medical history, so you’ll need to know how much you’re willing to spend before committing to a particular donation center.
