Plasma is an integral part of the blood. The blood plasma carries all nutrients, hormones, and proteins and transports them to need. The plasma also carries waste products from the blood and carries them to the respective waste product removal vessels in the body. It also carries the blood cells. The plasma carrying blood components is its primary function, which aids in its secondary functions, helping with immunity, blood clotting, maintaining blood pressure, blood volume, and pH balance in the body.

Knowing the many functions of the blood plasma, it is hard to imagine how a person can survive without plasma. The plasma makes up to 58% of the blood volume. However, there are times or due to some conditions that a person may have deficient blood plasma in the body. It is a tricky situation, and one of the ways of naturally bringing blood plasma up is hot temperatures. However, whenever the body cannot naturally do so, a blood plasma donation is in order. Many people need plasma, and anyone who meets the donating plasma requirements can help save a life by doing so. Here are some of the requirements needed.

Age Requirements

Age matters when it comes to donating plasma. At a certain age, a person can be considered old enough to consent for donation and well developed to donate. The minimum age that a person needs to be for plasma donation is 18-years.

Weight Requirements

Weight is also one of the donating plasma requirements. A person needs to be at least 110lb to donate plasma. It is an ideal weight as that weight onwards means a person can go through the donation process without hiccups.

Medical Examination

A medical examination has to be done before a plasma donation. The person willing to donate plasma should ensure that they are in good health. Failure to do so can make the donor sick themselves.

Medical History Screening

A medical history screening is also necessary when it comes to plasma donation. Donors mustn’t have had new piercings or tattoos in the past four months. The screening is beneficial for both the donor and one being donated to.

Test for Non-Reactive Transmissible Viruses

Before a person donates plasma, it is vital that a test for non-reactive transmittable viruses is done. Viruses can be transmitted through the plasma, and donors should ensure they don’t have viruses such as HIV, HPV, and hepatitis.

Dietary Requirements

The blood plasma carries a lot of nutrients, and the donor must meet the dietary requirements before donating. This will help transmit essential nutrients to the recipient. An unhealthy diet will transfer harmful virus components. The recommended diet includes 50 to 80 grams of protein. Drinking a lot of water or juice is vital for hydration before donation. Anyone who is under medication should notify personnel as well.

Plasma donation is always made under someone’s own volition. All those willing to give their plasma are encouraged and thanked for their help.