Donating Plasma - Negative Effects?

It's basically the same as donating blood. The separation of plasma from whole blood happens after they take the blood from you.

 

Howdy,

Out here in CA we have 2 types of plasma donation. I don't know their technical names, but one takes about 30 mins, the other about 90 mins. I did the 30 minute for a while. The basic idea is this: They take whole blood out of you, filter it, and put it back in. That's all I know about it.

Now I am back to whole blood, as they have a greater need for it.

I am at about the 4 1/2 gallon mark. Tomorrow I go give them another pint.

edg

 

no real downsides beyond normal whole blood donation when i've done it

it is a strange feeling when your blood comes back in after being separated because it's temperature is colder than your body--i think it feels kind of cool

 

I am no longer comfortable with the idea of letting them put anything back in me in case they get the wrong bag!!! I am more into donating whole blood these days, big need anyway...

 

A few former roommates have done this in the past to make rent. Make sure you can handle them taking out what they need. One of the former roommates passed out after one of his sessions, can't remember the reason, but I think it was related to the frequency of his donations or improper diet.

As with anything involving being jabbed in the arms with needles, there can be instances of vein hardening. Also, make certain that the donation center you go to doesn't have any former issues regarding health violations (re-using needles, nonsterile environment/equipment, etc...).

 

AFAIK the blood is cycled through a machine like dialysis and immediately put back in. I've never heard of them taking it out and putting it back in later, before now.
Not a bad way to make some money though. If you need a lot of dough, go to the sperm bank too

 

I've done it before, but not very often and only in a pinch.

I've heard that it can temporarily weaken your immune system. I would consult a real doctor if you have concerns though.

 

Wouldn't donating plasma affect the quality of the picture?

 

I did it in college for a while. It left a scar that those who don't know mistake for a track mark occasionally

The length of my hair probably doesn't help, either. On the plus side, when I went back years later after a layoff, the phlebotomist had a target and knew right where to stick the needle.

 

How much is plasma going for these days?

 

If you don't need the money, don't do it.

 

40 bucks?
screw that I'll just get my wife to part with her uneeded eggs.

 

I just came back from donating blood. 4 gals, 1 pint total.

There is just one little problem with donating blood. I want to use it as an excuse to go buy another bass!

edg

 

Never mind the fact that there's a need for plasma donors. It's not like there are lives depending on it or anything.

 

With the unenjoyment rate as high as it is,...I'm surprised they are still excepting "donations".

 

Just eat a normal meal before hand. I donated plasma a number of years ago, made the appointment for the next mornng, then over slept and didn't eat before going to the center. Everything went well, bt when you are done they have you take a seat in the waiting room for a bit. I'm sitting there when all of a sudden, I get a little dizzy. Went up to tell the nurse and passed out at the desk. No problem, they got me on a gurney, fed me some kool aide or orange juice or whatever and I was fine, except my ego was a bit bruised. Bottom line, eat first!

 

not sure if this is funny, but certainly not technical information:

in high school, i knew a handful of people who would donate blood and then go out and to use part of the cash to buy alcohol, so as to get drunk more easily. i just thought the duality of their motivations versus the incidental benefits to be quite funny.

 

Just be careful, it tends to be a bit hot, might want to get yourself some strong electromagnets, they might make it a bit easier to handle.

 

Damn, I wish I could legally accept money for blood in Canada.