Eligibility

The safety of the donor and of the final therapies made from their plasma is of utmost concern to the collectors of source plasma. In most countries, plasma donors should be at least 18 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds, or 50 kg. All individuals who donate plasma must pass a brief medical examination, extensive medical history screening, and testing for transmissible viruses.

The U.S. and most countries in Western Europe require all plasma donors to have a pre-donation physical, including medical history questions, tests for syphilis (not required in all EU countries), hepatitis, HIV, total plasma protein and hematocrit/hemoglobin levels, and urinalysis (not necessarily done in all EU centers). The plasma protein therapeutics industry's International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) requires additional donor screening, donor education on high-risk behavior and residency requirements.

For more information about donor regulations and qualifications in the U.S. visit www.fda.gov, or in Europe visit www.emea.europe.eu. For more information about donating plasma, visit our FAQs.

Donor Health

It’s important that donors follow a diet that meets the recommended daily requirements for protein, typically between 50 to 80 grams daily for an adult.. Proteins include foods such as cheese, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and beans. A donor's protein level will be tested each time he or she presents to donate, and if the results are out of the acceptable range, the donor will not be permitted to donate plasma that day.

Donors should also eat foods rich in iron such as tuna, eggs, nuts, beans and lean red meat to help ensure that iron levels are sufficient to donate. Each time a donor presents to donate plasma, the hematocrit level is tested. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood occupied by red blood cells.

Donor should always remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or juice the day prior to and the day of donation, avoid alcohol and caffeine and get plenty of sleep.

Before donating, inform center personnel if you’ve:

• Recently had major surgery
• Obtained a tattoo, touch-up or piercing within the last 12 months
• Are taking any medication or are under a doctor’s care for any medical condition

For more information about staying healthy and providing safe, high-quality plasma as part of a committed donor program at a plasma donation center, please visit Find Donor Center and contact the location near you for additional details.