Plasmapheresis 101: Simple Answers to Basic Questions

Plasmapheresis is a special form of blood donation. During plasmapheresis, only the plasma is removed from the donated blood. The term derives from the Greek words plasma (= something molded) and apheresis (= extraction, removal, separation).

2) What is plasma?

Plasma is the fluid, non-cellular portion of blood. It is pale yellow and makes up approximately 60% of a person's blood volume. Plasma has been called "the blood transport system" because it transports nutrients and other valuable components to the body tissues and also removes waste products from the tissues. Plasma is full of antibodies, minerals, hormones, and special clotting proteins called blood coagulation factors.

3) Who needs plasma?

Trauma and burn victims, patients with immune deficiencies, and people with clotting disorders (e.g. hemophilia) need regular transfusions of plasma and plasma products.

4) Is plasmapheresis the only way to remove plasma from whole blood?

No. Plasma can also be extracted from a whole-blood donation in a specialized centrifuge.

5) Why plasmapheresis?

A single plasmapheresis donation can provide up to four times the plasma obtained from one whole-blood donation.

6) What is plasmapheresis like?

The procedure is similar to a whole blood donation. One difference is that the plasma donor is attached to a cell separator, an automated machine that draws donor blood, removes the plasma, and returns all the cellular blood components (red and white blood cells and platelets) back to the donor. The whole process (including a mini-physical) can take a little over one hour. After a plasmapheresis session, avoid heavy lifting for at least 24 hours.

7) Is plasmapheresis safe?

Absolutely safe! All the materials (tubing, needles, plastic software to collect the blood) are sterile and destroyed after each session. There is no risk of infection whatsoever.

8) Are there any adverse effects?

Plasma donors may experience a chill during plasmapheresis. The most common side effect is a tingling sensation in the lips, which is easily counteracted by administering calcium-containing antacid tablets.

9) How often can one donate plasma?

Every 3-28 days, but no more than 12 times a year.

10) Is there a need for plasma?

Yes. Millions of patients need plasma and plasma products every year and this need keeps rising.

11) What are the requirements for being a plasmapheresis donor?

Details may differ from blood clinic to blood clinic, but essentially they are the same as for whole blood donors. For example, you need to be 18-60 years old and not weigh less than 110 lbs. There may be some extra blood tests to measure your hematocrit (i.e. the percentage of whole blood volume made up of red blood cells) and plasma protein levels.