Where to Donate Plasma in Portland, Oregon

When I initially looked into plasma donation, I didn't really know what it was. I knew that it had something to do with blood, but didn't really understand the difference between donating a pint of whole blood and donating plasma alone. Plasma is a component of our bodies that is widely needed by medical professionals and patients alike. Here is what I learned about donating plasma in Portland.

What is Plasma?
Plasma makes up a large portion of your whole blood. It is the component that holds your blood cells, clotting ability, ions, hormones, CO2 and other elements together. When donating plasma you will find that it appears as a clear liquid. This is because 92% of your plasma is made up of water. The other 8% holds essential proteins and antibodies needed for the production of medication. Plasma can also be used in transfusions for patients who have difficulty producing the factors needed for clotting during surgical procedures.

What is the difference between donating whole blood and donating plasma?
According to the American Red Cross, the difference between donating whole blood and donating plasma is that plasma donation centers are able to collect the blood from your body and then separate the blood's basic components using a special machine. The machine keeps and bags the plasma portion of your blood, and then the rest of the components are returned to your body.

Where are plasma donation centers in Portland?
There are three major plasma donation centers in Portland. They are Talecris Plasma Resources, Biomat USA and the American Red Cross. Contact them directly to find out what their plasma donation needs are, as the supply and demand of plasma fluctuate with the seasons as well as local and national disaster relief needs. They will also help you know where to donate plasma and where to volunteer if there is a plasma drive located away from their main centers.

Talecris Plasma Resources
www.talecrisplasma.com
Located at: 1105 S.E. Stark Street; Portland, OR 97214
Phone number: 503-252-5308

Biomat USA
http://biomatusa.grifols.com
Located at: 8033 S.E. Holgate Boulevard; Portland, OR 97206
Phone number: 503-777-5320

American Red Cross; Pacific Northwest Blood Region
www.oregonredcross.org
Located at: 3131 N. Vancouver Avenue; Portland, Oregon 97227
Phone number: 503-284-1234

Donating plasma is just as important as donating whole blood, although it isn't as widely publicized. The need is so great for plasma that at times you may be financially rewarded for your donation. Whether you donate for free or the plasma donation center cuts you a check for your plasma, you can feel good that you are providing a substance that will play an important role in helping someone in need.

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