Plasma is the liquid component of blood, which carries red blood cells and nutrients to the parts of the body that need it. Plasma is used to treat burn victims and those with trauma or clotting disorders.
Plasma donations are made at donor centers, and the process takes around one hour. During this donation, your blood is removed, spun through a machine to separate and collect the plasma, and then the remaining parts are returned to your body.
Blood type AB donors are the ideal candidates for this type of donation, as their plasma can be transfused into patients from any other blood type.
Plasma donations can be made as often as every 28 days.
Power Red Donation
A Power Red donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.
Blood Types
Each person has a specific blood type, based on the combination of factors included in their blood. This blood type allows medical facilities to give the right blood to the right patient, as well as helping blood centers find the best donation for your type.