Plasma is needed by patients to fight more than 300 life-threatening diseases and heal from traumatic injuries

The Critical Need for Plasma Donations

LUBBOCK, Texas—In a world where medical advancements have saved countless lives, there remains an essential component that is often overlooked yet plays a crucial role in treating over 300 life-threatening diseases and aiding in the recovery from traumatic injuries: plasma. This liquid portion of blood, rich in proteins and antibodies, is the unsung hero of modern medicine. Here, we delve into the significance of plasma donations and why they are more crucial now than ever.

What is Plasma?

Plasma is the liquid component that makes up approximately 55% of the total blood volume. It carries platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells around the body and is home to hundreds of different proteins and critical substances like clotting factors and electrolytes. Unlike whole blood donation, plasma donation is specialized, as the collected plasma can be processed to create therapies for patients with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other chronic diseases.

The Therapeutic Potential of Plasma

Plasma-derived therapies are used to treat a variety of rare and life-threatening conditions. These include:

• Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PID): Patients with PID lack the ability to produce antibodies, making them highly susceptible to infections. Regular infusions of plasma-derived immunoglobulins can significantly improve their quality of life by providing essential antibodies and reducing the frequency and severity of infections.

• Hemophilia A and B: These hereditary bleeding disorders result in the lack of clotting factors VIII and IX, respectively. Plasma-derived clotting factors can help manage these conditions, allowing individuals to lead relatively normal lives.

• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: This genetic disorder can lead to life-threatening liver disease in children and adults and lung disease in adults. Plasma-derived alpha-1 antitrypsin can help manage these conditions.

• Hereditary Angioedema: Caused by a missing C1 esterase inhibitor protein, this condition can result in severe swelling that can be fatal if the airway becomes obstructed. Plasma-derived C1 esterase inhibitor can provide critical relief.

The Role of Plasma in Emergency Situations

Plasma is also a critical component in emergency medical settings. It contains antibodies that can help stabilize patients with severe burns and shock, preventing further complications. Additionally, plasma transfusions can help replace lost blood volume, which is essential during major surgeries, traumatic injuries, and childbirth complications.

The Urgent Need for Plasma Donations

The need for plasma donations is more urgent than ever. Tens of thousands of people rely on plasma-derived therapies to manage their conditions. Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency, for instance, require more than 130 plasma donations per year to receive a single dose of gamma globulin. Without these donations, patients are at risk of life-threatening infections.

Moreover, the U.S. is currently experiencing a devastating shortage of plasma, forcing many patients to skip necessary treatments or go without. This shortage is particularly concerning for those with immune deficiencies who rely on regular infusions to stay alive.

How You Can Help

Donating plasma is a safe and rewarding process. The process involves passing your blood through a machine that separates out the plasma, collects it in a bag, and returns the rest of your blood to you via the same vein. This procedure is repeated until the required amount of plasma is collected.

Here are some key points to consider if you are thinking about donating plasma:

• Eligibility: General blood donor eligibility guidelines apply to plasma donors. You can be a plasma donor if you meet these criteria, which include age restrictions, weight requirements, and medical history checks.

• Frequency: Plasma donors can give every 28 days, although some centers may allow more frequent donations.

• Impact: Your plasma donation can make a significant difference in the lives of patients. By donating plasma, you are not only helping individuals but also contributing to critical medical research and the development of new treatments.

Where to Donate

Plasma donations are accepted at most vitalant donation centers and select mobile blood drives in specific locations. You can find a donation center near you by visiting Vitalant or DonatingPlasma.org.

Benefits of Plasma Donation

1. Helping Patients in Critical Need: By donating plasma, you are directly contributing to the treatment of patients with life-threatening diseases and those recovering from traumatic injuries.

2. Contribution to Medical Research: Plasma donations are essential for developing new treatments and advancing medical research, which impacts countless lives beyond your local community.

3. Recognition and Compensation: Regular donors are often recognized for their commitment, receiving financial compensation and health benefits, such as wellness checks and personalized health information.

Conclusion

The need for plasma donations is both urgent and crucial. With over 300 life-threatening diseases and millions of people relying on plasma-derived therapies, the importance of this donation cannot be overstated. By donating plasma, you are giving life through a gift of antibodies and proteins that can make all the difference in saving lives and improving patient outcomes. So, if you are eligible and willing, consider becoming a plasma donor today. Your contribution could be the lifeline many patients are waiting for.

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References:

• https://acaai.org/news/donating-your-plasma-saves-the-lives-of-those-with-primary-immunodeficiency/
• https://www.donatingplasma.org/plasma-protein-therapies/who-needs-plasma-therapies
• https://www.blood.co.uk/plasma/why-we-need-plasma-donors/
• https://www.vitalant.org/donate/types-of-blood-donation/plasma
• https://olgam.com/plasma-donation-and-the-fight-against-diseases/