Plasma makes up about 55% of blood and is essential for carrying nutrients, hormones, and proteins throughout the body. It helps regulate blood pressure, maintain pH balance, and deliver vital clotting factors to stop bleeding. For patients with serious medical conditions, plasma donations provide life-sustaining treatments.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and plasma is often the key to saving lives. Plasma donors are everyday heroes, helping patients survive burns, trauma, and chronic illnesses. Your donation can restore health and bring hope to those in need.
What Is Plasma and Why Is It Important?
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body. It delivers antibodies that fight infection, clotting factors that stop bleeding, and proteins that help patients recover from injuries and disease.
How Often Can You Donate Plasma?
You can donate plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times a year. While donating frequently is not required, we encourage donors to give as often as possible. If you make a plasma donation, you must wait 24 hours before donating whole blood.
How Can You Help?
Aim for at least four successful plasma donations each year. Share the importance of plasma donations with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness. You can also inspire others by posting about your donation experience on social media and encouraging them to get involved.
How is donating plasma at a blood center different from a commercial plasma center?
There are different ways to donate plasma. You can give at a community blood center, hospital, or a commercial plasma center. At Gulf Coast Blood, plasma donations are always voluntary, helping ensure patients in our community get the lifesaving treatment they need. Want to learn more? Visit Donated Plasma Vs. Commercial Plasma.
Who Do Plasma Donations Help?
Plasma donations are used to create lifesaving therapies and treatments. Your donation helps patients in urgent and ongoing need:
· Trauma & Burn Victims: Plasma replaces lost fluids and delivers clotting factors.
· Patients with Bleeding Disorders: Provides the clotting proteins needed to prevent life-threatening bleeding.
· Chronic & Rare Illness Patients: Supports treatments for immune deficiencies and other serious conditions.
Every plasma donation is vital and has the power to save lives!
AMELIA’S STORY: THE DIFFERENCE PLASMA DONORS MAKE
Amelia was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in 2023 and faced treatment with remarkable strength. Along the way, she received more than 50 transfusions, including plasma. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Amelia has the strength and a second chance at life.