Eligibility Requirements
A plasma donor must:
- Be a US citizen, have a US social security card, or have a US immigration card issued by the INS*
- Be between the ages of 18-65
- Weigh a minimum of 110 pounds
WHY YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DONATE
There are some conditions that may prevent you from donating. Many of these conditions can be controlled by diet and lifestyle. Listed below are some of the most common reasons why you may be deferred from becoming a plasma donor.
Piercings & Tattoos: If you have piercings or tattoos, or had a tattoo touched-up, you must wait until 12 months have passed before you can donate. Please let us know if you have received a piercing or tattoo within the past 12 months, so that we can advise you when you would be eligible to return to donate.
Other Blood & Plasma Donations: If you have given whole blood, you must wait 8 weeks before you can donate plasma. If you are a donor at another plasma center, you are not eligible to donate with us. You can donate with us no more than twice in a 7-day period and there must be at least 48 hours between donations.
Illness: There are several types of illnesses and medical conditions that will prevent you from becoming a plasma donor. They are:
- Diabetes requiring regular insulin injections
- History of hepatitis
- History of heart disease
- Active malignancy or history of cancer
- HIV/AIDS
Pregnancy: We are not able to accept anyone who is pregnant. A donor is eligible to donate 6 months after delivery date.
Previous Deferrals: If you have ever been rejected as a blood or plasma donor, you will not be able to donate plasma at TPR. All new donors are checked against the National Donor Deferral Registry (NDDR) database.
Low Red Cell Level: This can be caused by a variety of things. Most commonly it is related to low iron levels.
High Blood Pressure: Anyone can have high blood pressure. Your chances are increased if you are African-American, over 55 or have a family history of high blood pressure. Lifestyle can also influence your blood pressure. You can help keep it low by maintaining a healthy weight, cutting back on salt intake, exercising regularly, not smoking, and not drinking alcoholic beverages heavily.
Increased Heart Rate: Some things that can increase your heart rate are caffeine, smoking, dehydration, or exercising just before donating.
Low Protein: This can be caused by not eating enough protein. Also, protein levels may decrease during an extended illness.
High Fatty Plasma: Eating a diet lower in fat and cholesterol and making healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, will help reduce fatty plasma.
If you have further questions regarding any of these matters, please ask to speak with one of our medical personnel. If you have specific questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor.
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