Donating Plasma: who can donate?

Millions of people around the world safely and repeatedly donate plasma in qualified donation centers.

Among other requirements, a plasma donor must:

• be a U.S. citizen, have a U.S. social security card or have a U.S. immigration card issued by the INS
• be at least 18 years old
• weigh a minimum of 110 pounds

"Applicant donors" - people who are donating plasma for the first time or who have not donated within the last six months - must participate in a thorough donor screening process during their first visit to a plasma center. The screening process includes:

• a confidential medical history interview
• a medical exam
• and testing (for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis)

A sample of the donated plasma undergoes a series of screening tests and the rest of the applicant donor's plasma is held in quarantine until he or she returns for another donation and Talecris Plasma Resources obtains another set of acceptable plasma test results.

Your body quickly replaces the plasma you donate, however, we require that you wait at least 48 hours before making your next plasma donation.