General Overview
At C.P. Plasma Center, Inc., donating source plasma is done through a medical process called plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is a sterile, self-contained, automated process that separates plasma from red blood cells and other cellular components; the plasma donation process, where the plasma is removed and the blood cells are returned to your body.
According to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), a person can donate plasma twice a week. CBER is the FDA’s Center regulating biological products for human use under applicable federal laws, including the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
CBER protects and advances public health by ensuring that biological products are safe and effective, and available to those who need them. CBER also provides the public with information to promote the safe and appropriate use of biological products.
Plasma donation sessions usually take about an hour and a half. Plasma donors at C.P. Plasma Center are brave and courageous people who believe in helping lives through their plasma donation to help patients live a healthy and prosperous life.
Sufficient fluid intake is essential to a successful plasma donation journey. You must be in good health and feel well the day you plan to donate plasma. We recommend drinking plenty of water before donation.
Who can donate at C.P. Plasma Center?
- Must be in good health.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Weigh at least 110 lbs.
- Have valid identification and a permanent address.
What can you do to prepare before donating plasma at C.P. Plasma Center?
- Drink 4-6 eight-ounce glasses of water, fruit juice, or other caffeine-free liquid at least two to three hours before plasma donation.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Avoid alcohol of any type for twenty-four hours before you donate.
- Eat a meal before donation.
- Get adequate sleep.
What should you bring to donate plasma at C.P. Plasma Center?
- A valid Government-issued identification (Example: Driver’s license, Military ID, etc.).
- Proof of social security number (Example: Social Security Card).
- Proof of local residency (Example: Piece of mail postmarked in the past thirty days, current lease, utility bill, etc.).
Can donors with piercings and tattoos (Ears/Body) donate plasma at C.P. Plasma Center?
Recent piercing may affect your eligibility to donate for a period of four months up to twelve months, depending on the type of procedure used to complete the piercing and whether or not the piercing shows any signs of infection.
Donors with a recent tattoo may not be eligible to donate plasma for a period of four months up to twelve months. You may be eligible to donate if your tattoos are older.
Medical screening before each plasma donation at C.P. Plasma Center, Inc.
Your eligibility to donate plasma at C.P. Plasma Center will be determined during your physical screening. A medical history interview, a physical checkup, and a blood test.
- This screening also includes a test for anemia (hematocrit) and protein level, which requires just a few drops of blood from your finger: your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are part of the eligibility process to donate plasma at C.P. Plasma Center.
- The medical history interview consists of a series of questions about your past and present health history, including questions about the possibility of certain infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Screening determination of your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
- You may be eligible for plasma donation, depending on your condition’s type and severity. If you are interested in donating plasma and uncertain whether you qualify, please fill out the donor form, and your inquiries will be clarified in a timely manner.
If any staff members at C.P. Plasma Center smell alcohol on breath or garbled communication, you will not be allowed to donate plasma on that day.
Any plasma donors or potential plasma donors showing any physical or mental effects of protracted alcohol use are not eligible for plasma donations.
Non-Discrimination Statement
C.P. Plasma Center, Inc. ® values all donors and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by Federal, state or local law. All donors must meet federal and state eligibility requirements, and all C.P. Plasma Center donor eligibility criteria must be met to protect the donor’s health and product safety.