What disqualifies you from being a plasma donor?
Most people are qualified and eligible to donate plasma, but certain conditions might disqualify you from donating including health conditions, medications, recent travel, tattoos or piercings, pregnancy, or temporary illnesses. Donating plasma is a generous act that can help improve the lives of people in your neighborhood and around the world. Here’s what you need to know about plasma donation disqualifications.
What is a Deferral?
When it comes to donating plasma, the term “deferral” refers to a disqualification from donating due to specific health or lifestyle factors. Think of deferral as a safety measure designed to protect both you and the recipients of the plasma. It’s crucial to be truthful during the exams and questionnaires to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Deferred donors are either temporarily paused or permanently restricted from donating until certain conditions are met.
Causes for Plasma Donation Deferral
You may be deferred from donating plasma due to specific health conditions, medications, recent travel, tattoos or piercings, pregnancy, or temporary illnesses.
Your current health status is a critical factor in determining your eligibility to donate plasma. If you are feeling unwell, it’s best to postpone your donation until you are fully recovered. Conditions like colds, flu, COVID-19, or infections can temporarily disqualify you from donating plasma. Blood pressure and hydration levels can also lead to deferrals. Ensuring you are in good health helps guarantee the safety of your donation and quality of the plasma donated.
Several other factors can cause deferral from plasma donation. These include medical conditions, recent surgeries, or even travel history. For example, if you’ve recently traveled to a region with a high risk of infectious diseases, you may be temporarily deferred. Additionally, certain medical conditions like anemia or heart disease can result in either a temporary or permanent deferral.
Here are some common causes for deferrals:
Medication Restrictions
While it may seem that certain medications could affect your eligibility to donate plasma, very few medications directly impact the quality of the plasma. Most deferrals are not due to the medications that a donor takes but are rather linked to the condition for which the medication is being taken.
We believe in full transparency and safety; therefore, we encourage all potential donors to disclose their accurate medical history. This information plays a significant role in assessing eligibility and ensuring the safety of both the donor and the receiver.
As a donor, you may worry that your medication may make you ineligible. However, this is often not the case. To provide clarity and avoid any discouragement, our center staff are available to address any of your concerns regarding specific medication restrictions. You may contact them via your center’s phone number or by visiting your center in person.
Remember, your health and safety are our utmost priority, so let’s work together by sharing accurate information. This way, we can ensure the plasma donation process is safe and effective for everyone involved.
Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension may require additional medical evaluations to determine your eligibility. Always consult your healthcare provider prior to donating plasma and be sure to disclose any chronic conditions during your donor screening and exam process.
Temporary Illnesses
Temporary illnesses like the flu or common cold can lead to short-term deferrals. It’s essential to be in optimal health when donating plasma to protect both yourself and the recipients.
Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Plasma Donation
While moderate alcohol consumption isn’t typically a cause for deferral, excessive drinking can dehydrate you and affect your plasma quality. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before your donation appointment to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Tattoos and Piercings
After getting a new tattoo, there is a designated 4-month waiting period before you can donate plasma. This FDA-mandated deferral period is in place to reduce the risk of transmitting bloodborne infections through plasma donations.
Similarly, if you have received a piercing with a single-use device, a four-month deferral period is also necessary.
These measures are part of industry standards designed to uphold the safety and quality of collected plasma. It’s critical to adhere to these waiting periods to ensure the health of those who will benefit from your donation.
Feel free to discuss with our center staff members for more information about plasma donation eligibility after receiving a tattoo or piercing.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Donors are deferred from donating plasma during their pregnancy and for a period of 6-12 months following delivery (including C-section), a miscarriage, or termination of a pregnancy.
However, nursing mothers may be eligible to donate, given certain conditions. If you are breastfeeding and your child has commenced receiving solid foods, which generally starts between 4 to 6 months, you may be eligible for plasma donation. A child’s primary source of nutrition should not just be breast milk when their mother is donating plasma.
Please note that it is particularly important for nursing mothers to be aware that plasma donation may temporarily decrease milk supply. Therefore, we encourage you to consider this factor before deciding on plasma donation. We urge you to ensure your child’s proper nutrition and your well-being above all.
Blood Pressure and Hydration Levels
Donors with elevated blood pressure at the time of donation may be deferred under FDA guidelines. To help avoid this, refrain from strenuous activity beforehand, manage stress, and limit high-sodium foods. Similarly, arriving dehydrated can delay or disqualify your donation, as dehydration may lead to complications. To stay eligible, drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment—avoiding coffee and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body.
Start Your Plasma Donation Journey
At Octapharma Plasma, you’re becoming part of a community dedicated to saving lives. Understanding the factors that may impact your donation eligibility are crucial to ensuring a safe and successful donation. Ready to start your donation journey? Check out our plasma donation FAQs for more information or visit a plasma donation center near you.
