Everything you need to know about plasma donation
Many people don’t realise that they can donate plasma. How much do you know about plasma donation? Check out our Q&A.
We’re appealing for new donors at Birmingham, Twickenham, and Reading. The NHS needs more donors to help the 17,000 people who rely on medicines made from plasma.
Many people don’t realise that they can donate plasma.
How much do you know about plasma donation? Check out our Q&A.
What happens when you donate plasma?
Your blood is collected out of the vein of one arm. A machine separates plasma from red blood cells. Plasma is collected in a bag and red blood cells are returned to your vein using the same needle.
How long does plasma donation last?
Plasma donation takes around 35 minutes, with the appointment lasting just over an hour. This includes some checks before you donate and having a drink and snack after you donate. There aren’t many ways to save lives so quickly, so easily!
Learn more about the donation process.
How long does it take to recover from a plasma donation?
It doesn’t take long to recover from a plasma donation at all. You can resume your normal daily activities afterwards but be sure to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting with the arm you donated with.
Your body recovers very quickly (helped by post-donation drinks and snacks) and you’re able to donate plasma as often as every two weeks.
Are my veins suitable for plasma donation?
We will run a visual check on your veins and measure your pulse before you donate plasma. It’s nothing scary and only takes a few minutes.
Do I have enough blood to donate plasma?
We need to know your height and weight before you donate plasma. This is so the machine we use to collect plasma can calculate how much blood you have and work out how much plasma you can safely donate.
Use this tool to check if you have enough blood to donate.
How should I prepare for my plasma donation?
Before you travel to your appointment you should:
- eat as normal but avoid fatty foods as they can affect the quality of your plasma
- have plenty of drinks to stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol or tea/coffee before you donate
- wear clothes with loose-fitting sleeves so that it’s easy to access your arm
Read more about preparing for a plasma donation
Where can I donate plasma?
Currently, there are three locations where you can donate plasma: Birmingham, Reading and Twickenham. Most donor centres have day, evening and weekend appointments, discounted or free parking nearby, free wi-fi, and good access to public transport links.
How much of your blood is plasma?
Plasma makes up approximately 55% of your blood. It is a yellowish liquid that carries platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells around the body.
Plasma contains antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, which fight infection. These antibodies are made into medicines to help people with rare diseases, immune disorders and genetic conditions.
Can I donate if I feel unwell?
To donate plasma you will need to be generally fit and well.
If you have a cough, a cold, an active cold sore, or feel unwell, please check whether you should attend by calling 0300 123 23 23.
How long after getting a COVID-19 vaccination should I wait before donating plasma?
You must wait until it is at least 48 hours after receiving a vaccination for COVID-19 before donating plasma. We advise booking to attend on the 3rd day from the date of your vaccine.
If you have side effects from the vaccine, such as headache, temperature, aches, and chills, please wait until they have passed before donating. For all other types of vaccination, please refer to the donor knowledge base.
How long after a flu vaccination should I wait before donating plasma?
You can donate after having a flu jab, including on the same day, as long you feel completely well.
If you have had the flu jab as a priority because of underlying health issues, please check that it is okay for you to donate with those.
How long after getting a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture do you have to wait before donating plasma?
Wait 4 months after getting a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture before donating plasma.
Appointments are available months in advance, so when you open your calendar to book in your tattoo, why not book a plasma appointment at the same time?
Can women donate plasma?
Yes, women can donate plasma. In 2022, we introduced new machines at plasma donor centres that can take donations from people with a wider range of heights and weights, meaning more people can now donate plasma.
Can UK donors give plasma?
UK donors have been able to give plasma since 2021, when the Government lifted the ban on using plasma for fractionation. Fractionation is the process that separates plasma into different components which can then be used to produce medicines.