Questions and answers about plasma donation
Blood consists of different components: plasma and shaped elements such as red blood cells and white blood cells. When donating blood, the entire composition of the blood is removed, but when donating plasma, only the plasma is collected, after separating the plasma, the useful blood cells are returned to the donor’s body. After plasma donation, the body regenerates within 48 hours with proper nutrition and fluid replacement.
About 55% of blood is plasma, which is very valuable because it is the basis of vital medicines used to treat rare chronic and sometimes life-threatening diseases. This special ingredient allows us to help those who need it most.
The use of blood plasma collected at Haema Plasma is a significant medical innovation. The vital medicines used to treat rare chronic and sometimes life-threatening diseases are made from it. As a recognized leader in transfusion, we also offer a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to increase safety from plasma donation to transfusion. Plasma is therefore a real life-saving gift that makes every plasma donor a hero!
The valuable plasma collected by our company is used for the production of plasma-based medicines, which provide life-saving treatment for Hungarian patients with serious conditions such as immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders.
Haema Plasma Kft. is a partner of the Grifols company, which is known as one of the key players in the global healthcare industry. Grifols processes plasma collected at Haema Plasma to produce life-saving plasma-based medicines. These preparations are used to treat primary immunodeficiencies, hereditary angioedema, acute idiopathic polyneuritis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, as well as several rare neurological and genetic conditions, thus contributing to the fight against chronic, serious and life-threatening diseases.
We are proud of our mission to help people with serious illnesses live a full life!
The identity card can be replaced by a Hungarian passport or driver’s license. You can replace the social security number card with an EU health insurance card or EU health insurance certificate, while the residential address card can be replaced with official documents, such as a residence permit or dormitory certificate, which prove the residential address in Hungary.
If you have booked an appointment for plasma donation by phone or in person, you can cancel or change it by calling the toll-free number. Appointments booked online can be managed through our online booking system. You can cancel an appointment booked online for a suitability test using the link in the confirmation email.
Of course, it is not mandatory to take advantage of this opportunity, everyone can donate at their own pace, 2 days must pass between two plasmapheresis, so the next plasmapheresis can take place on the third day.
The plasma collected once is regenerated by the body within 2 days, therefore 2 days must pass between two plasmapheresis, so the next plasmapheresis can take place on the third day, but no more than 45 times in a year (365 days). It usually takes 2 days for the body to replace the proteins, ions, fluid volume, blood sugar and other nutrients in the plasma. It is rarely necessary to tailor the donation rate to an individual, however, if justified, our doctors set the optimal donation intervals individually, so it is possible that we will recommend a less frequent plasma donation rate. In general, it can be said that with adequate nutrition, 1 plasma donation per week is not burdensome for the body. At Haema Plasma, we check the most important parameters during each plasma donation, so our doctors can ensure safe plasma donation for everyone.
At Haema Plasma, we recommend that you avoid strenuous physical activity and sports on the day of the plasma donation. This helps to keep it in optimal condition for donation and for faster regeneration afterwards.
It’s okay to drink coffee before donating plasma, especially if you’re used to it anyway. However, it is important to drink enough water to stay properly hydrated.
If you have already donated blood in the past year, you can verify this information with the certificate you received at the blood donation and you do not need to donate whole blood again.
Currently, Haema Plasma does not perform Covid-19 screening either during plasma donation or blood donation. However, we have implemented all necessary measures to ensure the health of our plasma donors and employees.
If you have been infected with Covid-19 and have been symptom-free for at least a month, contact Haema Plasma.
At HAEMA, you can donate plasma if you have a social security number card and social security number, regardless of whether you have health insurance.
Adequate hemoglobin levels are important during plasma donation. We check the hemoglobin level during the suitability test and every plasma donation. If our doctors deem that you need to take a break due to iron deficiency, they will inform you of this.
At Haema Plasma, we may have free capacity for plasma donation without registration, but not in all cases. We therefore recommend that you always make an appointment in advance to avoid any inconvenience. In addition, proper preparation – drinking plenty of fluids and nutrition – is also important, which you can best pay attention to if you know when it is coming.
Hemophilia is a serious disease where the body cannot properly ensure blood clotting, which can cause life-threatening bleeding problems. We know that plasma donation can offer hope in just such cases, as products made from plasma can help treat hemophiliacs, so every plasma donation really counts. Because 1,200 plasma donations are needed to supply a hemophilia patient with medication for one year.
The suitability examination is a thorough health check that starts with a vein check. If your vein is suitable for plasma donation, a comprehensive medical examination and blood sampling will follow. The lab results will be ready in about 7-10 days, and if everything is in order, you can now donate plasma. This procedure ensures that plasma donation is safe for both plasma donors and plasma users.
Certain medications can affect the possibility of donating plasma:
– Taking contraceptives does not affect if taken at least 3 hours before the plasma donation.
– If you are taking an antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal agent, at least one week must pass after taking the last dose before you can donate plasma.
– In the case of other regularly taken medicines, a medical assessment is required.
If you have specific questions, contact us on our toll-free number or in person at the Plasma Center.
Different diseases can affect the possibility of donating plasma. Therefore, an individual medical assessment is carried out in each case. If you have undergone dental treatment, fractured a bone, or had an operation, we ask that you first consult with our doctors at the center or on our toll-free number. After the complete recovery of an infectious disease, 2 weeks must pass before the next plasma donation.
Yes, Haema Plasma experts recommend that you eat before the fitness test.
We will inform you about the results of the physical medical examination already during the examination, and you will have to wait approximately 1 week for the results of the blood test. If we have your email address, we will send you a notification after receiving the results of the laboratory test. If you do not have a fixed email address and the lab results are not suitable, we will contact you on the phone number provided to invite you to a personal meeting. One week after the suitability test, you can find out about the test result and apply for the first plasma donation.
4 months must pass after the tattoo, ear piercing or piercing is done, after which it is possible to donate plasma again after a necessary blood test for a control virus test. This is due to the increased risk of infection.
It is important not to consume alcohol 10-12 hours before the plasma donation. Alcohol consumption can affect the composition of the blood and the safety of plasma donation.
Smokers can also donate plasma if they do not have a disqualifying disease, but please avoid smoking immediately before and 1 hour after donating plasma (Smoking is harmful to health)
It is not recommended to go to a suitability test or plasma donation with a cold. Wait until you are completely symptom-free and then another week before visiting us.
With the plasma donation, the body’s protein and immunoglobulin reserves also decrease, so proper nutrition is important to keep these levels in the normal range. At Haema Plasma, we regularly check protein and immunoglobulin levels and set the ideal donation frequency based on this.
We consider a protein-rich diet to be particularly important, because the protein level in your body decreases with the plasma donation. A good diet can ensure that protein levels remain adequate, which is essential for safe plasma donation. We give you some tips for this on page XXX.
‘Lipemic’ plasma means that the fat content of the plasma is higher than normal. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid fatty foods 10-12 hours before plasma donation, so that your plasma can be used for pharmaceutical purposes.
If a small bruise, i.e. purple area, develops at the injection site, it usually goes away quickly. To prevent this, we recommend wearing the bandage applied to the venipuncture site for 2 hours after the donation, as well as taking care of the punctured arm, and please do not put any weight on it or lift it! If you have a suitable vein on your other arm, you can still donate plasma. Using heparin ointment can help you heal.
At Haema Plasma, we recommend that you avoid heavy physical work and strenuous sports activities the day before and on the day of plasma donation.
After the vaccination, the waiting time may vary depending on the type of vaccination. We recommend that you seek medical advice and consult with our donor examiner to determine how long you should wait before donating plasma. Please also bring your vaccination booklet with you so that we can give you accurate information about the waiting time, which can last from a few days to four weeks or more, depending on the type of vaccination. You usually only have to wait a few days, like with the flu or COVID-19 shot, provided you feel healthy.
If you were bitten by a tick and did not require medical attention, or if you do not feel any symptoms, you can give plasma again after 4 weeks after the bite.
After tooth extraction, root canal treatment, or other dental interventions, we ask that you first consult with our donor examiners, who include doctors and ambulance officers. During the consultation, you will be informed of the required waiting time: 1 day for tartar removal and dental crown filling, while 2 weeks are required after tooth extraction and root canal before you can give plasma again. You can find our contact information on the center’s page, where you can contact us via the toll-free numbers.
It is not possible to donate plasma during pregnancy. Plasma donation is possible no earlier than 6 months after pregnancy and childbirth, provided that the mother is not breastfeeding. Plasma donation is also not recommended during breastfeeding. So, if 6 months have already passed since the birth and you are not breastfeeding, there is no need to wait any longer; in this case, you can directly apply for plasma donation.
Even in the event of a miscarriage or termination of pregnancy, we ask that you wait at least 6 months before donating plasma again.
We do not recommend donating plasma during menstruation. Please come to us to donate plasma after your period.
Yes, if you have no complaints, you can donate plasma at Haema Plasma after taking painkillers.
After the re-shoot, 4 months must pass, and then it is possible to give plasma again after a necessary blood sample for a control virus test. This is due to the increased risk of infection.
If you have cold sores, you are temporarily excluded from donating plasma for two weeks from the onset of symptoms. Please come back to donate plasma after the herpes is completely cured and after two weeks.
Plasma donation is safe, because most of the blood plasma is water, and the rest consists of substances such as proteins and vitamins, which can be easily replaced with adequate fluid intake and proper nutrition. Donating plasma is not harmful to health if you follow the recommendations. Also, our donor examiners check the most important parameters at each plasma donation, for the sake of your health and the safety of plasma donation.
Donating plasma is not harmful in the long term if you follow Haema Plasma’s recommendations. The body quickly replaces fluids and nutrients, such as proteins and vitamins, if you eat and drink properly after a plasma donation. A healthy and balanced diet helps the body to regenerate quickly, which is why a healthy diet is important for plasma donors.
Only one arm is punctured, except in rare cases where the first injection was somehow unsuccessful in terms of plasma delivery. Our expert staff will then decide on the possibility of re-injection. We always strive to make the process as convenient and secure as possible for you.
No, your blood does not come into contact with other people’s blood. During each plasma donation, we only use single-use, sterile devices, thus ensuring the safety and hygiene of the process.
Yes, the medicines made from collected plasma are primarily made for Hungarian patients. This helps to ensure that we can help according to local needs.
Patients receive medicines made from blood plasma with the support of social insurance, thus helping them to recover.
With Haema Plasma, it is rare for someone to get sick during a plasma donation. If it does occur, the reasons for this may include too little or insufficient fluid intake the day before and on the day of the plasma donation, as well as lack of sleep. Furthermore, stress, fasting or nervousness before the plasma donation can also play a role. It is important to arrive at the plasma donation rested, sufficiently hydrated and calm, thus minimizing the chance of feeling sick.
During regular plasma donations, we perform blood tests that check blood-borne viruses and protein levels. Every time at the reception, we measure your body temperature, weight, blood pressure and pulse, as well as check your hemoglobin level to rule out anemia.
A new suitability test is required if more than 6 months have passed between two plasma donations.
At Haema Plasma, after donating plasma, we recommend waiting at least 3 days before donating whole blood, then a 2-week break must be taken after donating blood until the next plasma donation.
You can donate plasma again 14 days after donating blood.
You have 180 days from your first plasma donation to fulfill your annual mandatory whole blood donation. After that, we ask you to donate blood at least once a year (every 365 days).
No, you can complete one mandatory whole blood donation per year at any organized blood donation location. We also regularly organize blood donations at the Haema Plasma centers to facilitate the obligatory whole blood donation for our plasma donors. These times are announced in advance at the plasma centers.
We regularly organize blood donations at the Haema Plasma Centers. If the date given by us does not suit you, please visit one of the partner institutions of the National Blood Service!
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