Fact: All blood types can donate plasma.

It’s true – any blood type can donate plasma because all blood carries powerful antibodies that make advanced treatments possible. In order to donate you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements to become a donor.

Fiction: You can only donate plasma once per month.

Thanks to the amazing human body, plasma regenerates within 48 hours with proper hydration. This is why the FDA’s safety regulations permit donors to donate plasma twice within seven days, but no more than once in any 48-hour period. At BioLife, we follow all FDA regulations for safe, frequent plasma donation, which means we require every donor to participate in a medical history screening and questionnaire and plasma protein blood test prior to each donation, as well as annual physical examinations starting on their first visit.

Fiction: People with tattoos or piercings cannot donate plasma.

A tattoo or piercing will not automatically disqualify you from donating plasma. However, BioLife donation centers adhere to policies that prioritize the health of both donor and recipient. For example, potential donors are temporarily ineligible if they have gotten a tattoo or piercing in the past four months to ensure that the site has healed completely and is infection-free.

As a prospective and eligible donor, you’re probably wondering what the actual donation process is like.

Fiction: Donating plasma is painful and/or uncomfortable.

Most plasma donors feel little to no pain. Like any blood donation process, you might experience a brief stinging sensation from the needle, but that part is over quickly.

Once collection is underway, you are free to enjoy quiet time relaxing with your smartphone or a book you’re reading. Our expert staff is attentive throughout the entire process to ensure you’re comfortable until collection is complete. Afterward, you’ll be given some basic care instructions to follow.

So, why give? Many people see it as truly win-win.

Fact: Donating plasma benefits you and the recipient.

True! Plasma-derived therapies help save the lives of people with chronic conditions like immune deficiencies and hemophilia. That’s pretty incredible! Donating also benefits you, the donor. It’s a uniquely rewarding experience knowing that your donation can help family, friends, or others who need plasma-derived therapies live healthier, higher-quality lives. You’re also compensated for your time and commitment. You can even get additional compensation through our Buddy Bonus program by referring others to help save lives through plasma donation (if your referral completes a donation).

Fiction: Plasma can be made in a lab.

While it is true that scientists are hard at work developing synthetic plasma, no such substitute currently exists. Simply put, plasma cannot be made in a lab.[i] This means that those in need of plasma therapies are entirely dependent on a consistent supply of donated plasma. Plasma donations are the only way many people can continue to receive the life-saving treatments derived from plasma.

[i] “Made from Plasma,” Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, accessed November 30, 2024, https://www.uniquelysavinglives.org/plasma

How often can you donate plasma?