Plasma Donation FAQ

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Still have not found what you’re looking for? Take a look below at our collection of frequently asked questions from donors like you.

• About Plasma
• At the Grifols Plasma Donation Centers
• Requirements
• Appointments
• Compensation
• Refer a Friend

What is plasma?

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that contains water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins. It's what remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components are removed.

How is plasma used?

Plasma donated at Grifols Plasma Donation Centers is used to produce medicines to treat or prevent serious diseases and condition such as hemophilia, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, and Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID). Grifols Plasma also helps treat patients with breathing problems, bleeding disorders, shock and burns or weakened immune systems. Many of these conditions require regular and lifelong treatment with plasma medicines.

Is donating plasma safe?

Yes, thousands of people safely and painlessly donate plasma every day. Grifols Plasma donations are performed in a highly controlled, sterile environment by professionally trained medical team members following strict safety guidelines for each donor's comfort and well-being.

Why should I donate? What's in it for me?

You'll be compensated for your time and effort on every visit. Beyond that financial benefit, your donation is incredibly valuable. Plasma is a critical resource that cannot be made in a lab, meaning every donation is essential for saving lives. Knowing you've made a direct contribution toward improving the health of others is one of the most rewarding aspects of donating.

Is all plasma the same?

No, it's not. Plasma can differ in the kinds and amounts of antibodies it contains. If a donor has enough specific antibodies, they may be considered a specialty plasma donor. People may also have unique blood types that make them specialty plasma donors, as well.

How much plasma comes from one donation?

Each donation can collect up to 1,200 milliliters of plasma. To put that into perspective, it takes more than 130 plasma donations per year to treat one patient with Primary Immunodeficiency.

How many donations does it take to make plasma-derived medicines?

About 130 plasma donations are needed to treat an adult with an immunodeficiency for one year, 900 to treat an adult with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency for one year and approximately 1,200 donations to treat an adult with hemophilia for one year.

How soon after donating plasma can I donate whole blood? And vice versa?

It's recommended that you wait two-to-three days after donating plasma before donating whole blood. After you've donated a unit of whole blood, the recommendation is to wait eight weeks (56 days) before donating plasma.

What does Grifols do?

Grifols is a global healthcare company that has been improving people's health and well-being for more than 110 years. The company is a leader in plasma collection, with a network of more than 300 plasma donation centers in the U.S., and a top producer of plasma medicines. As a recognized leader in transfusion medicine, Grifols also offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to enhance safety from donation to transfusion. In addition, the company supplies tools, information and services that enable hospitals, pharmacies and healthcare professionals to efficiently deliver expert medical care. Grifols plasma also helps treat patients with breathing problems, bleeding disorders, shock and burns or weakened immune systems.

What is the impact of a Grifols Plasma Donor Center in the community?

Grifols Plasma Donor Centers provide significant benefits to the communities we operate in –jobs for local residents, contributions to the local economy and community engagement. Our centers contribute through charitable donations, volunteer events and other outreach activities, programs and projects that help create safe and attractive environments for local residents and visitors. 

Can I donate at more than one plasma donation center?

While we recommend donors stick to one center, if you have to switch centers, we ask that you continue following the standard FDA limits of only donating twice a week and waiting two days between donations. Donating at multiple centers to bypass these guidelines can lead to permanent disqualification and potential health complications.

How are medical emergencies handled?

Although medical emergencies associated with plasma donation are rare, on-site medical specialists are well trained to manage them when they arise. To help reduce the chance of a medical emergency, please answer all the donor center staff’s questions honestly and to the best of your knowledge. In addition, donors must feel healthy and well on the day of the donation and meet all our donor eligibility requirements.

How does Grifols Plasma address new viruses?

Safety has always been a core value and objective for Grifols Plasma. We are vigilant in our research of new and existing pathogen variants and mutations, and we routinely test our manufacturing processes and methods for the safety of our products. We also collaborate with industry member companies through the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association's (PPTA) Pathogen Safety Steering Committee and leading health authorities worldwide. Our active internal pathogen safety group carefully and continuously scrutinizes scientific publications and daily news addressing new and emerging pathogens.

Important Safety Information

Because Grifols products are made from human plasma, they may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, such as viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

How are plasma donor centers regulated?

All Grifols Plasma Centers are licensed and regulated by the FDA and other international agencies. Each plasma donation center is inspected and certified by those agencies regularly in addition to being monitored by the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP). State health officials also inspect plasma centers to verify compliance with certain laboratory testing requirements and procedures. Grifols also has a robust internal regulatory program that routinely inspects and verifies the company's quality assurance requirements.

Who can donate plasma?

Plasma donors must weigh at least 110 lbs (50kg), be in generally good health and be between 18 and 69 years old

To begin your plasma journey, you will participate in a thorough screening process that starts with an initial medical exam. This crucial step ensures you meet the necessary health requirements. During every donation visit, we check your vital signs and ask you to complete a confidential health history questionnaire. We also take a small blood sample for essential screening tests—which check for proper Hematocrit levels (percent of red blood cells in your blood) and total protein levels. We guide you comfortably through these required safety checks at every step. To be eligible to donate, you must have a valid photo ID, proof of residence, and a Social Security number (Social Security Card, W2, or pay stub showing full name and SSN) or Border Crossing Card.

Where do donors come from?

Plasma donors are simply healthy people from all walks of life right within your local community. They are neighbors, students, professionals, and retirees—anyone committed to taking a little time to help patients fighting life-threatening illnesses.

What's the difference between an applicant donor and a qualified donor?

An applicant donor is a donor who has donated one time only. That donor's plasma is never used to produce any Grifols medicine and is destroyed if the donor does not return for a second donation. A qualified donor:

• Has donated twice within a sixth month period
• Had negative screening test results
• Has continued to donate with less than six months between donations

If I'm not eligible to donate blood, am I ineligible to donate plasma too?

Blood donation and plasma donation have many of the same FDA guidelines, so it's likely that if you're ineligible for one, you're ineligible for both. But in some rare instances, you may be able to donate plasma even if you're not eligible to donate blood, so contact the Grifols Plasma Center closest to you to discuss your eligibility.

How long does it take to donate plasma?

Donating plasma takes longer than donating blood because of the thorough health screening requirements and the process of separating the plasma from blood. The first plasma donation can take between two and two and a half hours. It includes a physical examination, comprehensive medical screening and testing, and verification of donor identification and local address. Return donations typically take between one and one and a half hours and include a donor health screening, donor verification and testing.

What should I do to prepare myself for a plasma donation?

Staying hydrated and eating properly beforehand are important parts of a healthy plasma donation. Make sure your diet is high in protein and avoid foods high in fat. Drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine on the day before and the day of your donation.

Getting a good night's sleep before your donation and not smoking (for at least 30 minutes) before a donation is also important.

What should I expect when donating plasma?

You’ll be comfortably reclined during the donation. A needle will be placed into a vein in your arm, and your blood will be collected into sterile equipment (used only once). The plasma is separated from the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, which are then returned to you through the same needle in your arm. At the end of the donation, you’ll be given fluids to help compensate for the plasma that was collected. Because your red blood cells are returned to you, you shouldn't feel weak or tired after donating. Feel free to bring a book or magazine to read, watch a show or stream your favorite music on your device via our WiFi.

What are the potential adverse effects during or after plasma donation?

Donating plasma is a low-risk procedure with minimal or no adverse effects. Before donating, you'll receive information and instruction on the plasmapheresis process from Grifols. They will discuss the risks of adverse reactions, injuries and events that may occur during or after plasma donation. These can include dizziness, dehydration, fatigue or bruising.

What can I expect from the health screening?

Our health screenings include having a small blood sample taken from your finger, having your vital signs checked and being asked a series of questions. We conduct a screening every time you donate to ensure you’re in good health and meet the plasma donation criteria. You can also expect a full physical at least once per year.

What types of tests are performed on plasma donations? How often?

All plasma donations are screened for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C using nucleic amplified testing (NAT), a state-of-the-art method that tests for the DNA particles of the virus. In addition, each plasma donation is tested for antibodies that the body produces in response to a virus.

Will my blood be tested?

Yes. Every donor must be screened for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C at each donation. Each donation undergoes a serological test that looks for antibodies that the body produces in response to a virus. These screening tests are performed at Grifols laboratories and are not considered a formal medical diagnosis.

What happens if one of my screening tests is positive?

If you test positive for HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C you will be immediately referred to a physician or clinic for more testing and treatment, if necessary. You will also be deferred and excluded from donating plasma for everyone’s safety.

What does it mean to be "deferred"?

If you are a “deferred donor,” it means you are disqualified from donating plasma. A donor can become deferred at any point. Depending on why you’re being deferred it may be temporary or permanent. A permanently deferred donor is forever disqualified from donating plasma. A temporarily deferred donor will not be able to donate until a specific amount of time has passed and/or another requirement has been met, like seeing your personal healthcare provider.

If I was deferred once before, am I still ineligible to donate?

If your deferral is permanent, we will let you know. Otherwise, the deferral time depends upon the reason for deferral. Before each plasma donation, you'll be given a health screening and medical interview. That's when we'll be able to determine if you're eligible to donate on that particular day. If you have been deferred under a former Grifols’ policy regarding certain sexual activities, Grifols has made changes that may allow you to donate, provided you meet all other eligibility criteria. Grifols does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or on past sexual activity between men.

What happens to the plasma after it is donated?

Within 30 minutes of the plasma donation, samples are drawn and frozen in an on-site freezer. Once test results come in, all approved plasma units are transported to a Grifols warehousing facility, where they are held for a minimum of 60 days to confirm the donor's health and the safety of the plasma. After the final checks and testing are performed, plasma donations are sent to Grifols production facilities to be used in producing lifesaving medications. It takes up to 12 months from the donation to when the product is available for patients.

Does Grifols Plasma compensate donors? How?

Yes. Plasma donors are compensated for the commitment and efforts involved in being an important, regular plasma donor. They receive compensation on a pre-paid debit card after each donation; rates vary depending on location.

Why should I refer my friends to Grifols Plasma?

We can't think of an easier way to benefit your friends, your pocketbook, and world health at the same time than the Grifols Plasma Refer a Friend program. Your friends will be thankful, you'll pocket a cool bonus, and you'll multiply your life-saving impact. You found a good thing, so share it!

How many friends can I refer?

​​​​​​There's no limit on the number of friends you can refer to your center! You'll get a bonus for every one of them who becomes a qualified donor.

How do I refer my friends?

Click on the Refer a Friend button in Grifols DonorHubTM or on our website and just enter your friends' name and a valid email address. That's it. We will let them know you have invited them to become plasma donors and will explain the next steps. When you talk to the friends you have referred, ask them to mention your name when they go for their first donation.

How am I compensated for referring my friends?

You'll receive a bonus once your friends complete their second successful donation. Your compensation will be added automatically to your card upon completion of your next donation. The amounts may vary by location. Please check DonorHubTM or our website for the exact amount.

Why do I have to wait for their second donation to get my bonus?

​​​​​Your friends' plasma is used only for testing the first time they donate. When your friends return for a second donation within 180 days, they become an official Grifols Plasma donor, and their plasma can be used to create medicines.

How can I tell which friends I can refer?

​​​​​​The friends you refer should meet the minimum eligibility requirements for donation. These include being between 18 and 69 years old, weighing at least 110 lbs. and having good general health. At their first visit, they will receive a health history questionnaire and a physical exam to make sure they're healthy enough to donate.

Can my friends and I donate together?

Yes! We know everything is better with friends, including donating plasma. Make sure you schedule your donations at the same time and request to sit together. You can talk, play games, and catch up while you relax and donate.

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