Plasma: The Need For Donors & What You Can Do To Help

Maybe your like

About What is Infusion Therapy? Home Infusion Nursing Leadership Accreditations Locations Videos Career Opportunities News Who We Help Overview Patients Providers Manufacturers Payors Get Started Therapies Overview Immunoglobulin (IG) Transplant Bleeding Disorders Biologics / Biosimilars Infusion Locations Medications Get Started Overview Patients: Start Here Provider: Referral Forms Contact Pay My Bill

December 9, 2025 All, Immunology Admin Plasma: The Need for Donors & What You Can Do to Help

America needs blood and plasma donors.

This article discusses what plasma is, the important functions it serves, and who’s eligible to donate.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body. It’s made up of mostly water (92%+), but contains vital proteins and antibodies such as albumin, gamma globulin, and anti-hemophilic factor along with mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones, vitamins, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.

According to The American Red Cross, plasma serves four important functions in our bodies:

Helps maintain blood pressure and volume
Supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity against certain diseases
Carries electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to our muscles
Helps maintain a proper pH balance in the body, which supports cell function

The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) says that “plasma-derived medicines are high-impact pharmaceuticals because they increase life expectancy, improve quality of life, and reduce life-threatening complications for individuals with plasma protein deficiencies. Plasma-derived medicines provide immeasurable, lifelong benefits to the patients who use them.”

Donated plasma is typically used to manufacture therapies to treat people with (but not limited to):

Bleeding disorders
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PIDD)
Idiopathic Thrombocytpenic Purpura (ITP)
Kawasaki Disease
Cancer
Organ transplant recipients
Severe liver disease
Trauma and burns

Our infusion pharmacy manages several medications manufactured from plasma. These treatments include Immune Globulin (IG) for neurology, immunology, and transplant patients as well as factor replacement products for bleeding disorders.

The Growing Need for Plasma

Because of the number of people who rely on plasma for medical treatment, there has been a growing need for years.

Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

Who is Eligible to Donate Plasma?

The FDA provides guidelines for eligibility here.

In general, you must be at least 18 yrs old, weigh at least 110 lbs, and be in general good health. As a new donor, you must also possess and present both a document with your Social Security number or an INS number and a valid picture ID (driver’s license, student or military ID) with your current local address. There may be some additional restrictions preventing you from donating such as recent tattoos, body piercings, prolonged residence in certain parts of the world, and/or other medical conditions. Check with your local donation center regarding restrictions or questions regarding your ability to donate.

It’s also important to note that as a new donor, you must donate twice within 6 months for your plasma to be used.

Both donations must pass certain tests and screenings needed to assure the safety and quality of the supply. Because of the time commitment it takes to donate plasma, plasma donation is eligible for compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the donation center.

If you have type AB blood, the American Red Cross urges you to donate. AB is the only universal plasma that can be given to patients of any blood type. It can be given to patients immediately without determining compatibility. This time saved can mean the difference between life and death.

Type AB plasma donations – which the Red Cross calls “AB Elite” – can be made every 28 days, up to 13 times per year. The average donation takes one hour and 15 minutes, just a few minutes longer than donating whole blood.

Where Can I Donate Plasma?

To find a plasma donation center in your area, click the button below to visit donatingplasma.org.

Find A Plasma Donation Center

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. All information, content, and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider or as legal advice. Please consult a physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here or on our website.

Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and infusion pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

By giving us your contact information and signing up to receive this content, you'll also be receiving marketing materials by email. You can unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy. Our mailing list is private and will never be sold or shared with a third party. Review our Privacy Policy here.

Newer PostPatient Story: Weekend Teamwork Turns a Crisis into ComfortOlder PostBioMatrix Infusion Pharmacy Expands Western U.S. Footprint with Acquisition of Total Infusion Care

Sort by Therapy:

All
Bleeding Disorders
IBD
Immunology
Infusion
Neurology
Neuromuscular Disorders
Transplant

Sort by Topic + Type:

340B
504
Camp
Caregivers
CIDP
Drug Support Resources
Education
Español
Insurance
Open Enrollment
Patient Navigation
Patient Stories
Press Release
TRICARE
Video
Webinar

Plasma: The Need For Donors & What You Can Do To Help

This article discusses what plasma is, the important functions it serves, and who’s eligible to donate.

According to The American Red Cross, plasma serves four important functions in our bodies:

Donated plasma is typically used to manufacture therapies to treat people with (but not limited to):

Because of the number of people who rely on plasma for medical treatment, there has been a growing need for years.

The FDA provides guidelines for eligibility here.

To find a plasma donation center in your area, click the button below to visit donatingplasma.org.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

Share:

Sort by Therapy:

Sort by Topic + Type:

Recent Posts:

Types Of Blood Donations

Find A Plasma Donation Center - Red Cross Blood Donation

Why I Am An AB Elite Plasma Donor - Kirk's Story - Red Cross Chat

AB Plasma Donor Program | Clinical Center Home Page

Ideal Donation For Your Blood Type - Inova Blood Donor Services

AB Elite: Help More Trauma Patients - YouTube

AB Positive Blood Type - NHS Blood Donation

Your AB+ Blood Is Important - Miller-Keystone Blood Center

First Person: My New Life As A Plasma Donor - Consumer HealthDay

Blood Donation: What You Need To Know - PHO

Donating Blood Is A Lifesaving Act | United Health Services

Elite Donors - Lifesouth Community Blood Centers

American Red Cross Blood Donors Is On Facebook. To Connect With ...

Contact