What are the Rules to Selling Plasma? A Guide to Eligibility and Process

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), you can donate plasma as often as twice in a seven-day period. Understanding what are the rules to selling plasma is the first step toward becoming a donor, ensuring a safe and successful experience for all involved.

Quick Summary

To sell plasma, donors must meet strict FDA and center-specific criteria, including minimum age and weight, passing a comprehensive medical screening, and providing valid identification. The process involves a health evaluation, blood collection, and compensation via a reloadable debit card.

Key Points

• Eligibility Check: You must be at least 18 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and pass a health screening to be eligible.

• Required Documents: Bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security card to your appointment.

• Frequency Rules: FDA regulations permit selling plasma no more than twice in a seven-day period, with at least one day between donations.

• Health Evaluation: Expect a medical exam and blood tests to screen for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

• Preparation: Proper hydration and eating a low-fat meal before donating are crucial for a smooth process.

• Compensation: Payment is typically loaded onto a reloadable debit card immediately after your donation.

• Deferral Reasons: Medical conditions, recent tattoos or piercings, and certain travel histories can lead to temporary or permanent deferral.

Who is Eligible to Sell Plasma?

To protect both the donor and the recipients of plasma, strict eligibility criteria are in place. The rules are set by the FDA and are often supplemented by specific requirements from individual donation centers. All potential donors must meet these standards to be accepted into the program. The cornerstone of these rules is ensuring the donor is in good general health, as this is paramount for a safe donation process.

General Requirements

• Age and Weight: You must be at least 18 years old. A minimum body weight of 110 pounds (50 kg) is also a standard requirement across most U.S. centers. This ensures that the donation volume is safe for your body size.
• Health Status: Donors must be in good general health at the time of each donation. This means no active illnesses, including colds, the flu, or other infections. A comprehensive medical screening at every visit confirms your health status.
• Identification: Providing proper identification is non-negotiable. Donors must present a valid, government-issued photo ID, proof of a permanent address (such as a utility bill or current lease), and proof of a Social Security number. These are essential for verifying your identity and residency.

The Required Screening Process

Every time you arrive at a plasma center, you will undergo a medical and health screening. This process is designed to protect your health and the quality of the donated plasma. While it may seem lengthy, it's a critical safety measure.

What the Screening Entails

1. Health Questionnaire: You will complete a detailed, confidential health questionnaire covering your medical history, recent travel, and lifestyle. Honesty is crucial, as any misleading information can endanger patients who receive the plasma products.
2. Mini-Physical: A trained technician will perform a mini-physical, checking your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
3. Blood Sample Analysis: A small sample of your blood will be taken to check your hematocrit level (a measure of red blood cells), total protein, and for any signs of infection. This ensures you can donate safely without becoming anemic or having an undiagnosed illness.
4. Blood Testing: Your plasma is tested for viruses like HIV and hepatitis before being released for use. If you test positive for any infectious diseases, you will be permanently deferred from donating.

Understanding the Donation Frequency Rules

The FDA has clear regulations on how often an individual can donate plasma to ensure their health is not compromised. A maximum frequency is set to allow your body sufficient time to regenerate the necessary blood components, primarily protein.

Official FDA Guidelines

• Twice in 7 Days: You are permitted to donate plasma no more than twice within a seven-day period. This is often interpreted as a maximum of two donations per week.
• One Day Between Donations: There must be at least one day between donations. For example, if you donate on Monday, the earliest you can donate again is Wednesday.

The Plasmapheresis Procedure

The actual process of donating plasma is called plasmapheresis. Unlike a whole blood donation, it involves a specialized machine that separates the plasma from the other blood components.

Step-by-Step

1. Blood Collection: A needle is inserted into a vein in your arm, and a small amount of blood is drawn into the plasmapheresis machine.
2. Plasma Separation: The machine spins your blood to separate the clear, yellowish plasma from the red blood cells and other components.
3. Red Blood Cell Return: The separated red blood cells are safely returned to your body, along with a saline solution to help replenish lost fluids.
4. Plasma Collection: The collected plasma is stored in a sterile container, ready for use in life-saving treatments.

Comparison of Deferral Reasons

Deferral Type	Common Reasons
Temporary Deferral	Recent tattoo or piercing (within 4 months), recent surgery, recent medication use, cold/flu, minor illness
Permanent Deferral	Positive test for HIV, Hepatitis B or C, severe chronic diseases, certain types of cancer, history of illegal injection drug use

Compensation for Your Time

While often referred to as 'selling' plasma, the compensation is meant to cover your time and effort, not the plasma itself. The payment system is designed for efficiency and convenience.

• Reloadable Debit Card: Most centers pay donors by loading compensation onto a reloadable debit card. The funds are typically available immediately after the donation is complete.
• Promotional Bonuses: Many centers offer special promotions or increased compensation for new donors or for donating a certain number of times within a period.

Preparation and Post-Donation Care

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your donation experience comfortable and successful. Likewise, post-donation care helps you recover quickly.

Before Your Visit

• Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated fluids in the 24 hours leading up to your donation. Good hydration makes finding a vein easier and helps prevent lightheadedness.
• Eat a Healthy Meal: Consume a healthy, low-fat meal within a few hours of your appointment. High-fat foods can affect the plasma's quality. Avoid alcohol before your donation.

After Your Visit

• Stay Hydrated: Continue drinking fluids throughout the day.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day to allow your body to recover.
• Monitor the Site: Keep the bandage on for a few hours and check the insertion site for any signs of bruising or excessive bleeding.

What to Expect on Your Visits

Your first visit will likely be the longest, as it includes registration and the full screening process. Subsequent visits are usually shorter. Donation centers aim to provide a safe and comfortable environment, with trained staff available to assist you throughout the process. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you are ever unsure about any part of the procedure.

For additional details, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides comprehensive information on blood and plasma safety. For additional details, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides comprehensive information on blood and plasma safety. This resource offers government-level insight into the regulations governing blood and plasma collection nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules to selling plasma regarding age and weight?

The primary rules for selling plasma require donors to be at least 18 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, although specific center requirements may vary.

Do you need a social security card to sell plasma?

Yes, to sell plasma, most donation centers require proof of your Social Security number, along with a valid photo ID and proof of current address.

How often can you sell plasma according to FDA rules?

The FDA allows for plasma donation up to twice within a seven-day period, provided there is at least one day separating each donation.

What kind of health screening is required to sell plasma?

Before selling plasma, you will undergo a comprehensive health screening that includes a medical exam, a confidential health questionnaire, and blood tests to check for transmissible diseases.

Are there any reasons you can be permanently deferred from selling plasma?

Yes, certain health conditions like a positive HIV or hepatitis test result typically lead to permanent deferral from selling plasma.

What should I do to prepare before my first plasma donation?

Before your appointment, you should ensure you are well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eat a healthy, low-fat meal. Getting a good night's sleep is also recommended.

Is selling plasma painful?

The process of selling plasma is generally not painful. Donors may feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, similar to a standard blood draw.