You might be surprised to find out there are different types of blood donations. Most people think of a whole blood donation when they think of the Red Cross or other blood drive organizations. However, you can donate only some components of blood that are very helpful to patients.
Certain types of blood donations are even more desired than whole blood. This demand is due to how certain blood types, such as A, B, AB, and O, and the rhesus (Rh) factor affect who can receive the donation.
Blood components include plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. With a plasma donation, blood is drawn from the donor and sent through a machine that collects the plasma. Then, the blood is returned to the donor.
Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood. It is about 92 percent water, but it also contains vital proteins, including:
- Albumin.
- Gamma globulin.
- Anti-hemophilic factor.
- Mineral salts, like sugar, fats, and vitamins.
Plasma blood donations help maintain our blood pressure and volume. It assists in keeping a balanced pH, which supports our cell functions.
Plasma also supplies our bodies with the proteins that clot blood and the electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, to muscles.
Burn, trauma, and shock patients receive plasma to boost their volume of blood and help with clotting. It is also used for immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and liver disease.
The Red Cross states there is a demand for plasma from individuals with type AB blood. This is because AB plasma is the universal plasma that any patient can receive, no matter their blood type. However, all blood types can donate plasma.
AB plasma donations save doctors vital time. Since AB plasma can go to anyone, they do not have to determine the patient’s blood type and can start treatment immediately. This time can mean the difference between life and death in some cases.
You can donate plasma every 28 days, but no more than 13 times a year. A plasma donation takes about an hour and 15 minutes. However, platelet donations take the longest time.
