What's the Difference? Donating Plasma vs. Donating Blood

Millions of people roll up their sleeves each year to donate blood, which not only saves lives but can also help improve lives.

But did you know you can choose to donate plasma? Donating plasma takes longer than a whole blood donation, but the process is very similar — and plasma offers health professionals additional ways to help people.

Although both types of donations aim to help people, there are important differences to understand.

You may be curious about what many people refer to as “liquid gold” in your veins. Let's explore donating plasma vs. blood and the special role plasma plays in our bodies.

Call Out: Both types of donations are vital to helping save lives, but it's essential to recognize the unique role plasma plays in our bodies.

Plasma is one of the four components of blood in your body along with white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each component plays a specific role in the overall function and health of our bodies.

Your body has about 12 pints of blood in total and 55% of it is… you guessed it! Plasma! It’s the job of plasma to carry the other three components of your blood throughout the blood vessels in your body. The proteins in plasma, loaded with antibodies, aid in fighting diseases — making plasma a key ingredient in treatments that help save lives.

Now that you know what plasma is, you can understand why plasma cannot be artificially made. Plasma can only come from healthy donors, like you!

After you donate plasma, your body naturally replenishes it within 48 hours or so. And since plasma is mainly water and salts, it relies on fluids absorbed through your digestive system.

TIP: Staying hydrated before and after your donation helps speed up the replenishment process. Tips to prepare for donating plasma.

Unlike whole blood donation, which is limited to once every two months, healthy adults can donate plasma twice a week.

The plasma donation process may take a bit longer than donating whole blood because plasma needs to be separated from the blood through plasmapheresis, unlike collecting blood in its original form. However, rest assured that every step is designed to ensure your safety and comfort. Take our virtual tour to learn more about the process.

Plasmapheresis is a safe process that withdraws whole blood from the body, then separates plasma from whole blood and returns the platelets and the red and white blood cells back to the body.

Donating plasma is as safe as giving blood with minimal to no side effects. The health and safety of our donors are our top priorities. We want to assure you that our dedication to safety extends throughout your entire donation experience.

Not at all! Life-changing plasma therapies can be made from plasma donated by people with any blood type. So, it doesn’t matter if your blood type is A, B, AB, or O. Plasma therapies and treatments will be given to help people with blood clotting disorders, immune deficiencies, victims with burns, and more.

All plasma donations are a tremendous help in furthering the research, development, and success of medical treatments. 

See for yourself who you’re helping. Patient Testimonials

While donating blood and plasma is completely voluntary, they are different when it comes to rewards. You get financially compensated for your time and dedication for donating plasma. Blood donations usually involve nonmonetary rewards, like refreshments, gifts, or gift cards, not cash.

Every time you visit a BioLife Plasma center and donate plasma, you will be compensated for your time spent donating. This is our way of recognizing you for your dedication to helping provide lifesaving therapies to people in need. Your plasma donations truly make a difference, and we want to appreciate you.

Donating plasma can take up to two hours for first-time donors.

• Whole blood: Takes 10-15 minutes.
• Plasma: Takes about 60 minutes, though first-time donors may need up to two hours.

• Whole blood: Every 56 days.
• Plasma: Up to twice a week, with at least 24 hours between donations.

• Whole blood: Not compensated or non-monetary gift.
• Plasma: You receive compensation for your time.

Both blood donations and plasma donations are safe and essential for saving lives and advancing medical research. As you consider giving back, remember — it's in your blood to donate plasma! Your donation has the power to make a difference in the lives of many, and we're here to show our gratitude for your generous gift.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and donate plasma?

Schedule an appointment today.