Is Donating Plasma Safe? Side Effects and What to Expect

What Donors Should Know About Safety Before, During, and After Plasma Donation

If you’re thinking about donating plasma, you may have questions about the safety of the donation process and any potential side effects to your health. Here we’re addressing the questions we’re asked the most so that you can donate with confidence and focus on what truly matters: your generosity and the lasting impact you can make for patients who need plasma therapies.

Available studies have shown that donating plasma is as safe as giving blood.¹ For most people, donating plasma does not cause side effects. When side effects do occur, they are generally mild and may include lightheadedness or dizziness.²

We want you to know that BioLife is committed to making your donation experience as safe and comfortable as possible. From the moment you consider donating to your first donation, we’re here to support you in your donor journey. It doesn’t stop there. Once you’re a member of our donor family, we’ve got your back for each and every donation.

To ensure the safety and health of donors and plasma recipients alike, we take a number of important steps before and during your donation.

Prior to your appointment, you’ll receive reminders and information on what you can do ahead of your donation to keep yourself comfortable and safe. For example, we’ll remind you to drink plenty of fluids before and after your donation and to eat a healthy, protein-packed meal.

During your donation, you will be monitored by our team of professionals who will be available to answer any questions you might have.

BioLife follows all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines around plasma donation. These guidelines define acceptable heart rate and blood pressure ranges in addition to other health markers. We use a standard intake and health assessment process to ensure your safety each step of the way. The brief exam will check things like your lungs, heart, abdomen, skin, coordination and balance, alertness, comprehension, and other aspects of your overall health and wellness.

You can read more about the medical screening and the questions you’ll be asked at the time of your donation here.

As a leader in the plasma donation space, we keep our facilities up to date and well-equipped to follow all safety protocols. We partner with medical technology companies to review our equipment regularly so that we can invest in modern technology. As improved options become available, we upgrade the equipment in our BioLife centers to meet our high standards.

Our team consists of licensed and trained medical professionals and support staff. We use new, sterile, disposable collection kits for each plasma donation. We provide intravenous (IV) fluids to help you stay hydrated.

A safe donor experience is our top priority. We also prioritize the safety of patients who receive therapies made from the plasma you donate. That’s why we check that donors meet the requirements to donate and test donated plasma for viruses.

You play one of the most important roles in ensuring a comfortable donation experience and quick recovery. Focus on staying as healthy as possible before and after your donation. This means eating nutritious meals with protein and iron, hydrating, and sleeping well. Lastly, please reschedule your donation if you are ill or feeling under the weather.

You can read more about helpful health and nutrition tips here.

Some donors report feeling a brief sting when the needle goes in, but that’s about it. The rest of the process is generally comfortable, with donors often relaxing with a book or podcast during the procedure.

Most donors do not experience side effects.² When side effects do occur, they are generally mild and short-lived. They may include:

• Fatigue
• Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
• Dehydration
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

If you experience side effects, our staff can provide guidance to help reduce discomfort. Most instances resolve quickly with a bit of rest and hydration.

Studies have shown that repeat donation is safe, with no evidence that donors who give plasma for long periods of time experience lasting side effects.³ The FDA provides guidelines for how often you can safely give plasma.² BioLife adheres closely to all FDA guidelines to help ensure the long-term health of donors. We also encourage frequent donors to keep their primary care physicians informed of their donor status.

The decision to donate is a personal one that many find extremely fulfilling. To learn more about how donating your plasma can change a life, you can read about donor impact here.

If you’re considering plasma donation, it’s the perfect time to take that first step. You can register here and begin your journey as part of BioLife’s family of donors.