- Myth: I can’t donate if I have tattoos.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I got a piercing recently.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve just been to the dentist.
- Myth: Blood can be manufactured.
- Myth: Blood donation is painful.
- Myth: Blood is only needed in times of emergency.
- Myth: Donating blood causes my body to start over producing blood cells.
- Myth: Donating blood makes you gain weight.
- Myth: Donating blood takes a long time.
- Myth: Donating blood will impact my ability to do my daily activities.
- Myth: Giving blood will harm me by taking away red cells or platelets that my body needs to function.
- Myth: I can catch an infectious disease by donating blood.
- Myth: I have a common blood type, so you don’t need my blood.
- Myth: Donating blood can harm my immune system.
- Myth: Other people are already giving enough blood.
- Myth: Vegetarians or vegans cannot donate blood.
- Myth: I cannot donate blood because I have diabetes.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve had low hemoglobin (iron) levels in the past.
- Myth: I must make an appointment to donate blood.
- Myth: I should fast before I donate.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood when I’m on my menstrual cycle.
- Myth: Sometimes, needles and other materials are reused.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood because phlebotomists won’t be able to find my veins.
- Who can give blood?
- Where does my blood go?
- Which patients use what blood components?
- What types of photo ID are accepted?
- What tests are performed on blood?
- What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
- What can I eat to raise my hemoglobin levels?
- Is it safe to receive blood transfusions?
- I don’t have sickle cell anemia, but I carry the trait. Can I still donate blood?
- What to expect after donating blood?
- How often can I donate blood?
- How much blood is taken?
- How long does it take?
- Can I donate blood for myself?
- When was Carter BloodCare founded?
- Can people with high blood pressure donate blood?
- Can people who have tested positive for HIV or AIDS donate blood?
- Can gay or bi-sexual men donate blood?
- What is Apheresis?
- How long can blood be stored?
- Are children allowed to accompany a donor to the donation location? Can I bring children with me when I donate?
- Can I donate if I have a physical disability and may need assistance?
Plasma Donation
What is plasma?
Plasma is the liquid part of blood that carries nutrients, hormones, proteins, and clotting factors throughout the body.
Is it safe to donate plasma?
Donating plasma is safe for healthy adults.
Who is eligible to donate plasma?
The eligibility requirements for donating plasma by automation (apheresis) are the same as those for whole blood in most cases. In addition to being in good health, donors must be 16-years-old or older, weigh at least 110 lbs., and feel well the day of their donation. Sixteen-year-olds must have a signed parental consent form.
Females who have been pregnant must be screened for HLA antibodies at least once before donating apheresis plasma. HLA antibodies can develop during pregnancy following exposure to the baby’s cells. Although these antibodies do not affect the donor’s health, they can cause a serious transfusion reaction in patients receiving plasma transfusions.
How long does it take?
A plasma donation only takes 30 to 40 minutes.
How often can you donate plasma?
Eligible donors can donate plasma as often as every four weeks.
Who needs plasma?
Plasma is transfused to replace clotting factors and help control bleeding in patients with traumatic injuries, liver disease, or other conditions that affect clotting.
What are plasma donations used for?
Plasma donations by apheresis are used to collect the most commonly transfused plasma types, such as group A and AB.
How do I make an appointment to donate?
Plasma donations are currently offered at all Carter BloodCare locations. Schedule your donation appointment by calling (817) 412-5830. Our team members are waiting to assist you.
How much will I be compensated for my plasma?
Plasma donors are not compensated for their donation. We rely on the generosity of volunteer donors to ensure local hospitals have the lifesaving blood products their patients need. Read more about our plasma donation program.