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Donation of plasma and donation of platelets, other forms of donation not to be overlooked!
Every day, 500 platelet donations are needed. These are constituents of the blood which are particularly known for their key role in blood clotting. Platelets help stop or prevent bleeding.
Certain diseases or heavy treatments can prevent the production of blood cells by the bone marrow. The regular transfusion of platelets then makes it possible to avoid the risk of hemorrhages putting the lives of patients at risk. For example :
- patients with leukemia (cancer of the cells of the bone marrow);
- patients with lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system);
- patients undergoing chemotherapy;
- patients undergoing radiation therapy, etc.
By donating platelets, you are helping to maintain sufficient reserves to meet ongoing needs. The stakes are high since these blood elements have a very short lifespan (7 days). The regularity of donations is important.
What is a plasma donation used for?
Plasma is nothing other than the liquid part of the blood. By donating plasma, you can help a large number of patients! Here is a non-exhaustive list :
- patients with severe bleeding disorders;
- hemophiliacs (hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder);
- people with severe burns;
- patients with severe immune deficiency (weakened body defense system), etc.
For most of these patients, the need is ongoing. In 10% of cases, they need a transfusion. In other cases, they are given drugs made from constituents of plasma. We can cite :
- human albumin which is widely used in emergency situations to restore and maintain blood volume;
- immunoglobulins, which are the treatment of choice for patients with immune deficiencies;
- clotting factors which are used to treat diseases such as hemophilia.
How to make these two types of donations?
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 may be able to donate plasma and platelets. Their suitability is confirmed during the interview prior to the donation, which is an essential step in the journey of all donors. Under the guise of confidentiality, an authorized doctor or nurse checks a number of parameters to ensure that the donation is safe for you and for the patients who will receive the donation-related products.
Plasma and platelet donations are made by apheresis: this is a technique that allows one or more blood components (plasma, platelets) to be collected via a machine as needed. The other blood components are returned to the donor. In particular, it makes it possible to collect larger quantities of plasma and platelets than during a traditional blood donation.
The table below covers the main practical details for organizing your next platelet or plasma donation.
| Platelet donation | Don de plasma |
| Exclusively by appointment | Exclusively by appointment |
| Allow 2 hours including 90 minutes for the sample | Allow 1h30 including 60 min for the sample |
| Between 450 and 650 mL | Up to 750 mL |
| 4 weeks between each donation | 2 weeks between each donation |
| Up to 12 donations per year | Up to 24 donations per year |
The donation of platelets and the donation of plasma have the particularity of being done only by appointment. New this year: a “Blood donation” application is available to locate the donation center closest to you, do not hesitate to download it!
To learn more about the different types of donations, go to the EFS website: dondesang.efs.sante.fr. |