Woman checking in at CSL Plasma Woman checking in at CSL Plasma

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you are eligible to donate plasma, a little preparation can make the process go even smoother. The night before your donation, get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water before your donation and avoid caffeinated beverages to boost hydration. Eat a healthy meal beforehand and skip high-fat foods.

Be sure to bring all the proper identification with you to the donation center as well as wear a shirt with short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled up. 

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations state that the maximum frequency you can donate plasma is once in a two-day period – and, no more than twice in a seven-day period.

Any questions about donation eligibility, including medications, medical conditions or medical procedures should be directed to a Medical Staff Associate and/or the Center Manager. Therefore, please contact your local CSL Plasma center.

  • Although donating plasma is considered safe you may experience an adverse reaction. Here’s what you may experience in the short term:
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness: because plasma contains a lot of water, donating plasma means removing some water from your body, which can cause mild dehydration. That’s why drinking plenty of water before you donate makes for a smoother donation.
    • Fatigue: if you experience dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, this can cause tiredness.
    • Bruising or discomfort: some bruising can occur at the puncture site, and you may experience some discomfort during or after the donation process. Speak with a CSL Plasma staff member if you feel uncomfortable
    • Infection or inflammation at the puncture site. After donation, you may experience pain, swelling, or a feeling of warmth where we inserted the needle. If this occurs, contact your CSL Plasma center.
    • Many of these side effects can be avoided by proper donation preparation.
  • In terms of long-term side effects, donating plasma has a very minimal long-term impact on your well-being. There’s no risk of iron depletion or anemia for regular plasma donors. For donors who donate frequently over long periods of time there is a risk of reduced immunoglobulin levels, which can lower the ability to fight off infections. Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your immunoglobulin levels if you’re a frequent plasma donor.
  • Long-term plasma donation can increase the risk of protein deficiency, that's why we check your levels regularly.  
  • If you have concerns about your ability to donate plasma, consult your healthcare provider before donating. We’ll also screen you to ensure you can qualify for the donation process.

If you are eligible to donate plasma, a little preparation can make the process go even smoother. The night before your donation, get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water before your donation and avoid caffeinated beverages to boost hydration. Eat a healthy meal beforehand and skip high-fat foods.

Be sure to bring all the proper identification with you to the donation center as well as wear a shirt with short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled up. 

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations state that the maximum frequency you can donate plasma is once in a two-day period – and, no more than twice in a seven-day period.

Any questions about donation eligibility, including medications, medical conditions or medical procedures should be directed to a Medical Staff Associate and/or the Center Manager. Therefore, please contact your local CSL Plasma center.

  • Although donating plasma is considered safe you may experience an adverse reaction. Here’s what you may experience in the short term:
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness: because plasma contains a lot of water, donating plasma means removing some water from your body, which can cause mild dehydration. That’s why drinking plenty of water before you donate makes for a smoother donation.
    • Fatigue: if you experience dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, this can cause tiredness.
    • Bruising or discomfort: some bruising can occur at the puncture site, and you may experience some discomfort during or after the donation process. Speak with a CSL Plasma staff member if you feel uncomfortable
    • Infection or inflammation at the puncture site. After donation, you may experience pain, swelling, or a feeling of warmth where we inserted the needle. If this occurs, contact your CSL Plasma center.
    • Many of these side effects can be avoided by proper donation preparation.
  • In terms of long-term side effects, donating plasma has a very minimal long-term impact on your well-being. There’s no risk of iron depletion or anemia for regular plasma donors. For donors who donate frequently over long periods of time there is a risk of reduced immunoglobulin levels, which can lower the ability to fight off infections. Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your immunoglobulin levels if you’re a frequent plasma donor.
  • Long-term plasma donation can increase the risk of protein deficiency, that's why we check your levels regularly.  
  • If you have concerns about your ability to donate plasma, consult your healthcare provider before donating. We’ll also screen you to ensure you can qualify for the donation process.

Still have a question that we have not answered above? Check out our FAQs Page or contact your local donation center.