Plasma, the yellow liquid that carries red and white blood cells and platelets through the body, is vital to the effective treatment of burn and trauma patients, according to the Puget Sound Blood Center. Eligible donors can give plasma at American Red Cross or government-regulated plasma donation centers.

Basic Eligibility

Donors must be at least 18 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more in most states. In some areas, the minimum age is 17, and some make exceptions for persons at least 16 years of age who have parental consent.

Considerations

Plasma donors must be healthy. Donation centers perform health screening during the first and second visit. Plasma collected from persons not passing the two mandatory health screenings will not be used.

Identification

Candidates must provide verifiable proof of identity and residence. Candidates are also cross-referenced against the National Donor Deferral Registry database to screen out persons "permanently deferred from donating plasma due to positive test results for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C," according to the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association.

Effects

Regular donors are tested to ensure iron and antibodies stay at healthy levels. If these levels drop, donations will be discontinued until levels return to normal.

Exceptions

Some persons may be temporarily or permanently deferred from donating plasma, according to the American Association of Blood Banks, based on medical and social history. Deferrals may apply to anyone who has ever used illegal intravenous drugs, received clotting factor concentrates, tested positive for HIV, had hepatitis since their 11th birthday, had babesiosis or Chagas disease, or had risk factors for Crueutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Source:

Puget Sound Blood Center: Donating Apheresis Plasma

Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association: Source Plasma Donors

American Association of Blood Banks: Blood Donation FAQS