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Plasma Donation

What Is a Plasma Donation?

Plasma is one of the key blood components needed for modern medical practice. During a plasma donation, blood is drawn from one arm and channeled through a sterile, single-use collection set to an automated machine. The machine collects select components – plasma only, or a combination of plasma and platelets units - and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline to you

Should You Be a Plasma Donor?

If you are a donor with Type AB blood: In addition to donating platelets, your blood type makes you an ideal candidate for donating plasma.

Type AB Donors NeededType AB plasma is universal which means your plasma can be received by anyone, regardless of their blood type.

And because you are among only 4% of the population with this blood type, it makes your plasma in need. Plasma products are used by burn, trauma and cancer patients.

Because of your blood type, a plasma donation can be collected simultaneously with a platelet donation. Plasma can potentially be collected once per month.

As always, a Red Cross collections specialist will best match your individual donation with hospital patient needs in the community at the time of your procedure.
Plasma Donor
Larry - Donor

Key Facts
  • Plasma is collected simultaneously with a platelet donation and is collected at select American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers only.
  • You can donate every 28 days, up to 13 times per  year.
  • The average donation takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • If you are a platelet/plasma donor, you can still make regular whole blood or double red cell donations. Both gifts are vital for patients with life threatening diseases.
  • Call 1-800-RED-CROSS for additional information or to schedule an appointment at a select American Red Cross Blood Donation Center near you.