The SANBS in Northmead is currently the only donation centre on the East Rand that collects blood, platelets and now plasma donations.
According to the SANBS, plasma is the liquid part of your blood in which red cells and white cells platelets are suspended.
The plasma carries these components throughout the body and makes up about 55 per cent of your total blood volume.
Only a bit of plasma is donated during normal blood donations, but there is now an option to donate plasma only.
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Registered nurse Lizelle Enslin explained that plasma is used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical goods to treat patients affected by various illnesses and conditions.
“The first source plasma donation in Benoni took place on July 29,” said Enslin.
“The proteins from the plasma collected are used to make other products such as pharmaceutical goods.
“Properties contained in plasma can assist in treating people with rare, chronic diseases and disorders.”
These include:
• Hemophilia
• Primary immunodeficiency
• Genetic lung diseases
• Severe burns
• Trauma and shock
“Nothing goes to waste; everything is used well,” said Enslin.
“An average of 1.2 litres of blood is processed in a space of about 31 minutes.
“Only the plasma is extracted.
“A total of 650ml of what is needed from the plasma is taken and what is not needed is sent back to the donor via a two-way needle that is inserted from the onset.
“A total of 500ml of fluid is sent back to the body and a further 150ml is generated by the body over a period of 24 to 48 hours and saline is used for hydration purposes.”
“Anyone can donate plasma but we are in need of plasma from Blood type A and AB to consider source plasma donation.
“Even those who have travelled to or from a Malaria area can donate as well as people who are on anti-platelet medication such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatories.
“Blood type AB plasma is universal and can be used by anyone regardless of their blood group.
“Plasma can be donated every two weeks to a maximum of 24 times a year.”
Enslin explained that plasma donations are generally safe with little side effects occurring.
According to SANBS, during the process of plasma donation an anticoagulant is infused into the blood in the plasma machine before the blood is returned to your body.
The anticoagulant is meant to prevent the formation of blood clots.
Most of the anticoagulant is retained in the plasma but a small amount enters the bloodstream.
This can cause a reaction which leads to muscle twitches and numbness but is treated with calcium at the donation centre.
While plasma donations are needed, blood donations are still vital with Blood type O and B ideal for the cause as there is a high demand for these blood types.
However, the blood bank advises that a donor choose a method of donation from blood, platelets and plasma.
The process of donating plasma includes the normal screening process done for blood donations with the donor needing to weigh at least 56kg.
For more information contact the SANBS on 0800 119 031.
