Your plasma donation could empower a community.

Christina's story

Plasma donations have made all the difference to Christina, who is raising a daughter while also building bridges between the worlds of the hearing and the deaf. 

Thanks to plasma donations she's been able to say ‘Nope! Sorry illness. You’re not going to get me. I’m going to persevere.’” 

Continue reading Christina's story ➜

What is plasma?

More than half (55 per cent) of the blood flowing through your veins is actually plasma. Plasma supports your immune system and helps other blood components (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) circulate through your body. This protein-rich, pale-yellow fluid has earned its nickname “liquid gold” because it can be transfused directly into patients in urgent situations, such as severe infection and excessive bleeding, or it can be manufactured into medications, like immunoglobulins. 

Thousands of patients in Canada depend on immunoglobulins to treat primary and secondary immunodeficiency, autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, and other diseases with an immune origin. Immunoglobulins are the most widely used medication made from plasma and demand for these lifesaving medications is growing in Canada and around the world. 

Plasma has two main applications: 
 
It can be transfused directly into patients in hospitals; or, it can be manufactured into specialized medications called plasma protein products. Immunoglobulins, albumin and coagulating factors are examples of these products. 

What's the plasma donation process like?

The process for donating plasma is similar to donating blood. The main difference between a whole blood and plasma donation is the collection method—apheresis. Only the plasma portion of your blood is collected; the rest (red cells, white cells and platelets) is returned to you.  

Am I eligible to donate plasma?

Plasma can be donated as frequently as every 7 days for male and every 14 days for female. All blood types are needed. You can donate plasma if you:

• Weigh over 50kg (110 lb.) 
• Are in general good health
• Are 17 years of age or older
• Meet the eligibility criteria

For more information, call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) 

Donate plasma in 8 easy steps

Book your appointment

Get ready for your appointment

Arrive at donation centre

Meet and greet

Fill out questionnaire

Donate plasma & enjoy some me time

Relax and refresh

Feel good knowing you saved lives

Book your appointment.

Book your appointment

Get ready for your appointment

Arrive at your appointment

Meet and greet

Fill out questionnaire

Donate plasma & enjoy some me time

Relax and refresh

Feel good knowing you saved lives