Which to donate--blood or plasma?

15 years ago

I wasn't sure where to post this at (sorry if it should be somewhere else).

In the past I've donated blood but considering plasma, since I hear you get paid for it. You can only do one or the other. My dh does neither but thinks that if I want to do something, go with the paying one. Any advice? Thanks!

Comments (6)

lindac
15 years ago
Depends if you are giving your body or selling it.
Some times and places and for some blood types, they will buy your blood.
I understand that donating blood is less risky ( although the risk is very VERY small) to you than donating plasma where they centrifuge out the cells and return them to you.
stargazzer
15 years ago
If I understand it right the plasma is taken by a recirculating method of some kind, I think that is why it is a little more risky. I don't mind giving blood, but not plasma.
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bloobird
15 years ago
Keep in mind that while there is no risk to someone donating whole blood, there is a very real risk of a life threatening reaction from donating plasma. (Hypocalcemia from the sodium citrate)

As for donating vs selling: I've been donating whole blood for about 30 years. I'm an O negative (considered the MOST desirable blood type, as it can be given to anyone), but I am not a candidate for donating plasma. Plasma can be givenmore frequently, but whole blood can be broken down into more products to help more people. I have always felt that as that blood (and life) were freely given to me, so I should also freely give to others. Yes, I know the Red Cross and private blood banks sell blood and blood products, but that doesn't negate my part of the gift.
stargazzer
15 years ago
I would not donate the plasma, to risky for me and I feel sorry for anyone needing a transfusion because my son's wife sells hers. No telling whats in it. yuck LOL
garden60
15 years ago
Interesting reading. I just gave double red cells this morning and a year ago I gave plasma. I was donating to the Memorial Blood Bank and because I am A negataive they asked if I would do double red cells today. I had/have no side effects. It did feel a little weird when they were putting the blood back into my arm though. I also didn't know there was any risk in giving it in ways other than whole blood. All I thought about was that I was helping to save someone's life.
kushy28
11 years ago
This is a very new question.Normally we haven't listen any one donating plasma,all will donate blood only know.

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Which to donate--blood or plasma?

Comments (6)

lindac

stargazzer

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bloobird

stargazzer

garden60

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