Question 1

i take high doses of gabapentin which causes my heartrate to go from 85 to 110-130. it's the only drug i take and it's listed as a side effect. my blood work is good. is is ok if i donate plasma since i no longer take gabapentin and my heartrate has been

Accepted Answer

Disclosure: If you are no longer on the medication, and are otherwise healthy, it is okay for you to donate plasma. Be sure to disclose all of your health issues to the donor center. It is commendable of you to provide this valuable service to the community.

Question 2

in blood what is hemocrit and what would make it low i donate plasma and at times i am told my hemocrit is to low.

Accepted Answer

Hematocrit : Hematocrit info: http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/hematocrit
hematocrit (hct) and hemoglobin (HGB) are correlated measures of red blood cells (rbcs) in the blood.
Low rbc/hgb/hct is called anemia.
There are many causes of anemia. If you are anemic you should be evaluated by your physician and/or hematologist to see what the cause and potential treatments are.

Question 3

i donate plasma but i often get a 'no flow' message on the machine (my blood isn't flowing out). can medications or conditions cause this to happen?

Accepted Answer

: No, that likely happens due to the needle position inside your vein (a technical issue), not having anything to do with your blood. Good luck.

Question 4

i tried to donate plasma and was turned away because my blood protein level was at 9.5. how do i get it done?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor: A total serum protein level of 9.5 does need to be investigated. It may just because you were dehydrated. However, a more detailed history, physical examination and some blood tests are required for a proper evaluation.

Question 5

i was on norco 5's and would like to donate plasma. how long is it detectable in your blood?

Accepted Answer

Disclose to Blood: Bank.  Blood Bank will not test your plasma for Norco, but you should tell them about all the medications you are taking. Why are you taking Norco is just as important as taking the medication. To reiterate, disclose all of your health issues to the blood bank.

Question 6

i've heard that people with vp shunts can't donate plasma? is that true? what about donating blood in general?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can: You can donate blood and plasma and i think that is a great thing to do.  The only thing that the blood bank might be concerned about is a potential liability.  There is no real reason that you cannot donate, .

Question 7

is it true that certain blood types are not good/compatible with plasma donation?

Accepted Answer

Wrong: Anybody can donate plasma. A few rare individuals have conditions that make that plasma unsuitable. You'll be told if that's you.

Question 8

i went to donate plasma which i've done for years and the nurse informed me they found atypical antibodies in my blood, what do i do?

Accepted Answer

Atypical antibodies: You need to find out the specific antibodies they found on your test.  This could mean a lot of different things.  Once you have this info then I would see your primary care doctor.

Question 9

which blood types are best for plasma donation?

Accepted Answer

ALL of them: It takes all types to be able to provide for all patients. Plasma donation is the most "fun" since you get to watch the pheresis machine work as most of the tubing is external (platelet pheresis setups are often more internal, but not always). Have fun watching the process of saving a life!

Question 10

what blood types are most desired for plasma donation?

Accepted Answer

All ok: If only the plasma is being transfused from a donor to a recipient, and absolutely no red blood cells, then blood type is not significant.  Blood types only refer to the red blood cells; the bone marrow also produces platelets and white blood cells.  The serum or plasma is the clear yellow fluid part of the blood.

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Doctor answers about:

How long do i have to wait to donate plasma after donating whole blood

A member asked:

I take high doses of gabapentin which causes my heartrate to go from 85 to 110-130. it's the only drug i take and it's listed as a side effect. my blood work is good. is is ok if i donate plasma since i no longer take gabapentin and my heartrate has been

A member asked:

In blood what is hemocrit and what would make it low i donate plasma and at times i am told my hemocrit is to low.

A member asked:

I donate plasma but i often get a 'no flow' message on the machine (my blood isn't flowing out). can medications or conditions cause this to happen?

A member asked:

I tried to donate plasma and was turned away because my blood protein level was at 9.5. how do i get it done?

A member asked:

I was on norco 5's and would like to donate plasma. how long is it detectable in your blood?

A member asked:

I've heard that people with vp shunts can't donate plasma? is that true? what about donating blood in general?

A member asked:

Is it true that certain blood types are not good/compatible with plasma donation?

A member asked:

I went to donate plasma which i've done for years and the nurse informed me they found atypical antibodies in my blood, what do i do?

A member asked:

Which blood types are best for plasma donation?

A member asked:

What blood types are most desired for plasma donation?

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