Question 1

what is plasma osmolarity?

Accepted Answer

Solutes in plasma: Plasma osmolarity is a reflection of various salts in plasma.  It can be measured directly, usually by freezing point depression, or commonly calculated  using the following equation 
    = 2[na+] + [glucose]/18 + [ BUN ]/2.8 where [glucose] and [bun] are measured in mg/dl.
Normal value is  270-310 milli-osmoles per kilogram.

Question 2

am i too old to give plasma at 76?

Accepted Answer

: In general, it is not contraindicated if you are healthy. Some blood banks put age limit at 75 unless your doctor certifies you are in good health.

Question 3

how much does donating plasma hurt?

Accepted Answer

Just a needle poke: Same as with whole blood donation, big pinch with needle insertion, then on draw, don't notice much at all. On return, arm will feel cool as your plasma, platelets and some saline are returned to you. Usually cycles back and forth 2 or 3 times and you are done.

Question 4

can i donate plasma on levothoroxine?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you are otherwise well

Question 5

can i donate plasma while on lithium?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on what the plasma will be used for. It is very important that you inform the organization collecting plasma of all the medications you take as well as any other health issue.

Question 6

what does a low plasma dopamine mean?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine: Low levels of the neurotransmitter Dopamine in the blood.

Question 7

how much can it pay to donate plasma?

Accepted Answer

Usually nothing: You stated "donate" which means you give without expecting payment. There are exceptions, if you have an unusual antibody or protein that will be used for testing -- and then it is usually $100/contribution. However, generally, payments are not given because we cannot run the risk of incentivizing donors to mislead on the forms.

Question 8

can you tell me how donating plasma work?

Accepted Answer

All vs component: Whole blood donation collects red cells, plasma, platelets--which can be separated and used. Plasma collection (/pheresis) uses a machine to separate reds &amp; platelets from carrier fluid--golden ylw fluid (/plasma). The cells are returned to you in saline (salt water) and the plasma is collected. Plasma can be donated every 3-7 days.

Question 9

what are plasma derived clotting products?

Accepted Answer

Blood derived: The liquid part of blood, called plasma, contains a number of proteins/factors essential for blood clotting.  Some of the factors can be isolated for administration to patients deficient in a given factor, e.g., factor viii for hemophilia.

Question 10

what test do they run on plasma donations ?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis, HIV, etc.: The usual tests done on plasma donations include:  blood hemoglobin/hematocrit, plasma total protein, protein electrophoresis, hepatitis a/b/c, HIV 1/2, parvovirus b19, syphilis, varicella (chicken pox / shingles) virus, etc...  Certain tests are required, while some tests are extra tests done by some companies.

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Plasma

A member asked:

What is plasma osmolarity?

A member asked:

Am i too old to give plasma at 76?

A member asked:

How much does donating plasma hurt?

A member asked:

Can i donate plasma on levothoroxine?

A member asked:

Can i donate plasma while on lithium?

A member asked:

What does a low plasma dopamine mean?

A member asked:

How much can it pay to donate plasma?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how donating plasma work?

A member asked:

What are plasma derived clotting products?

A member asked:

What test do they run on plasma donations ?

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