Plasma Donation Requirements

What do you need to donate plasma or platelets with PlasmaSource? If you’re in good health and meet the plasma donation requirements below, you are invited to schedule a first donation appointment. After the completion of two plasma donations, donors with ideal platelet characteristics may be asked to give platelets. The eligibility requirements for both plasma and platelet donors are similar and are outlined below.

WHO CAN donate plasma or platelets?

To be eligible to give plasma or platelets, you must live within the designated PlasmaSource collections area, about a 30-mile radius from a PlasmaSource donation center,* as well as:

Be between 18 and 69 years of age.

Weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilograms).

Be in good physical health; be symptom-free if you have had the flu or a cold.

Test negative for transmissible infectious diseases.

Disclose all current medications and medical conditions.

Complete a health screening and physical exam (weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, anemia, and protein levels).

Complete a comprehensive medical history screening.

Avoid taking aspirin for 48 hours before your donation.

Be at least six months postpartum (please check with your doctor before donating).

Note: If you take any prescription medications (including hormone replacement therapies) regularly, please contact us to determine whether you meet all plasma and platelet donation requirements.

PlasmaSource also recommends all donors follow healthy lifestyle habits, such as:

Maintaining a healthy, protein-rich diet.
Exercising regularly.
Getting plenty of rest (e.g., between 7-9 hours per night).
Avoiding substance use.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO donate plasma or platelets?

In addition to meeting the plasma or platelet donation requirements above, PlasmaSource requires specific documentation to donate:

Government-Issued Photo ID

e.g., driver’s license or passport
Proof of address

e.g., utility or phone bill
Proof of Social Security

e.g., W2 form or pay stub

WHAT DISQUALIFIES YOU from donating plasma or platelets?

To ensure your plasma and platelet donations are safe for medical use, you will undergo thorough, non-invasive testing to ensure your blood meets all regulatory rules for donating. We must rule out infectious diseases and medications considered unsafe for plasma-based therapeutics and transfusable blood products.

You are not eligible to donate plasma or platelets if you have ever:

Had a positive test for HIV, or hepatitis B or C.
Had leukemia or lymphoma.
Had an organ or bone marrow transplant.
Had a dura mater (brain covering) graft.
Had a transplant or medical procedure using live cells, tissues, or organs from an animal.
Had Ebola virus disease or infection.
Been infected with Leishmaniasis or Chagas Disease.

Lived (shared the same kitchen and bathroom) with a person with hepatitis.
Received bone, tissue or skin from another person (e.g., during surgery).
Been in juvenile detention, lock up, jail or prison for 72 (or more) consecutive hours.
Had sexual contact with anyone who:
- Has hepatitis.
- Has HIV infection.
- Has been treated for syphilis or gonorrhea.

Had a blood transfusion or received other blood products.
Had an accidental needle stick involving exposure to blood.
Had contact with someone else’s blood in another way.
Had a new tattoo, permanent make-up, microblading, piercing or acupuncture.
Traveled to areas with a high malaria risk.

Used needles to take drugs, steroids or anything not prescribed by your doctor.
Received money, drugs or other payment for sex.
Had sexual contact with anyone who:
- Has tested positive for HIV.
- Has used needles to take drugs, steroids or anything not prescribed by their doctor.
- Had sexual contact with a prostitute or anyone else who has taken money, drugs or other payment for sex.

Signs or symptoms associated with acute HIV infection (e.g., fever, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, rash).
Active tuberculosis.
Sickle cell disease (those with sickle cell trait may be eligible to donate).
An active skin infection.
In the case of certain medications or conditions, you may be eligible to donate after a deferral period or after complete recovery.