February 28, 2023

Plasma donation can seem like a confusing process, so we’re breaking down the facts, stats and numbers to paint a clear picture of how your plasma donation directly impacts patients in need. 

Breaking Down the Numbers: 

You might be surprised to learn that it takes 130 plasma donations to treat one person with primary immunodeficiency for one year! That’s why it’s so important to donate plasma consistently, especially given the current plasma shortage, as patients who receive plasma treatments rely on donors for source plasma. 

What are the Diseases that Plasma is Used to Treat? 

Did you know that it takes 465 plasma donations to treat someone with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy for one year? If you glazed over the name of that disease, here’s a quick recap: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a regressive neurological disorder that reduces senses in the arms and legs. Some of the symptoms include: 

• Tingling or no feeling in fingers and toes
• Weakness of arms and legs
• Loss of deep tendon (muscle stretch) reflexes
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Unusual feelings in the body

Plasma is also used to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a condition that increases your risk of contracting lung or liver disease. It takes 900 plasma donation to treat one person with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency for one year! 

Treating Bleeding Disorders with Plasma 

Plasma is also used to treat bleeding disorders as well as autoimmune disorders. IT takes 1,200 plasma donation to treat one patient with hemophilia for one year. Hemophilia is an inherited blood disorder in which a person’s blood doesn’t clot properly. Due to plasma’s clotting properties, it can help to manage someone with hemophilia’s symptoms. 

It takes 10-40 donations to create a single dose of one of the serum proteins that plasma is turned into, gamma globulin! Gamma globulin is used to treat immunodeficiency conditions. 

The Importance of Plasma Donation

Needless to say, source plasma’s uses are integral to the health of patients with a variety of immunedeficiency and bleeding disorders, as well as trauma patients! We hope that examining the facts and stats surrounding plasma donation clarified its importance – and why it’s crucial that you donate plasma consistently! Book your next plasma donation appointment today to help patients in need.

February 28, 2023

Blood plasma can be used to treat over 80 autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. While these diseases are considered rare, most of them are genetic and chronic – meaning that those who have these conditions will have to manage them for life. 

How Plasma is Used to Treat Autoimmune Patients?

Donated source plasma is turned into plasma protein therapies, which are used to help boost the immunity of autoimmune patients. Plasma’s immune boosting properties can be harnessed in the form of regular injections and infusions that autoimmune patients will require for life. 

Plasma’s Support for Immune Deficient Patients 

How does blood plasma help to support the health and wellbeing of immune deficient and bleeding disorder patients? It comes down to its core qualities: blood plasma supports immune function, blood pressure, clotting and volume. The proteins contained in plasma help to ensure that a patient doesn’t bleed excessively and dangerously, by supporting blood clotting (known as coagulation). 

Plasma also contains albumin, which helps patients to maintain healthy blood pressure and volume by stopping fluid from leaking into other areas of the body. 

The Immune Disorders that Plasma is Used to Treat: 

Some of the diseases that plasma is used to treat include: 

Guillain-Barré syndrome 

Lambert-Eaton syndrome 

Primary Immunodeficiency Disease 

Kawasaki Disease 

And more! 

Types of Plasma Treatments: 

There are a few key categories of plasma therapies that are made from donated source plasma, including Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor Therapies, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Therapies and Coagulation Factor therapies. To learn more about the various kinds of plasma therapies, check out our blog! 

How You Can Help: 

Donating source plasma is the only way to ensure that patients in need have access to the plasma treatments that they require. There is no man-made substitute for plasma, and with the current plasma supply shortage, patients rely on plasma donors now more than ever. Book your plasma donation appointment today!

February 1, 2023

Plasma donation is the only way to ensure that people who rely on plasma protein therapies have access to the medications and treatments they need to live healthy, well-rounded lives. These patients rely on generous donors to sustain their lives. 

What is Plasma Used For?

Plasma, a straw-coloured component of blood, is used to treat immunocompromised patients as well as trauma, burn, and shock victims. It contains proteins that are essential for treating patients with autoimmune diseases and bleeding disorders, such as primary immunodeficiency disease and Von Willebrand disease. 

What Caused the Plasma Shortage? 

The current plasma shortage was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic supply shortages across the board due to inflation, increased demand and shipping costs, weight producers, exporters and more.  

After the pandemic broke out in 2020, plasma donations remained below pre-pandemic levels, in a study conducted that analyzed plasma donations from 2019-2021. 
Pandemic aside, the demand for plasma has been increasing by 6-10% each year. Canada outsources 80% of our required plasma because Canadians don’t supply enough to meet our own country’s needs. Relying on other countries, such as the United States, poses risks to our supply, as if we are outbid by other countries, our plasma supply will be short and patients will suffer.

How Can Paid Plasma Help With the Shortage?

Paid plasma helps to guarantee a steady, secure supply of plasma. Paying donors encourages consistent donation, and we are proud to fairly compensate our donors for their time and effort.

How Can You Help?

When you donate plasma, you provide immunocompromised patients with the treatments that they need to live healthy lives. 
At Canadian Plasma Resources, you can earn up to $400/month by consistently donating plasma twice per week! Book a plasma donation appointment at a centre near you to help others while also supplementing your income.

February 1, 2023

Did you know that there are different types of plasma? There are over 100 different types of plasma proteins, that can be separated into three categories: Plasma Albumin, Plasma Globulin and Fibrinogen. To read more about the different types of plasma proteins, check out our blog!

Today, we’d like to talk about convalescent plasma. Convalescent plasma therapy differs from whole blood plasma transfusions: it’s a type of therapy that takes the blood plasma from donors who have recovered from an illness, in order to help others recover.

The Difference Between Regular Plasma and Convalescent

Regular plasma is collected from donors who have to meet a list of requirements that ensures they are healthy enough to donate. Plasma donors are encouraged to eat whole foods and drink plenty of water prior to donation, and at their donation appointment they will be screened and undergo a physical exam to confirm that they are able to donate. You can read more about the health and wellness requirements of plasma donation on our website. 

Convalescent plasma donation comes with a twist: by definition, it has to be collected from someone who has recovered (key distinction here is that they are not still sick!) from a viral infection or illness.

How is it Used to Treat Others?

You might be wondering how convalescent plasma can be used to treat others – let’s get into it. Convalescent plasma – plasma collected from someone who has recovered from a viral illness and/or someone who has been vaccinated against a viral illness  – can help to treat others who are sick with the same infection.

How does this work? When you get sick and recover from a viral illness, or are vaccinated against an illness, you develop antibodies that help you to fight the virus and ultimately recover. These antibodies can be found in plasma, and when transferred into someone who is sick can help them to recover.

The More You Know

It’s important to learn about the different types and methods of plasma donation, so you can be an informed donor. When you donate plasma at Canadian Plasma Resources, we ensure that you’re in good shape to give healthy blood plasma by conducting a quick screening prior to your appointment. To read more about what your pre-appointment health check will look like, you can learn all about it on our website. 

To earn some extra cash and provide patients in need with plasma, which has amazing, immune boosting properties, book your plasma donation appointment today!

January 4, 2023

What Does the Plasma Donation Process Involve?

Donating plasma is the only way to provide immunocompromised patients with the life-sustaining plasma protein therapies they need to live well-rounded lives. 

Before we dive into how plasma provides you with ample me-time to relax and recharge, it’s important to discuss the intricacies of the plasma donation process. 

Plasma donation is different from blood donation, even though it involves a similar process of blood extraction. Plasma is The key difference is that your blood is actually returned to you through a process known as plasmapheresis. 

What is Plasmapheresis?

A plasmapheresis machine safely collects plasma, the straw-coloured portion of your blood containing vital proteins and vitamins. The device carefully returns your blood back into your body, saving the plasma to be turned into plasma protein therapies. 

Plasma is converted into plasma protein therapies between 7-12 months after it’s extracted. During this time, the plasma is frozen to ensure that it remains fresh and usable. Through a process known as plasma fractionation, it’s converted into therapies that patients who lack proteins in their own plasma rely on to live healthy lives.

What is Plasma Used For? 

Plasma is used to treat patients with a variety of illnesses, conditions and ailments. From trauma victims to patients with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders and more, plasma is liquid gold that is often turned into life-sustaining pharmaceutical products, but can also be used for its clotting properties in emergency medical situations.

How Does Plasma Donation Give You Me-Time? 

Now that we’ve discussed how plasma is used to treat people in need and why, it’s time to highlight not only why you should donate, but why donating plasma is actually good for you!

Plasmapheresis takes approximately 50 minutes, giving you almost an hour to completely relax and unwind. As we mentioned earlier, plasmapheresis involves extracting plasma using a plasmapheresis machine, meaning that you’re connected to the machine for the entirety of the process. 

The process provides you with a rare opportunity to truly relax and unwind – there is nothing for you to do at this time but see the donation process through, meaning that you have 50 minutes of uninterrupted me-time.

We suggest bringing a book, listening to your favourite music, an audiobook, a podcast or watching a comfort TV show! The time can be as relaxing and restorative as you make it. 

Plus, not only do you get some well-earned me-time during the plasma donation process, the act of donating plasma is good for your health.

Studies show that acts of kindness – like doing good for others – can boost your happiness, make you feel connected to a social community and even help you to feel more positively about the world around you.

Why Should You Donate Over the Colder Months?

In winter, we know that it can be tempting to stay indoors and not leave your house when the weather turns cold! 

But patients who require plasma protein therapies to live healthy, well-rounded lives rely on donors year round. It takes 1,000 donors to supply enough plasma for one patient with haemophilia. This holiday season, consider the benefits that giving back offer you and the critical need of those who rely on your donations. Book an appointment at a centre near you today!

January 4, 2023

Plasma, the yellowish-golden component of blood containing vital proteins and vitamins, is used to treat patients who live with autoimmune conditions as well as victims of trauma in emergency situations. 

What Defines a Trauma Victim? 

Trauma victims are patients requiring urgent care for critical injuries and severe wounds. The most common categories of trauma resulting in fatalities range from car accidents to falls. Many survivors of trauma survive – the mortality rate is 20%, and this largely hinges on their post-trauma care. 

Why is Plasma Used to Treat Trauma Victims? 

Plasma is used to treat trauma victims because of its clotting properties. Plasma is separated from red blood cells and platelets (the other components of blood) during the plasmapheresis process. Plasma’s different components also have different shelf lives – when frozen, plasma is usable for up to a year, whereas red blood cells and platelets cannot be safely frozen. 

Plasma contains antibodies, clotting factors, and various proteins. Because of this, plasma can be used to treat trauma, shock and burn victims. 

One study found that, within a 30 day window, 76.8% of patients who received plasma survived, compared to 67% of patients who did not receive plasma and only received standard care. 

How Plasma is Used to Treat Trauma Victims

Plasma transfusions are used to treat a variety of trauma victims – even those in the NICU. 15% of NICU patients are treated with plasma, mostly to treat or prevent bleeding. 

For patients requiring blood transfusions after a massive injury, when they’ve suffered from extensive blood loss, aggressive plasma transfusions have been proven to help people survive!

Plasma transfusions boost blood clotting and volume, helping trauma and burn victims to prevent and treat shock. 

Why Donate Plasma?

In order to live healthy lives, people with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders, and more rely on plasma protein therapies. Plasma donors ensure that patients are able to receive the life-sustaining treatments that they need. Every donation helps! Book a plasma donation appointment at a Canadian Plasma Resources centre near you to help us help others.

December 31, 2022

Giving plasma is the ultimate way to get into the holiday spirit. Charitable giving has been proven to boost your mood and health. When you donate plasma, you provide patients with the life-sustaining treatments that they need to live healthy lives. This holiday season, give back to those who need it most by adding plasma donation to your New Year’s resolutions. And why not get ahead of your 2023 goals over the holidays? Book an appointment today and get started on your New Year’s resolutions!

For the top reasons to give plasma this holiday season, keep reading!

1. Giving back is good for you. 

Giving back to others helps to lower your blood pressure and stress levels, which are core components of health and wellness! Easing your stress is extra important this time of year, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Donating plasma will not only support your wellbeing, but it will provide immunocompromised patients with the treatments that they need year round. To read more about how giving back is good for you, check out this blog!

2. Donating plasma gives you some Me-Time

The time that you spend connected to the plasmapheresis machine during your plasma donation is quality time with yourself to relax and reset. With the busy nature of the holiday season, we could all use a break to read a book or watch a show – why not give back to others while you pamper yourself? 

3. It’s a great way to make some extra cash 

Looking to earn a little extra for presents, holiday dinners and Christmas treats this time of year? You can earn up to $500 a month as a plasma donor when you make your first donation this month with our $100 bonus. As a consistent donor, you can earn up to $400 a month when you donate twice every seven days for four consecutive weeks. To learn more about how our compensation plan works, visit our compensation page on our website.

4. You can become a part of a greater community.

Our Canadian Plasma Resources community is spread out across Canada – wherever you donate plasma, you can connect with the staff and other donors at your local centre to join our plasma donation community! 

5. It’s an easy way to get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions.

If your New Year’s resolutions include helping others for the greater good, while supporting yourself and your family with some extra cash flow, donating plasma is a great way for you to meet your goals in 2023! It’s said that it takes 2 months to form a new habit, so why not get a head start on your habit-forming resolutions this month. That way, you’ll be good to go in the New Year!

Thank you as always for being a part of our Canadian Plasma donation community! We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season. For more information on plasma donation, check out our blog! Book your plasma donation appointment today.

December 31, 2022

Did you know that there are different types of plasma proteins? There’s globulin – which helps to support your immune system and blood clotting – and albumin, which provides amino acids to your body tissue. These two types of proteins – and their collection processes- are different. 

Source plasma is collected from donors to be turned into plasma protein therapies for immunocompromised patients and trauma victims. There is no replacement for source plasma – it can’t be manufactured in a lab and the only way for those in need to receive the plasma-protein therapies they require is for donors to donate plasma consistently. To learn more about how plasma is used to help others, keep reading! 

1. Plasma is used to treat immunocompromised patients. 

Plasma is extracted through a process known as plasmapheresis, in which the donor is connected to a plasmapheresis machine intravenously. The plasmapheresis machine withdraws all blood components, separating plasma from other blood cells and returning those cells to the body. The entire process takes 45-50 minutes to complete. You can read more about it here! Plasmapheresis separates the protein-rich plasma from the rest of the blood so it can be manufactured into live-saving therapies. 

2. It’s used to treat rare and chronic diseases. 

Plasma is used to treat over 80 different rare and chronic diseases. Patients who rely on plasma treatments often require those treatments for life, meaning that consistent donation is key to helping patients in need receive the treatments they require. It can take up to 1,200 donations to treat one patient for a year! That’s why it’s crucial to donate plasma consistently.

3. Plasma is used to treat trauma victims. 

Plasma is used to heal tissue with platalet-rich plasma therapy, otherwise known as PRP therapy. This is the most common treatment method for healing tissue with plasma due to injuries from everyday accidents.

Platelet—rich therapy involves injecting concentration of the patient’s platelets into the injured areas. These platelets aid in the body’s natural healing process. Growth factors stimulate the reparative cells produced by your body, helping it to heal.

Whether you’re looking to give back to others or make some extra cash (or both!) this holiday season, donating plasma is an effective way to do good for others while helping yourself. 

We’d like to extend a special shout out to our consistent donors in our plasma donation community. Your continued generosity is what makes the work that we do possible – helping patients in need to receive the treatments and care that they deserve! We look forward to seeing you come through our centre doors soon.

November 29, 2022

When you give back to others, you give back to yourself. Giving back to others has been proven to benefit your own mental health and well-being, and donating plasma is a perfect way to give back. 

The donating portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes, making it the perfect opportunity to get some me-time. With the busy holiday season, consider taking the time to give plasma to someone in need – while also taking care of yourself! 

Read on for more information on how giving plasma can be good for you! 

Why Give Back? 

Giving back comes with numerous health benefits. Some of the physical health benefits include: 

• Lowering your blood pressure
• Increasing your self esteem 
• Helping to mitigate symptoms of depression
• Decreasing problems with cognition
• Lowering your stress levels 
• Increasing your sense of happiness and well-being 

If you’re wondering why – and how – plasma donation, in particular, can boost your sense of happiness and well-being, we’re here to tell you! Participating in an altruistic act like donating plasma activates the pleasure regions in your brain, creating a “warm glow” feeling that is fueled by the release of serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. 

Donating Plasma and Giving Back 

An unexpected perk of donating plasma is that it can serve as an early preventative check for diseases! Because of the rigorous screening process that our donors go through, when you give back you actually take care of yourself by getting your vitals checked and assessed by our team of trained professionals. This can serve as early disease detection! 

Give Back this Holiday Season

If you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, book a plasma donation appointment today! You can safely donate plasma twice in a seven day period and earn up to $95/week for doing so. With the extra expenses of the holidays, donating plasma can be a great way to earn some extra cash during the season of giving. 

November 17, 2022

How to Best Support Your Plasma Donation Recovery Process

As a plasma donor, it’s important to take care of yourself before and after your donation, to ensure a smooth donation and recovery process. In this blog, we’re outlining the things you can do to optimize your plasma donation experience. 

If you’d like to learn about how to support your plasma donation recovery, keep reading!

How to Set Yourself Up for a Successful Plasma Donation

There are a few key things that you can do to properly prepare yourself for your plasma donation and give your body what it needs to recover later. 

Firstly, it’s essential to make sure that you’re getting the nutrients you need to boost the health of your supply of plasma and to support your own recovery process. Make sure to eat plenty of iron and vitamin rich foods, like dark leafy greens and fish, prior to your appointment. 

It’s also important to drink 6-8 glasses of water a few hours prior to donating. Not only will this help you recover afterwards, but it will also boost your plasma supply and prevent you from being deferred. 

In addition, you’ll want to avoid caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, and smoking before donating plasma. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you, fatty foods can render your plasma unusable, and smoking can restrict your blood flow. 

What to Do After Your Plasma Donation

Supporting your post-appointment recovery is also an essential component of the plasma donation process, as it’s necessary to maintain your health. 

As soon as you wrap up your appointment, we recommend resting for at least 10 minutes. During this time, it’s important for you to replenish your body with a quick snack and drink. You can get a snack and juice from our reception staff and enjoy your refreshments in our waiting room area following your appointment. 

Once you get home after donating plasma, it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water. It’s also crucial that you do not smoke for at least one hour, refrain from drinking alcohol for at least eight hours following your donation, and avoid vigorous exercise for 12 hours. 

Why Donate Plasma? 

Plasma donations provide those who require plasma protein therapies with the treatments they need to survive and live their lives to the fullest. By booking a plasma donation appointment today, you can save a life – and earn up to $400 a month!