Fact VS Fiction: Plasma Donation Edition

juin 3, 2019

Donating plasma is a great way to give back and help patients who suffer from rare and chronic conditions. A significant number of plasma donations are needed to help individuals living with hemophilia, Alpha-1, and primary immune deficiencies. These patients are wholly reliant on plasma donations to lead healthy and productive lives.

Sadly, years of myths and misconceptions have deterred healthy people from donating their plasma. This has led to a shortage of plasma collection in Canada and an inability to meet the demand for plasma products.

We’ve decided it’s time to put these rumours to rest and separate fiction from fact.

Fiction: Donating plasma puts your health at risk.

Fact: This prominent misconception about plasma donation has been notoriously difficult to dispel. Contrary to popular belief, plasma donation in Canada is completely safe. In fact, Canada has one of the safest blood systems in the world due to the strict standards that have been laid out in Health Canada’s Blood Regulations and Food and Drugs Act.

Every establishment that collects plasma in Canada must abide by Health Canada’s regulations so you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

Fiction: Plasma donation is used solely for research.

Fact: As was mentioned previously, plasma is required to treat a variety of rare and chronic conditions. A small number of plasma donations are used for research purposes, but the vast majority are used to produce necessary medicines.

In addition, plasma donations are used to treat patients who have suffered from severe trauma, shock, and burns.

Fiction: Plasma from volunteer donors is safer than from paid donors.

Fact: There is no difference whatsoever between the plasma that is collected from volunteer VS paid donors. Health Canada works diligently to ensure that all plasma is collected safely and according to the correct procedures. Their role is to oversee the safe collection of plasma for both paid and unpaid donations.

Modern technology has also made it possible for all plasma products to be made equally safe and there hasn’t been a transmission of a viral infection in over 20 years.

Fiction: Plasma donation centres specifically target those in unfavourable circumstances.

Fact: There are a number of factors that might influence a person’s decision to donate plasma. Some individuals want to lend a helping hand to the community while others know someone that is reliant on plasma donations for their wellbeing.

We have compensated plasma donations in Canada because plasma from paid donors is needed to meet the demand for plasma products.

Book your next appointment today!