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plasma donation

plasma donation

March 29, 2022

As someone who may be thinking about becoming a plasma donor, you are probably asking yourself why you should donate plasma instead of blood. Plasma donation and blood donation are both great ways to give back! They are used to save countless lives and help patients in need. But while these processes do have a lot of similarities, they also have quite a few differences that you should know about. 

In this blog, we will be going over all the reasons you may want to donate plasma instead of blood. 

What Is the Difference Between Blood and Plasma?

Before we delve into all the differences between blood donation and plasma donation, it’s important to first distinguish the difference between these two bodily fluids. 

Blood is a constantly flowing reddish fluid that is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. It circulates throughout your body and delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body’s cells. Blood also helps remove carbon dioxide and other waste materials from your body. 

Plasma is the largest part of your blood, and it makes up roughly 55% of its overall content. This yellowish liquid is responsible for several essential functions in the body, including clotting blood and fighting diseases. 

What Is the Difference Between Donating Blood and Plasma?

There are quite a few differences between blood donation and plasma donation. The most notable differences include compensation, what they are used for, and the time required for each of these processes. 

Here are some reasons why you may want to donate plasma instead of blood:

1. Plasma Donors Can Be Compensated

Unlike blood donations (which are unpaid), paid plasma donations are permitted in some places in Canada and around the world. There are numerous reasons why plasma donors are paid when blood donors are not, some of which include the time commitment that is required of plasma donors and the fact that the only sustainable way to collect enough plasma is through paid donations. In fact, the United States, a country that permits paid plasma donations, supplies two-thirds of the world’s plasma. 

At Canadian Plasma Resources, we give our donors the opportunity to earn up to $400/month for their contributions. 

2. Plasma Helps Patients with Rare Conditions

Plasma donations are specifically used to treat over 80 different autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and rare blood disorders. Blood donations, on the other hand, are often used for blood transfusions. Donated blood may also be separated into its individual components and used for other medical purposes. 

If you would like to specifically help patients with rare and chronic diseases manage their conditions, plasma donation may be the right choice for you. Source plasma donations bring in three times more plasma than just removing plasma from blood donations, and the patients who receive plasma protein therapies often need these treatments for the rest of their lives. The more source plasma donations that can be made, the better!

3. Plasma Is a Great Way to Get Me-Time

Lastly, plasma donation is a great way to get some me-time! The plasmapheresis portion of the plasma donation process, which involves separating plasma out from other blood components and returning those other components to the body, takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. You can pass the time as you please during these 50 minutes and do things that you normally can’t fit into your schedule, like reading or listening to your favourite podcast!

A whole blood donation usually takes anywhere from eight to 10 minutes to complete. 

Even though blood donation and plasma donation are both amazing acts of kindness that can ultimately save lives, there are evidently many reasons why someone may choose to do the latter. If you’re interested in giving back and getting compensated all while enjoying some me-time, book a plasma donation appointment today!

plasma donation

March 23, 2022

Plasma donation is a safe process that has long been used to collect plasma, a straw-coloured liquid component of blood that can be manufactured into life-saving therapies. All establishments that collect plasma in Canada are required to have strict donor eligibility, screening, and testing requirements in place. These requirements help ensure that both the donors who give plasma and the patients who receive it are safe. 

If you would like to know more about what the requirements for plasma donation are and the reasons why donors may be deferred, keep reading to find out. 

Why Donate Plasma?

There are numerous reasons why you may want to donate plasma. First and foremost, it is a great way to give back and help others. Patients with rare diseases, like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and PIDD, rely on plasma donations to treat their conditions. They often need to receive these plasma-derived treatments for the rest of their lives, so continued donations are very important.

Another reason why you may want to donate plasma is because it is a great way to earn extra money! Paid plasma donations have been proven to be the only way to ensure a secure global supply of plasma, and at Canadian Plasma Resources we give our donors the opportunity to earn up to $400/month. 

What Is the Plasma Donation Eligibility Criteria?

Basic eligibility criteria for plasma donation includes:

  • Being between 17 and 68 years of age.
  • Weighing between 50-180 kg. 
  • Not having had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months. 
  • Not having donated blood in the past 56 days. 
  • Having a permanent address within 100 kilometres of a Canadian Plasma Resources facility. 

Prospective donors must also fill out a questionnaire, do an interview, undergo a medical examination, and present proof of their SIN number before a decision can be made as to whether they are eligible to donate plasma. SIN numbers are required for plasma donation so that donors can be checked in the National Donor Deferral Registry, which is a database that tracks those seeking to donate who have tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. We accept SIN cards as well as all government-issued documents or records that have SIN numbers on them at our centres. 

Why Prospective Plasma Donors May Get Deferred

There are several reasons why donors may get deferred after meeting the initial eligibility requirements. Some of these things are preventable and some are not.

Causes for Deferrals That Plasma Donors Have Some Control Over

One of the most common reasons that donors get deferred is due to the fact that they don’t have a meal before coming in for their plasma donation appointment. This can cause their HCT/iron levels to not be within an acceptable range and/or low protein levels. High blood pressure levels also frequently lead to donor referrals. Here are some things you can do to improve your chances of not getting deferred for these reasons:

  • To avoid getting deferred for iron and/or protein levels that are not within the acceptable range, be sure to eat an iron and protein rich meal a few hours before donating plasma and stay hydrated. Ideally, you should drink 6-8 cups of water on the day of your donation. 
  • To avoid getting deferred due to high blood pressure levels, get at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before donating plasma. You should also book your appointment at a time that works well with your schedule to lessen stressors. 

Causes for Deferrals That Plasma Donors Do Not Have Control Over

Some reasons why prospective donors may be deferred for circumstances that are out of their control include medical conditions they have and/or medications they take. Donors must be in good health to safely donate plasma that can also be used to create life-saving therapies. The reason why certain medications may prevent someone from donating is because medications can be passed through plasma, which is unsafe for both the donor and the recipient. 

Donors may also be deferred due to surgery or dental work. In these cases, donors usually have to wait a certain amount of time before they are eligible to donate again. 

Now that you know some common reasons why donors get deferred, we hope you will be able to make a well-informed decision about whether plasma donation is a possibility for you. If you do feel it is a good fit, book a plasma donation appointment at a centre near you to give back and get compensated for it!

plasma donation

March 1, 2022

01.03.2022

As you may know, many COVID-19 public health rules in the provinces our centres are located in have been lifted, including indoor masking. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to keep face covering requirements at our centres for the time being. This means that donors will need to continue to wear face coverings when they come to our centres for their plasma donation appointment. However, we will be monitoring the situation and we do have plans to lift face covering requirements in the near future when we feel it is the right time to do so. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

29.04.2021

Precautionary Actions and Safety Measures

As of Saturday, May 1st, our Saskatoon plasma collection centre will be reopening. Two inspections were performed at our centre on April 22nd and April 29th, and the Saskatoon Health Authority’s Medical Officer of Health has deemed our facility to be safe. 

On top of our regular cleaning process, additional cleaning of our entire facility was performed on April 23rd. All CPR staff were tested for COVID-19 at least once (some were tested twice) and no new cases have been identified. As an added precaution, we decided to wait a few additional days to reopen our centre so that by the time our centre reopens there will be over 14 days since the last positive case at our centre was identified. The last positive case at our Saskatoon centre occurred on April 16th.

To ensure donor and staff safety while continuing to help create important life-saving therapies for patients who require them, we’ve also decided to introduce new measures. Donors will undergo additional screenings at the entrance of our Saskatoon centre, we’ve switched over to an electronic sign-in process for donors, and we’ve invested in upgraded PPE for our staff. 

How Donor Compensation and Status Will Be Impacted

Since our Saskatoon centre has been closed for seven days, many donors will lose their status and fall back to the Orange level. This is something that will automatically be done by our computerized system. We don’t want our donors to miss out on well-deserved compensation, so from Saturday, May 1st to Saturday, June 5th, all donors will receive $60 for their second donation of the week. This is the same amount of compensation you’d receive as a Gold level donor ($90 for the week for five weeks). During this time, donors will have to build back their status. Our regular compensation scheme will resume during the week of June 6th. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time and hope to see you at our Saskatoon centre soon. 

23.04.2021

Temporary Closure of Saskatoon Center

During the week of April 12, COVID-19 was detected in individuals who were present in our Saskatoon facility on Quebec Avenue. We have been in contact with the Saskatchewan Health Authorities (SHA) and out of an abundance of caution the plasma collection centre will be closed for the rest of this week or until the Medical Officer of Health ensures the health and safety of our staff and donors. During this period all our staff members will be tested for COVID-19. Since the pandemic began, this is the first occurrence of this nature in any of our facilities. We will reopen when we are satisfied that it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we would like to reassure all of our donors who had appointments scheduled during this shut-down, that their status and bonuses will not be impacted by these cancelled appointments. We will also ensure that our staff do not suffer financially during this period. Plasma saves lives. The patients who need our products to survive are some of the most vulnerable in the world. We will work as hard as we can to reopen so that we can continue this important work together. Additional updates will be provided via email and on our website as more information becomes available. Thank you.

21.04.2021

On April 21 the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) notified Canadian Plasma Resources that they have identified three (3) cases of positive COVID-19 among our employees in the past week. The individuals last worked at CPR’s Saskatoon location on April 10, 13 and 16 respectively. By definition when two or more individuals with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 (for whom the Medical Health Officer has determined that transmission likely occurred within a common non-household setting) an outbreak exists.
Our staff follow CPR’s Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic Response Plan which utilizes risk assessment published by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for the management of close contacts of confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 occurring in Canadian Plasma Resources facilities. Following COVID-19 Infection Prevention Guidelines in our plan ensures that risk of contacts at CPR level will be assessed at either “Medium” or “low” levels which is essential for continuity of our operation and minimizing risks to staff and donors.  

13.01.2021

Over the past months, CPR has been continually reviewing Public Health guidelines in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We have been making appropriate changes to our Centres as needed, and the safety of our staff and Donors remains our top priority.

In both our Saskatoon and Moncton Centres, approved face coverings or masks are mandatory. We ask that Donors wear their masks properly and keep them on the entire time they are in the Centres for the safety of our staff and other Donors.

Our Centre in Moncton operates with a New Brunswick COVID-19 Operational Plan for Workplaces in effect. This written plan includes relevant safety and hygiene procedures, physical distancing requirements, and daily active screening for staff among other precautionary protocols.

CPR continues to monitor Public Health for the most up-to-date recommendations in order to provide the safest environment possible for everyone who visits our Centres.

01.09.2020

Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve continually revised our policies to reflect the current status of the virus in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. As of Tuesday, September 1st, the following policies went into effect:

  1. It is no longer necessary for donors to wear gloves when they visit our centres. We request that donors still use hand sanitizer when they enter our plasma donation centres. 
  2. Saskatoon donors are STRONGLY recommended to use a face covering when they are in our centre. Wearing masks is still mandatory for plasma donors at our Moncton location. 
  3. We ask that donors refrain from walking around, speaking with other donors, and talking on their phones when they are in our centres as an added safety measure.
07.06.2020

Dear Plasma Donors in Moncton,
As per government order, New Brunswickers must wear a face covering to enter buildings open to the general public, starting Tuesday June 9th.
Please note as result it will be mandatory for all donors to wear a face covering in the CPR facilities.

19.04.2020

Dear Valued Donors,

Effective today, CPR updated the eligibility criteria for plasma donors as follows: 

  • If you have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19, you will not able to donate for 28 days after complete resolution of symptoms
  • If you have been in close contact with someone who has been ill with this virus, you will not be able to donate for 28 days after your last contact.
  • If you have travelled internationally or inter-provincially within Canada, you will not be able to donate for 28 days after your return.
  • If you have participated in a social or recreational gathering of more than 50 people or more, you will not be able to donate for 28 days after the gathering date.
05.04.2020

Dear Valued Plasma Donors,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Watch this video to learn how to make a homemade mask: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4&feature=youtu.be

29.03.2020
  • We are asking donors & staff who have travelled internationally to any country, or inter-provincially within Canada to avoid the plasma donation centres for 14 days after their return. This restriction applies only to those who travelled, not to other household members.
  • ONLY prospective donors will be allowed in the center. No Children, family members or friends.
  • Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer lockers to donors at this time. We kindly ask donors to keep this in mind. 
  • Remove all communal objects such as magazines, snacks and energy bars throughout the center. Snacks and Bars will be with the reception staff (like juice boxes) and can be handed to donors upon request 
23.03.2020
  • Asking staff to stay home if they do not feel well.
  • Asking staff who have travelled internationally to any country, to avoid plasma donation for 14 days after their return. This restriction applies only to those who travelled, not to other household members.
  • NEW: Asking staff not to participate in any social or recreational gathering of more than 10 people or more.
  • Asking staff to wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds and use approved hand sanitizer.
  • Asking staff to follow proper cough and sneeze etiquette (cough or sneeze into upper sleeve or tissue, not the hands).
  • Asking staff to avoid close contact with people who are sick outside of the centre.
  • NEW: Asking staff to wear protective gloves in all areas and all times at work.
  • NEW: Asking staff in the donation room and screening area to wear masks and/or protective face shields while interacting with donors.  
  • Asking staff to refrain from touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed/unsanitized hands.
  • Asking staff not to be shaking hands or hugging/kissing when meeting someone.
  • Asking staff to strengthen cleaning and sanitizing practices. In addition to our already stringent daily cleaning and sanitizing procedures, staff have increased the frequency of cleaning in the waiting area, screening rooms and donation rooms. Staff have always disinfected equipment with antimicrobial solutions that match or exceed industry requirements. Staff are regularly sanitizing the chairs between donations to ensure the health and safety of all donors.
  • Asking staff to implement additional cleaning protocols for the reception and waiting areas as well as other frequently touched areas such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, faucets, sinks, and tabletops.
  • Asking staff to follow more restricted interactions with donors going forward. For example, our staff will try to avoid touching donor ID cards. If they have to touch donor ID cards, they will disinfect them.
  • NEW: Asking staff to practice social distancing at work and avoid all non-essential interactions with other staff.

For Donors

  • Asking donors who have traveled internationally to any country, to avoid plasma donation for 14 days after their return. This restriction applies only to those who traveled, not to other household members.
  • NEW: Asking donors who have been in close contact (example: living with) with someone who has been ill with the COVID-19 to avoid plasma donation for 14 days after their contact.
  • NEW: Asking donors who have participated in any social or recreational gathering of more than 50 people or more to avoid plasma donation for 14 days after their participation.
  • Asking donors who have flu symptoms such as cough and fever, to book their appointment 7 days after cessation of symptoms.
  • Asking donors to make an appointment online or by phone before arriving at our centre.
  • If wait times do happen to arise, donors might be asked to wait in their vehicles and will be called in for their appointment as an extra safety precaution.
  • Asking all donors to use our hand sanitizer stations conveniently placed at the entrance. We urge all visitors to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds regularly, as the CDC recommends.
  • NEW: Asking donors to wear protective gloves provided to them at reception while they are in the centre.
  • Restriction on the total number of people who can be in each enclosed area at the plasma centre (Moncton= No more than 10 people, Saskatoon= No more than 25 people)
  • Asking donors to practice social distancing during their visit and Rearranging the operating donation beds that allows donors to be more than 2 meters away from each other in the donation room.      
  • NEW: Asking donors to keep their face away (look the opposite side) when our phlebotomists are doing venipuncture.
  • Reducing ratio of donors to staff so the plasma donation procedure will be smoother and the wait time in the centre will be reduced.
  • Measure the temperature of every donor as part of the routine donor screening process.
  • Assessing every donor for any changes in their health since their last donation.
  • NEW: Asking donors to report a subsequent diagnosis of COVID-19 as soon as possible to the Canadian Plasma Resources.

For Staff

  • Asking staff to stay home if they do not feel well.
  • Asking staff who have travelled internationally to any country, to avoid plasma donation for 14 days after their return. This restriction applies only to those who travelled, not to other household members.
  • NEW: Asking staff not to participate in any social or recreational gathering of more than 10 people or more.
  • Asking staff to wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds and use approved hand sanitizer.
  • Asking staff to follow proper cough and sneeze etiquette (cough or sneeze into upper sleeve or tissue, not the hands).
  • Asking staff to avoid close contact with people who are sick outside of the centre.
  • NEW: Asking staff to wear protective gloves in all areas and all times at work.
  • NEW: Asking staff in the donation room and screening area to wear masks and/or protective face shields while interacting with donors.  
  • Asking staff to refrain from touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed/unsanitized hands.
  • Asking staff not to be shaking hands or hugging/kissing when meeting someone.
  • Asking staff to strengthen cleaning and sanitizing practices. In addition to our already stringent daily cleaning and sanitizing procedures, staff have increased the frequency of cleaning in the waiting area, screening rooms and donation rooms. Staff have always disinfected equipment with antimicrobial solutions that match or exceed industry requirements. Staff are regularly sanitizing the chairs between donations to ensure the health and safety of all donors.
  • Asking staff to implement additional cleaning protocols for the reception and waiting areas as well as other frequently touched areas such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, faucets, sinks, and tabletops.
  • Asking staff to follow more restricted interactions with donors going forward. For example, our staff will try to avoid touching donor ID cards. If they have to touch donor ID cards, they will disinfect them.
  • NEW: Asking staff to practice social distancing at work and avoid all non-essential interactions with other staff.
21.03.2020

Dear Valued Blood Plasma Donors; 

The Saskatchewan government added new measures to the state of emergency and as a result we’ve decided to introduce a new rule at our Saskatoon centre. Effective immediately, a maximum of 25 people will be permitted in each enclosed area of our blood establishment in Saskatoon.

To make this change as smooth as possible and eliminate wait times, we ask that donors make an appointment online or by phone before arriving at our centre. If wait times do happen to arise while this rule is in place, donors will be asked to wait in their vehicles and will be called in for their appointment as an extra safety precaution.

We are continually looking at ways to support our donors, staff, the community as well as those who are in need of plasma-derived products and will keep you updated as things evolve.

20.03.2020

Dear Valued Donors,

As a result of the state of emergency that was announced by the Government of New Brunswick, we’ve decided to introduce a new rule at our Moncton centre. Going forward, a maximum of 10 people will be permitted in each enclosed area of our blood establishment in Moncton.

We’d like to thank all our donors for their patience and cooperation during this difficult time. The need for plasma never goes away for patients with rare and chronic conditions, and we are determined to continue to provide lifesaving therapies to them while also keeping our donors safe. 

To make this change as smooth as possible and eliminate wait times, we ask that donors make an appointment online or by phone before arriving at our centre. If wait times do happen to arise while this rule is in place, donors will be asked to wait in their vehicles and will be called in for their appointment as an extra safety precaution.

Canadian Plasma Resources is remaining open during the response to COVID-19 as we fall under the category of functioning critical infrastructure. Blood and plasma donation centres have a special responsibility to continue operations since people rely on these services to maintain their health. PM Trudeau outlined the importance of continuing to donate during the COVID-19 pandemic yesterday. As the only Health Canada Licensed Blood Establishment in the provinces of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan that remunerates donors for their time, we will be continuing to provide compensation during this time period. 

17.03.2020

Dear Valued Plasma Donor,

We know you may have questions and concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our staff, donors, and community, Canadian Plasma Resources (CPR) will continue to monitor the situation closely through information shared by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other government and health agencies around the world in order to keep everyone safe and well informed. Should the agency’s recommendations change we will act immediately to keep donors safe.

Health care and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors are considered part of a nation’s critical infrastructure. Your plasma donation is essential to patients that rely on plasma-derived therapies. As such, we have decided to keep our CPR centres open for continued donations so we can continue to help deliver these life-saving therapies. We urge all healthy eligible donors to book and keep appointments. The need for plasma is constant. 

We have put measures in place to help ensure our donation centres remain islands of wellness within Canada’s health system. They are NOT places where sick people gather.

To give you peace of mind, we want to remind you that CPR has set the highest standard for cleanliness in the industry. Our staff is trained on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), proper lab hygiene, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). We have also implemented some other precautionary measurements in an effort to follow the necessary social distancing guidelines at our plasma centres:

  • We’ve rearranged the operating donation beds to have one non-operating bed in between. Now donors will be more than 6 feet away as per recommendations.
  • We’ve limited the number of individuals in the donor-specific areas of the building to below 50 persons throughout the day.
  • We will have more restricted interactions with donors going forward. For example, our staff will try to avoid touching donor ID cards. If they have to touch donor ID cards, they will disinfect them. Additional cleaning protocols have also been implemented for the reception and waiting areas as well as other high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, faucets, sinks, and tabletops.
  • We’ve reduced the ratio of donors to staff so the plasma donation procedure will be smoother and the wait time in the centre will be reduced.

Additionally, the CPR staff will be following the procedures noted below:

  • They will measure the temperature of every donor as part of the routine donor screening process.
  • They will assess every donor for any changes in their health since their last donation.
  • Our team members will stay home if they do not feel well or if they travelled internationally.
  • Staff will wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds & use approved hand sanitizer.
  • Proper cough and sneeze etiquette (cough or sneeze into upper sleeve or tissue, not the hands) will be followed.
  • They will avoid close contact with people who are sick outside of the centre.
  • They will refrain from touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed/unsanitized hands.
  • Staff members will not be shaking hands or hugging/kissing when meeting someone.

If you have any questions about donating, please contact centre management. 

Every day, thousands of people with rare and chronic diseases rely on the therapies produced from the plasma we collect. Thank you in advance for your continued support and ongoing donations. Now more than ever, we need your donations!

13.03.2020

Dear Valued Plasma Donors,

We are writing to share our commitment to fighting COVID-19 and to assure all our stakeholders that we are following recommended safety protocols that have been provided by competent authorities including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure health and safety of our donors and employees.

Given the strict screening procedures in place for plasma donors and the established processes of virus inactivation and removal during the manufacturing of plasma-derived products, COVID-19 is not a concern for the safety of plasma protein therapies manufactured from source plasma.

We are confident that COVID-19 will not significantly impact operations at CPR and our generous donors. However, as a measure of abundant caution, we have set a detailed business continuity plan to mitigate any risks:

1.       As of Mar 14th Canadian Plasma Resources (CPR) is asking anyone who has travelled internationally to any country, to avoid plasma donation for 14 days after their return. This restriction applies only to those who travelled, not to other household members.

2.     CPR is requesting donors with flu symptoms such as cough and fever to stay at home for 7 days after cessation of symptoms.

3.       We have strengthened our cleaning and sanitizing practices and are strictly implementing the CDC’s guidelines. In addition to our already stringent daily cleaning and sanitizing procedures, we have increased the frequency of cleaning in our waiting area, screening rooms and donation rooms. We are and have always disinfected our equipment with antimicrobial solutions that match or exceed industry requirements. We are regularly sanitizing the chairs between donations to ensure health and safety of all donors.

4.       As an additional precaution, we encourage all donors to use our hand sanitizer stations conveniently placed throughout the centre. We urge all visitors to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds regularly, as the CDC recommends.

We are continuously monitoring this situation and if there are any changes requiring further communication, we will be sure to inform you. Thank you for being part of the CPR donor family. Wishing you all good health.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach us at info@giveplasma.ca

Resources

To receive the most recent information regarding COVID-19, check the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control Prevention:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals.html

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA):

https://www.pptaglobal.org/23-advocacy/access-to-care/1057-covid-19

https://www.pptaglobal.org/media-and-information/ppta-statements/1055-2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-and-plasma-protein-therapies

https://www.pptaglobal.org/media-and-information/ppta-statements/1059-a-note-to-plasma-donors-on-the-coronavirus

plasma donation

February 22, 2022

Plasma donation is a great way to earn extra money while also getting some much-needed me-time. It is a truly fulfilling process that ultimately helps save lives, but not many people know exactly what the plasma donation process entails. 

As a new plasma donor, there are certain things you should be aware of before you come in for your first appointment, and we’re going to let you know what they are in this blog!

What Is Plasma?

Before we get into the things you can do to prepare for your plasma donation appointment, it’s important to first understand what plasma is and why donations are needed. Plasma is a yellowish liquid component of blood that contains several important proteins. It is used to create medicinal products that treat patients with rare and chronic diseases. 

Can I Donate Plasma?

Making sure you’re eligible to donate plasma is one of the first things you should do as a prospective plasma donor. Eligibility requirements for plasma donation exist to ensure donor and patient safety. To donate plasma at a Canadian Plasma Resources centre, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 17 and 68 years of age.
  • Weigh between 50-180 kg. 
  • Not having had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months. 
  • Not having donated blood in the past 56 days. 
  • Have a permanent address within 100 kilometres of a Canadian Plasma Resources facility. 

How to Donate Plasma

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet all the eligibility requirements for plasma donation, it’s the perfect time to book your first appointment! You can easily book an appointment at one of our centres on our website. 

On the day of your plasma donation appointment, you can electronically fill out our donor health questionnaire on your mobile device or computer by clicking the “Check-In” button on our homepage. Items you will need to bring to your plasma donation appointment include:

  • An electronic or physical copy of the barcode emailed to you after filling out the electronic questionnaire. 
  • A valid photo identification (e.g. a driver’s licence or passport).
  • A document that shows proof of address (e.g. a bill or lease agreement).
  • Your social insurance card. 

You may also want to bring something to do while you are donating plasma, such as a book to read, as well as a water bottle. The actual donation portion of the plasma donation process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete, and it is a perfect time to do something you enjoy while also staying hydrated! 

Other things you may want to consider doing in preparation for your plasma donation appointment include dressing in loose, comfortable clothing and eating an iron and protein-rich meal a few hours before donating. It’s best to refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages, and eating fatty foods before donating plasma. 

There you have it – all the things you should bring and do to prepare for your plasma donation appointment! At Canadian Plasma Resources, we’re always happy to welcome new donors to our centres. Book an appointment at a centre near you to give back and get compensated up to $400/month for your contributions! 

plasma donation

January 25, 2022

Plasma donation is an important, albeit lesser-known, type of donation. It is responsible for the creation of several different types of life-saving therapies for immunocompromised patients. 

Even though plasma is a component of blood, plasma donation and blood donation have notable differences. One of these differences is how frequently donors are permitted to donate. Plasma donors can safely give plasma up to twice per week. 

In this blog, we will be unpacking what the plasma donation process entails and why plasma donors can donate more frequently than blood donors. 

How Does Blood Plasma Donation Work?

Plasma donation is a four-step process that involves registering, screening, donating, and relaxing. Before prospective donors can give plasma, they first need to meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo screenings to ensure they are in good health. Some eligibility requirements for plasma donation include:

  • Being between 17 and 68 years of age
  • Weighing between 50-180 kg
  • Not having had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months
  • Not having donated blood in the past 56 days

Once donors qualify to donate plasma, they can then proceed to the donating portion of the plasma donation process. This part of the process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. During this time, donors are connected to a plasmapheresis machine, which separates plasma from other blood components and returns those other cellular components of blood to the body. Donors are free to read, watch TV, or listen to music while undergoing plasmapheresis. 

After a plasma donation has been made, donors can then relax and enjoy the snacks we provide in our waiting room. 

Why Donate Plasma Instead of Blood?

Both plasma and blood donations are used to do good and save lives, but there are a few reasons why you may opt to donate plasma over blood. 

If you’d like to specifically help patients living with immune disorders, autoimmune conditions, and rare blood disorders receive the treatments they need, plasma donation may be the right choice for you. Even though the plasmapheresis process is longer than the blood donation process, which takes about eight to 10 minutes to complete, it does enable larger quantities of plasma to be collected more frequently. That means more life-saving therapies for rare conditions can be made. 

Another reason you may want to donate plasma is compensation. Paid plasma donations are permitted throughout the U.S. and in certain provinces in Canada. Plasma donors receive compensation because of the time and effort that goes into giving plasma. It has also been proven time and time again that compensating donors is the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma, as most of the global supply of plasma comes from countries that pay their donors. 

Why Can You Donate Plasma More Frequently Than Blood?

Whole blood donations can only be made every 56 days for males and every 84 days for females. Plasma donations, on the other hand, can be made twice in a seven-day period. This is because your body replenishes its plasma within 48 hours, but it can take anywhere from four to six weeks to replace blood. Since red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are returned to the body during plasmapheresis, it is safe for donors to give plasma more frequently. 

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. 

plasma donation

December 16, 2021

The holiday season is here, and one of the best ways to spread some cheer is by donating plasma! Plasma donation is a mutually beneficial act that benefits both donors and patients alike. If you’ve been thinking about donating plasma lately, we’re going to give you three reasons you should do just that in this blog!

What does plasma donation do?

Plasma donation is an incredible process that can ultimately help save lives. Plasma is a protein-packed component of blood that is used as a key ingredient in many medications. It sustains the lives of patients living with immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and clotting disorders, but that can only happen because generous donors willingly choose to give plasma. 

What is donating plasma like?

The plasma donation process involves four steps – registering, screening, donating, and relaxing. During the donation portion of this process, donors are intravenously connected to a plasmapheresis machine that separates plasma from other cellular components found in blood and returns those other cellular components to your body. The plasmapheresis process takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. 

3 Reasons to Donate Plasma This Holiday Season

Now that you’re familiar with what plasma donation entails, let’s get into all the reasons you should give plasma during this time of year!

1. Get Some Me-Time

Because the plasmapheresis process takes roughly 50 minutes, you can get some much-needed me-time while donating plasma. During this time, you can read, watch TV, listen to a podcast, or put on your favourite tunes all from the comfort of our donor beds. 

Given how busy the holiday season can be, getting time to relax, unwind, and do what you please is a welcome respite! 

2. Earn Extra Spending Money

Plasma donation is an excellent way to supplement your income and earn extra spending money this holiday season! At Canadian Plasma Resources, we’ve always believed in compensating our donors for the time and effort they put into donating plasma. Compensating donors is also the only way to ensure a secure supply of plasma for patients who rely on plasma-derived treatments. 

You can earn up to $400/month when you donate plasma at our centres!

3. Help Others Enjoy the Holidays Too

Last but certainly not least, the holidays are all about the spirit of giving, and there’s no better gift to give than the gift of life! By donating plasma, you can help patients with rare and chronic diseases manage their conditions and lead healthier lives.  

All in all, plasma donation truly encompasses the spirit of the holiday season. If you’d like to give back and get rewarded for your contributions, book a plasma donation appointment today! Happy holidays!

plasma donation

November 29, 2021

For many decades, plasma, the main component of blood, has been manufactured into life-saving therapies and used to treat a host of rare and chronic conditions. In fact, donated plasma is capable of treating over 80 different autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and blood disorders. One of the conditions that plasma is capable of treating is myositis.

In this blog, we will be going over what myositis is and how plasma protein therapies can help individuals manage this condition. 

What Is Myositis?

Myositis is the term used to describe general inflammation or swelling of the muscles. It is a rare disease that can be difficult to diagnose. The five types of myositis are:

  1. dermatomyositis
  2. juvenile myositis
  3. inclusion-body myositis
  4. polymyositis
  5. toxic myositis 

With the exception of inclusion-body myositis, women are more likely to be affected by myositis than men. 

What Causes Myositis?

The exact cause of myositis is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition that makes the body attack healthy muscle tissue. Researchers think that myositis may also be caused by: 

  • Inflammatory conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma
  • Viral infections, like the common cold and flu viruses
  • Injury from vigorous exercise
  • Drug toxicity

What Are the Symptoms of Myositis?

The main symptom of myositis is chronic muscle inflammation that may result in weakness, fatigue after standing or walking for a long time, and/or frequent falling. Other symptoms of this condition may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Swelling of the feet and legs
  • Muscular and joint pain
  • A rash on the eyelids, elbows, knees and/or knuckles
  • Skin thickening on the hands

How is Myositis Diagnosed?

Myositis can be difficult to diagnose because it is so rare and the main symptoms of it – fatigue and weakness – are also associated with other diseases. If your doctor does suspect you might have myositis, he or she might suggest a blood test, an MRI, a muscle biopsy, and/or an electromyography test. 

What Is the Treatment for Myositis?

There is no cure for myositis, but treatment can improve your muscle strength and function. Depending on the cause of myositis, the treatment for the condition will vary. In general, myositis that is caused by an inflammatory condition is treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, myositis that is caused by a viral infection doesn’t have a specific treatment, and myositis that is brought on by a drug is treated by stopping that medication. 

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), which is a plasma-derived medicine, can also be used to treat myositis and other diseases of the immune system. IVIG helps regulate an overactive immune system by signalling for it to slow down inflammatory processes. 

By donating plasma, you can help patients with myositis and other rare diseases receive the treatments they need. It takes thousands of plasma donations to make one batch of IVIG treatments, so if you’re able to donate, please book an appointment at a centre near you. Every donation counts! 

plasma donation

November 25, 2021

Contrary to popular belief, plasma isn’t always “yellowish” or “straw-coloured”, as it is often described. This protein-rich liquid component of blood can come in a variety of different hues, including reddish-orange, green, and milky white. The latter hue is often referred to as “cloudy plasma”.

When plasma is cloudy, it cannot be used to make life-saving therapies. Keep reading to learn more about what causes cloudy plasma and how you can prevent it!

What is Cloudy Plasma?

Cloudy plasma is plasma that is full of fats. Unlike healthy plasma, which is clear and yellow in colour, cloudy plasma has a milky white appearance. This naturally occurring phenomenon is known as lipemia. 

Is Cloudy Plasma Bad?

Plasma that is cloudy looking is caused by increased levels of plasma triglyceride concentrations. This can occur if a donor has eaten a fatty meal before donating plasma, and it renders the donation unusable. 

What Foods Make Your Plasma Cloudy?

Foods that are high in saturated and trans fats can raise your triglyceride levels and cause cloudy plasma. You should avoid eating the following foods on the day of your plasma donation: 

  • Fried foods, including chips
  • Fast food, like french fries, pizza, and burgers
  • High-fat dairy products

The Best Foods to Eat Before Donating Plasma

If you donate cloudy, or lipemic, plasma, you may be deferred or ineligible to receive full compensation for your donation. To prevent this scenario from happening, you should eat the following foods before donating plasma: 

  • Lean proteins
  • Low-fat dairy products
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • High-fibre whole grains
  • Beans, nuts, and seeds

Now that you know what cloudy plasma is and how to avoid it, you’re well equipped to donate healthy plasma from here on out! Book your next appointment today to put our plasma donation tips into practice and help patients receive the treatments they need.

plasma donation

October 25, 2021

Have you been thinking about becoming a plasma donor as of late? Plasma donation is a fulfilling act that can ultimately help patients receive the treatments they need. However, you first must meet certain eligibility requirements to donate plasma.

In this blog, we’ll be unpacking everything you need to know about the standards and screenings that are in place to ensure plasma-derived therapies can be safely created.

Who Can Donate Plasma?

In order to protect your health and the health of patients who receive plasma-derived medicines, donors must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 17 and 68 years of age.
  • Weigh between 50-180 kg.
  • Have not had a tattoo or piercing done in the past six months. 
  • Have not donated blood in the past 56 days.

To donate plasma at Canadian Plasma Resources, you also must have a permanent address within 100 km of one of our facilities and present valid proof of identification. 

What Screenings Are Required for Plasma Donation?

There are various screenings and tests that you will have to undergo in order to donate plasma. These include getting your blood pressure and temperature checked. You will also have a blood sample taken in order to evaluate your protein and hemoglobin levels and check for transmissible viruses. 

Why Donate Plasma?

One major reason to donate plasma is to help other people live healthier and more productive lives. Plasma is used to treat immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other rare diseases. There is no substitute for plasma, which means that immunocompromised patients are completely reliant on the generosity of donors to receive the treatments they need. 

Another great thing about donating plasma is that you get paid for your contributions when you donate at Canadian Plasma Resources. We’ve always believed in paying our donors for the time and effort they put into giving plasma. It’s also been proven that the global demand for plasma would not be met without paid plasma donations. We proudly pay our donors up to $400/month for their donations!

The me-time you get while donating plasma is yet another benefit worth noting. In everyday life, it can be difficult to find time to do the things you love, whether that be reading a good book, listening to a podcast, or just taking time to relax. During the plasmapheresis portion of the plasma donation process, you get 50 minutes to unwind and pass the time as you please!

Plasma donation is a fulfilling process that is beneficial for donors and patients alike. If you think you’d make a good plasma donor, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. Every donation helps!

plasma donation

October 21, 2021

Plasma donation is an amazing way to help patients in need and earn extra money, but most people are not very familiar with what it entails. Unlike blood donation, plasma donation involves the use of a specialized device known as a plasmapheresis machine. This machine is specifically used to collect plasma, a straw-coloured liquid portion of blood, and return other blood components to the body. It is because of this process that plasma donors are able to safely donate up to twice per week!

If you’d like to learn more about how plasmapheresis works, keep reading to find out.

What Is Plasmapheresis?

Plasmapheresis is the process used to collect source plasma. During this process, donors are intravenously connected to a plasmapheresis machine, which withdraws all blood components, separates plasma from other blood cells, and returns those other cells to the body. This process takes approximately 45-50 minutes to complete.

What Is The Goal of Plasmapheresis Treatment?

The goal of plasmapheresis is to separate and remove protein-rich plasma so that it can be manufactured into life-saving therapies.

Plasma is capable of treating over 80 different rare and chronic diseases. However, the patients who rely on plasma-derived treatments often need to receive them for the rest of their lives, and it can take up to 1,200 donations to treat one patient for a year. This is why continued plasma donations are so important!

What Are the Side Effects of Donating Plasma?

Just like with blood donations, there are side effects that can potentially occur when you donate plasma. These side effects may include dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, and/or bruising.

In order to minimize the potential of any side effects occurring, you can:

  • Drink six to eight cups of water the day before and the day of your plasma donation.
  • Refrain from consuming caffeinated and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before your appointment.
  • Eat a protein and iron-rich meal within three hours of your plasma donation appointment.
  • Get a minimum of six to eight hours of sleep the night before giving plasma.
  • Take the time to rest and replenish yourself with snacks and/or a drink after donating plasma.

At Canadian Plasma Resources, we’ve also recently changed the plasmapheresis devices at our centres to further ensure donor safety and minimize side effects as much as possible. With the Aurora Plasmapheresis System we are now using, your red cell loss will never be greater than 200mL while undergoing plasmapheresis. This state-of-the-art machine also has a donor display on the side panel that will conveniently tell you when to squeeze your stress ball according to your venous pressure.

Plasmapheresis is an incredible process that has made it possible for patients with rare diseases to receive the treatments they need. If you would like to help change someone else’s life for the better, book your next plasma donation appointment today!