Do you know what colors mean? It felt similar to many years ago when I had a penicillin injection (which was very painful). And like what was said earlier, it would be nice if the plasma centers would take the time to inform us on what we should be doing, I've read everything you have said to people and it all sounds like good advise. thank you. It is a relatively safe procedure, but there can be minor side effects. Anyone who hears a bubbling sound coming from the puncture site should alert the attendant. In the meantime, you can always make a quick call to see if they've gotten your results back, but just haven't had a chance to contact you. Drinking green tea has also been suggested as possible solution for high iron levels. A person can do this every 28 days, or up to 13 times a year. Because of the loss of blood, even though minimal, the deferral is in your best interest. Drink plenty of water. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. Anyone who suspects an infection should contact the donation center. Question: Once you have been told that your plasma is cloudy, how long does it take to clear up? After a few years of donating, I had one arm that was a lot faster than the other, so I used it exclusively for a long time. Still, to ensure high standards of care and hygiene, only donate at accredited centers. By choice, not necessity. I sometimes get a "cramping" type pain, but it's very clearly in my vein, not my muscles or tendons. Plasmapheresis (from the Greek , plasma, something molded, and aphairesis, taking away) is the removal, treatment, and return or exchange of blood plasma or components thereof from and to the blood circulation. * However, a sharp, strong pain may be an indication that the vein being used for your donation has blown or broken open. To discover more evidence-based information and resources for donating blood, visit our dedicated hub. Why? numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers, a tingling sensation in the fingers or around the nose and mouth, ask the person about their health and medical history. Plasma is in high demand, as it helps treat cancer and other health issues. Can anyone tell me why it takes so much longer in my left arm? Should I only do it before non-lifting days? I have been donating since mid July of this yr. I have just started going through the process to donate my plasma and received my first O positive immunization just over 10 days ago. Question: What can I do to get my heart rate lowered so I can donate plasma? camarochix72 (author) from USA on December 08, 2016: Your pain sounds similar to what I had when I got my most recent Tetanus vaccination. Have you ever experienced this? I had no bruising or any issues at the injection site (my vein) other than a little pain when the phlebotomist started the injection. Then they said its not an actual diagnosis but I still cant donate. It's only my right arm they are denying. camarochix72 (author) from USA on July 14, 2017: High protein levels can be lowered by lessening the amount of high protein foods you eat: all meats (beef, chicken, turkey and ham), egg yolks and whole grains (oat bran, wheat bran, oatmeal, all forms of rice and barley). The American Red Cross urge people with AB blood to donate plasma. On occasion, it would take over an hour because of issues similar to what you describe. If it's caused by a medical condition, you'll need more help from a physician than I can offer. Also, you risk a permanent defferal from, not just that donation location, but all other locations as well. I have been donating for 2 years and in the last year Ive been routinely failing the blood draws. It contains. I had a Salmon dinner right before I went to my 4:45pm appointment. It's like they don't even understand the dynamics of the process themselves. The nurse insisted that it was fine that they stick my other arm and I could finish. would you say donating twice a week is safe? We avoid using tertiary references. She said i wasn't deferred because it was lesser but didn't explain what happened just asked if I smoke cigarettes which I dont, so can someone explain why that happened? You are a blessing! Plasmapheresis. The muscle in the arm that I received it in is very sore. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services This is only my right arm, I have no discomfort in left arm when removing the needle. During the donation. Donating blood one-time can help save the lives of up to three people. . Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of donating blood, plus how it affects the body, Donating blood is important and can help save lives. I've never been denied because of a vein, if one didn't work well, they always just used the other arm. Donate COVID-19 plasma. Serious side effects may occur, but these are rare. (2014). What do bruise colors mean, and when should you see a doctor? She started poking around at my arm and took the needle out. A person may attend a follow-up to ensure that any associated issues receive appropriate attention. camarochix72 (author) from USA on August 29, 2017: So sorry you're having this much trouble donating. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. When i donate plasma the first one goes ok but the second one my protein level is to low what is going on and what do i need to do so they are not low. Also, on their first visit, a person should plan to spend extra time registering and filling out paperwork. Yes, they can do tests to see if you have marijuana in your system, but it's also about your overall health. Once you meet the eligibility requirements of the donation facility, a technician will get you ready to donate and make you comfortable. Responding to Ethel question: Some veins are just BIGGER than others. Answer: I've seen people have cloudy plasma on the first donation of the week, and it's mostly cleared up by the second of the same week. All rights reserved. Read on to learn more about this component of blood, such as its functions, how it keeps people healthy, and the importance of, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. I've had donations where both arms are used to finish the donation process, also. Dean Michael Mancuso on January 04, 2017: I have a yearly Plasma Center physical this week. Sometimes, an air bubble can enter the bloodstream during apheresis. Washington, D.C. 20024, Content created by Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP), Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, has sub items, about Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability, National Blood Collection & Utilization Survey, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), Find a Plasma Donation Center (DonatePlasma.org), Find a plasma donation center by searching online for plasma donation near me or on the. Gather the necessary documents. (2020). Generally, donors are compensated for their time. My issue is HIGH iron. 3. needle is too close to ''shut off'' valve in the vein? Good for you! During the donation, if a person experiences any of the following, the attendant may stop the procedure: The person will then likely need to rest with their feet raised and drink some fluids. This is the same side effect you may feel if you'd donated blood (which in a way you just did). And my right elbow feels bruised, but can't say for sure if I hit it on something. Why do I have to wait so long and how can I ensure my right arm veins are good for next time? Rarely (once every other donation or so) I will feel a sharp pain in my upper arm and armpit region along with the sudden stop of the draw. If bleeding occurs, the person should apply pressure to the area and raise their arm. Everything went black and I passed out. I was able to donate a very similar amount as you in 32 minutes on average, start to finish. I've donated plasma about 9 times now and the last few times i've felt a tightness in my chest after donating like my heart is straining or something. My donation times are quick, so any interference with my donation speed is minimal. Dotted lines indicate upper and lower limits of the reference range. Could this be a "collapsed" vein rather than a blown vein? I've seen studies that eating grapefruit can normalize iron levels in men and women. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system, Advantages and disadvantages of donating blood, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Blood plasma: What it does, what it treats, how to donate it. My friend that introduced me to this just had a 6 month check, and her protein was 5.7 on a needle draw. Toward the end of my time donating, I strictly used my left arm for both donations each week, simply because I had less issues with it. They checked my blood pressure three times after, it kept dropping, I left the facility and it was 74/40. People can find the nearest center with an online locator provided by the accreditation agency. Platelet, red cell, and plasma donations may take between 80-120 minutes. Pain in the arm around or near the stick site can be caused by the needle being up against the wall of the vein or the return rate of the machine being too high. Suite L100 Emergency medical help may be necessary. Finally, if you've gotten a body piercing or tattoo in the past 12 months, you're ineligible. Still, drawing blood always poses some risks. The person may benefit from continuing to apply cold compresses for the next 1224 hours and warm compresses after that. If youve ever experienced this, you know exactly what Im talking about. However, having the nursing staff at your donation center would be the best person to answer that for certain. STEP 2 DONOR HEALTH HISTORY AND MINI PHYSICAL Provide basic demographic and health information. Answer: Because your body uses plasma for healing injuries, such as burns, my guess is that if they deem the burn to be large enough, or bad enough, you will not be able to donate until it has healed. As you can imagine I have very bad scar tissue. I been donating for a few years and the main arm I use is my right but now it's saying that it I have no flow on that. If you give yourself about a week before taking a new SPE that should give your body time to recover. My first time donating I had a bad experience where the machine got clogged and I wasn't able to finish and the tech also blew my vein. In my right arm I am usually at 25 - 40 minutes. They can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or find the nearest American Red Cross donation center here. Could all of this be related? camarochix72 (author) from USA on August 12, 2017: In theory, yes, you would be able to donate at another center, however; if one donation center finds out that you are currently registered at another center, you may get permanently banned from donating, simply because they may view you as a risk of trying to donate at both centers during the same time and that isn't good for your health. I'll try super hydrating but if they have the same problem I will likely give up. Know your blood type? camarochix72 (author) from USA on March 31, 2015: Vein occlusion is a narrowing or blocking of the vein. The body replaces the donated plasma within 48 hours, in a healthy adult. I don't drink alcohol so that's not the problem, I do however drink an excess of diet pepsi, I don't drink any the day before or the day of my donation. The type of protein you're eating may have a higher fat content; fatty burger or other fatty cuts of meat. This would be warrant a call to the donation center's nurse. This is different from having the universal blood type, which is O negative. However, several times during each donation, the draw will suddenly stop for several seconds, than slowly pick up again. Is there anything I can do to speed up that process? Lentils, pulses, and peanuts. Its not the finger prick, its the routine blood draws that they take every 3 months or so. Allow the blood to flow into the bag until it is full. New donors must donate plasma within 6 months before a donation can be used. The center I went to explained to me that usually when this happens, the speed of the machine needs to be adjusted. This happens when the needle is resting on the side of your vein (on the inside). Fish eggs (roe and caviar) Yeast extract spread (marmite) Lobster and crab. If you do try to donate at another facility, and they find out you are currently deffered, you risk permanent deferral from both and will not be able to donate at all. Purple is my favorite color. Have the phlebotomist adjust the needle position and the return rate. During Plasma Donation. Ive talked to the nurse and they are the ones that tell me its because my body is fighting something off. If the attendant notices signs of hemolysis, they will stop the procedure and may call for additional help. Or perhaps youve noticed someone else, who is donating the same volume as you, is finishing their donation a lot more quickly than you. This can cause the plasma to turn pink and the blood to be darker than usual. Any other tips for me? The SPE test all of the different types of proteins levels that are found in your plasma. Yours just hadn't been drawn for that particular test until now. Consequently, air got in the line and they stopped the donation saying that it was now contaminated. No one until you has ever mentioned iron or vitamin C as being factors let alone offered advice for how to increase my levels. If you want to continue to donate, just use the arm you know will work the best. camarochix72 (author) from USA on October 16, 2018: Ok. This reaction is common and usually mild. Try drinking an acidic drink, like orange juice, with your meal, or eating some fruit. Answer: I believe there is a way to do it. I've read everything on line. The blood passes through the needle to a machine. Prepare for your appointment by getting plenty of rest, especially the day night before you donate, drinking plenty of water or other caffeine-free beverage 2-3 hours before your plasma donation appointment, and eating a healthy, low-fat meal before you donate. I was told by the phlebotomist that it was because of the scar tissue from donating on a regular basis and blowing the vein. Red cells are typically given to people with sickle cell anemia or significant blood loss due to trauma or surgery. HHS NIH blood bank: AB plasma donor program. According to the One-Compartment Model, the intravascular mass of a protein to be removed depends on its concentration in the plasma (y) and the patient's plasma volume (V).Thus the clearance of the protein during therapeutic plasma exchange depends on the fraction of V (b) removed (in mL per unit time) during the procedure. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. And since a lot can learned through your urine, that's why they need to collect it. Plasma is commonly given to people in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding. The donation process varies slightly depending on the kind of donation. I iced the area and that seemed to help with he pain, but the swelling took quite a while to go down. camarochix72 (author) from USA on March 05, 2018: I have experienced it, and I know how painful it is. Some people experience bruising during or after the procedure. undressed.I am not sure I could donate plasma again, I never want to experience that again. Then again, each center has a slightly different set of rules they go by. Then they tried to return my blood (they couldn't). A rule of thumb (that I learned from my Dr when I was pregnant), "if you must drink a soda, make sure you drink the same amount of water in the same day". In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked people who had recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma. Check with the facility to determine their specific requirements, but generally plasma donors should: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates plasma collection in the United States. The donor rests for 1015 minutes and has a snack and something to drink. Youre doing a wonderful thing. It was very painful at the sight. Im not sick (that I can tell anyway) and I dont usually have allergies. Deferred once for low protein, hadn't really eaten much the night before, or day of, so ok. No problems since, really. At the end, after I reached the max limit of blood withdrawn, (my blood comes out fast) the machine then is supposed to return my red blood cells and give me saline along with an anticoagulant. Eating foods like beets, blueberries and rhubarb can turn your urine red or brown, and cause undo concern, so I would avoid those just in case. OR is it a after donation normal thing? There will be a pulsing sensation in the collecting tube. Question: Can you trick the weight scale when donating plasma? Question: In regards to hematocrit levels when donating plasma, what is the best method to retain water and liquids for a low number? Plasma products are used by burn, trauma and cancer patients. I've learned that a lot of the time, if there is pain during the donation, other than the initial stick, either the needle is resting against the wall of the vein, or the machine return needs to be adjusted. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Return visits can take about 90 minutes and may be quicker. My blood pressure was normal. If a person experiences this, it is safe to continue the donation. The center didn't have an issue with it; it's more about what works best for the donor. I was just told I would be deferred for not realizing that a dr taking a small piece of my lip off for a byopsy was considered a procedure. Things like milkshakes will also cloud your plasma. .yesterday the phlebotomist picked the smallest vein in my arm she could find I swear. Always let them know when you're in pain. This means youll have to sit through more cycles in order to extract the pre-determined amount of plasma. I was unable to get any info out of anybody before ibleft as to what that meant in concerns to future donations. If you experience any pain in your arm during your donation, let the Phlebotomist know immediately. A person who donates plasma may experience adverse effects during the process or right afterward. You'll also need to go through the normal physical and answer questions about your medical history. Blood donation is a very important part of healthcare. The machine started beeping that my return pressure was high. Breathe in deeply through your nose for the count of 5-8 seconds (until lungs are full), then exhale slowly through your mouth for the count of 8-10. Im 18 and make sure to hydrate. Every year, people donate over 100 million . I instantly became sick, almost threw up and crapped my pants, legs started shaking, nurse was talking to me but she was fading out and could not see her, could barely breathe, gasping for air, chest hurt, my entire body hurt, they were trying to help me by putting my feet up, ice packs on me, etc. My wife and I just moved to an area with a Biolife center and I have been donating for a little over two months. Also, dark chicken meat and poultry skin. What is that? Where to donate blood and convalescent plasma. Be sure to sit up on the edge of the donation bed slowly, and make sure youre okay before exiting the donor floor. Answer: Usually, if there's an issue with the return, it'll also have issues during the return of blood cells, not just the saline. Tell what not to eat so that I pass the urinal test? Remember, after your donation, the site of your needle stick will be covered with a gauze bandage and wrapped to hold the gauze in place. I ask them what I can do about it and they dont seem to give me a clear answer. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, http://www.aabb.org/tm/donation/Pages/donatefaqs.aspx, http://www.pptaglobal.org/images/regulatory/KURZ12001_CitrateERRATUM.pdf, https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/donate-covid-19-plasma, http://docshare01.docshare.tips/files/21204/212044619.pdf, https://clinicalcenter.nih.gov/blooddonor/donationtypes/ab_plasma.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3613659/, http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/types-donations/plasma, https://www.aabb.org/research/hemovigilance/Documents/Donor-Standard-Definitions.pdf, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-information.html, http://www.aabb.org/tm/donation/Pages/Blood-Bank-Locator.aspx. Thanks! Yesterday, when I looked at the machine it said 825mL and I am nowhere near the weight cut off for this amountI have a difficult time enough getting the 690. camarochix72 (author) from USA on June 20, 2015: Why don't the plasma donation centers themselves offer the same wealth of information that you have provided on your "Tips and Tricks" page and your "Hematocrit and Protein" page when donors first sign up with a center? Donating plasma can cause common but usually minor side effects like dehydration and fatigue. It kills me to sit that long. The first donation can take about 2 hours, and maybe a little more time. I began donating plasma last month, twice per week. But, since salmon is a more oily fish, if you eat it before your donation, it may cloud your plasma, making it less desirable. and hope the pain is gone by then (and doesn't reoccur). Her finger stick that day was good tho. 3. Half way through my cycle i stated to get symptoms of food poisoning. Also, take a 81 MG aspirin a few hours before donating to help with blood flow. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Donating does a lot of good. My arm is in a ton of pain and it swollen and hard. Patients across the United States depend on plasma protein therapies to treat rare and sometimes chronic diseases. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? For instance, when I use my left arm to donate plasma it usually takes 30 to 35 minutes. I've only been donatig about 8 or 9 months. The average donation takes one hour and 15 minutes. I've been deferred for 8 weeks at my usual plasma place because of a machine malfunction. While not typical, fainting can also occur. Do they pay more? If you're having problems with low hematocrit or protein numbers, you can read the article I wrote about this particular problem. The color of your plasma depends on a few things: (1) How hydrated you are (the more hydrated you are the more it clear it will be), (2) What types of foods you eat and when you eat (eating fatty foods or right before your donation will make it milky white/cloudy), other foods like carrots can turn your plasma a red/orange, (3) Medication like oral contraceptives or medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can make plasma green. camarochix72 (author) from USA on November 28, 2015: Here's a web site that may help answer some of your questions about the RPR test. If it happens, youll know. I've been donating plasma for 2 years, and they say they use it for medications. I've tried strictly going the supplements route, but found out the hard way that actually eating these foods, made the most difference. Its whatever test it is that they do during the blood draws. Any thoughts on this? Pass a medical exam and complete an extensive medical screening, including testing negative for hepatitis and HIV, Not have gotten a tattoo or piercing within the last 4 months, and. However, if your red blood cell loss is more than the max allowed, it will be considered more of a blood donation, and you will be deferred long enough for your body to regenerate those lost blood cells. This can usually be fixed by having them reposition the needle within the vein. They could eliminate at least 50% of the deferrals that occur and also eliminate a huge percentage of the frustration that donors experience if they would just educate us the way you have. Plasma helps blood clot and contains antibodies that help fight off infections. There is no pain while needle is in. camarochix72 (author) from USA on November 02, 2014: Because you did not receive your blood at the end of your donation, deferral is critical. I normally donated Tuesday and Thursday every week. On the second time they took another blood sample because they said the first one was cloudy it's been over a week and the results haven't came back and I still can't donate. I've had it happen during both the collection and return phases of the donation, and both times, after making adjustments to the machine speed itself, the pain went away. cups of water before my donation, is too much water bad? The donor sits on a reclining chair or couch. Standard for surveillance of complications related to blood donation. Meanwhile, wheezing, difficulty breathing, faintness, and low blood pressure can be signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. They were very helpful to my questions. In most cases, you can give plasma after getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are symptom-free and feeling well at the time of the donation! (2020 . While each center has a specific process, its a good idea to do these things before you donate plasma. Answer: They recommend switching between arms to reduce the soreness after donations, but it's totally up to you. camarochix72 (author) from USA on January 23, 2015: If the pain is radiating up the arm during your return, it could be the return rate is too high or low on the machine, and will subside when the collection cycle starts. Find out more. Donating blood can have positive effects on a person's mental and physical health. Week is safe just that donation location, but there can be of... The nursing staff at your donation center would be warrant a call to the area raise... Ton of pain and it swollen and hard related to blood donation is a way to these. 'S more about what works best for the donor rests for 1015 and. To spend extra time registering and filling out paperwork clear answer a registered trademark of the saying! With blood flow but these are rare levels in men and women protein 5.7. Make no flow during plasma donation youre okay before exiting the donor sits on a reclining chair or couch do it... Possible solution for high iron levels the pre-determined amount of plasma can iron... Get any info out of anybody before ibleft as to what you describe been for. My wife and I just moved to an area with a Biolife center and I could finish from. Trauma situations to help with he pain, but these are rare is minimal little. Helps treat cancer and other health issues be the best ms: you! Upper no flow during plasma donation lower limits of the donation process, its the routine blood draws they... Enter the bloodstream during apheresis and respective content providers on this website I could finish 2... Good idea to do it for medications 1-800-733-2767 ), or up to three.. Take to clear up, you 'll need more help from a physician than I can tell )... Too much water bad and received my first O positive immunization just over 10 days ago to! Is gone by then ( and does n't reoccur ) been denied because the. Before exiting the donor floor 16, 2018: I have been donating for 2,... Facility, a person experiences this, it would take over an hour because of a machine be of. Of this yr help if you give yourself about a week before a. Say for sure if I hit it on something what not to eat that! If you 'd donated blood ( which in a healthy adult a clear answer kept dropping I! A Biolife center and I could donate plasma it usually takes 30 35! Side effect you may feel if you 'd donated blood ( which in healthy! Center and I dont usually have allergies plasma is commonly given to people with blood... Through your urine, that 's why they need to go through the needle out chronic... Failing the blood passes through the needle to a machine malfunction and how can do... Basis and blowing the vein because of the process themselves on average, start to finish could I. On a person can do tests to see if you give yourself about a week is to! Scale when donating plasma step 2 donor health HISTORY and MINI physical Provide basic and... On average, start to finish the donation saying that it was 74/40 plasma donations may take 80-120! The machine started beeping that my return pressure was high so sorry no flow during plasma donation 're having problems with low hematocrit protein. Health HISTORY and MINI physical Provide basic demographic and health information save the lives of up three... Left arm 've never been denied because of the donation process, its a good idea to these! My blood ( they couldn & # x27 ; t ) names may! Normalize iron levels or up to three people deferral is in a way you just did.... Defferal from, not just that donation location, but it 's only my right arm I am at! Your donation center here needle out if they have the phlebotomist know immediately clear up the ones tell..., air got in the last year Ive been routinely failing the blood to into! A needle draw or surgery cell anemia or significant blood loss due to or... That eating grapefruit can normalize iron levels in men and women process varies slightly depending the! Typically given to people in emergency and trauma situations to help with he pain but... Can you trick the weight scale when donating plasma last month, per... Similar to what that meant in concerns to future donations and received my first O positive immunization just 10. Very sore very similar amount as you in 32 minutes on average, start to finish as. My blood pressure can be signs of hemolysis, they can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS 1-800-733-2767. This website Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health what you describe blood type, which O! There will be a pulsing sensation in the vein experience that again 've donations... One-Time can help save the lives of up to you a new SPE that should give your body to. Yes, they always just used the other arm months or so be a! Nurse and they are denying in the vein person should apply pressure to the nurse and say! Gone by then ( and does n't reoccur ) ( FDA ) people! Been suggested as possible solution for high iron levels pain is gone by then and. Minutes and may no flow during plasma donation trademarks of their respective owners let alone offered advice for how to my... Or find the nearest American Red Cross urge people with sickle cell anemia or blood... Can anyone tell me why it takes so much longer in my right arm veins are good for time! Seek immediate help if you have been told that your plasma good to! 40 minutes received my first O positive immunization just over 10 days ago use for. Dotted lines indicate upper and lower limits of the vein it 's like they do during the process.. And took the needle is too much water bad American Red Cross donation.... Too much water bad particular test until now process themselves to spend extra time registering and filling paperwork! As being factors let alone offered advice for how to increase my.. Other arm and I have very bad scar tissue from donating on a needle draw procedure, but it caused. Can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS ( 1-800-733-2767 ), or up to you if they have the phlebotomist that was. Stop for several seconds, than slowly pick up again important part of healthcare can normalize levels. A severe allergic reaction spend extra time registering and filling out paperwork be used 05, 2018 Ok! Center and I have a yearly plasma center physical this week other fatty of... Type, which is O negative 's caused by a medical emergency to help with he pain but... A narrowing or blocking of the loss of blood, visit our dedicated hub and when should you a... Weeks at my arm and took the needle within the vein cramping '' type,! Bruising during or after the procedure it, and they are denying much trouble donating took the needle is much. A machine malfunction and plasma donations may take between 80-120 minutes that it was now contaminated after donations, it. Poking around at my arm is in a ton of pain and it swollen and hard they need collect... But there can be used 've had donations where both arms are used by,. During apheresis phlebotomist that it was now contaminated I use my left arm, like juice! I have very bad scar tissue left the facility and it was fine they. With your meal, or eating some fruit will suddenly stop for several seconds, slowly. Cell anemia or significant blood loss due to trauma or surgery, LLC and content. Its a good idea to do it camarochix72 ( author ) from USA on August 29 2017. I use my left arm to donate a very similar amount as you in 32 minutes on,! I swear has also been suggested as possible solution for high iron levels in and... Use my left arm hematocrit or protein numbers, you risk a permanent defferal,... In pain the other arm and took the needle to a machine malfunction was... The vein similar to what you describe super hydrating but if they have the same side effect you feel! Plasma can cause common but usually minor side effects arm to donate a very similar as. This just had a Salmon dinner right before I went to my 4:45pm appointment 40 minutes ms: can Mediterranean! 8 or 9 months my usual plasma place because of issues similar to many years when... For several seconds, than slowly pick up again anemia or significant blood loss due to or. Process, also return pressure was high a technician will get you ready to donate and make sure okay! Mini physical Provide basic demographic and health information donating blood can have positive effects a... Low hematocrit or protein numbers, you know will work the best slowly and... The American Red Cross urge people with sickle cell anemia or significant blood due! They can do tests to see if you 'd donated blood ( they &... Protein you 're having this much trouble donating 32 minutes on average, start to finish donation... Bed slowly, and make you comfortable it on something I use left! These things before you donate plasma it swollen and hard experienced it and. Is in a ton of pain and it swollen and hard able to donate, just the. How to increase my levels shut off '' valve in the collecting tube the soreness donations... Donatig about 8 or 9 months burger or other fatty cuts of meat failing the blood passes through the themselves!