The
liquid part of blood which is yellowish in color is called Plasma. Contains
water and various proteins. Plasma helps to carry important substances
throughout a human body, including that of hormones and vitamins. Blood plasma
has Red blood cells (RBC), White blood cells (WBC), and platelets in it so that
they can circulate. It is extracted from blood by a process known as plasmapheresis. During the process a
machine spins the collected product to separate the liquid from the blood
cells.
Plasma
is used to help people who experience coagulation problems and hemophiliacs as
it assists with blood clotting. Plasma products also help burn victims. Human
blood plasma has nearly 500 different types of protein. Out of them, 150 types
are mostly used in a laboratory setting for diagnosing disease and
manufacturing therapies. The function of many of them is still unknown, and
many of them are available in very small quantities.
The
plasma has many uses in medical field. It is very valuable in medical research.
It is used to treat diseases which attack human immune system.
It
may take 2 hours for donation work to complete, and the person who donates is
being compensated for the time spent and plasma provided for a useful purpose.
Blood
banks in India follow the drugs and cosmetics licensing rules. As per the
rules, 500ml of plasma once every two weeks or not more than 1000ml per
month A person willing to donate has to get a plasma protein estimation
after the initial aphaeresis/ donation. It should be a reference for subsequent
estimations and provide a reference for frequency of plasma donations.
In
the United States, Urban areas have plasma donation centres.There are people
who sell blood for $260 a month. People may have to consult a phone book, ask
their friends and colleagues if they have used a particular plasma donation
facility. Appointments are not very much necessary, though it may take a lot of
time for the first visit.
Indians have made progress towards the target of achieving
voluntary, 100% safe and unpaid blood donation but has been unable to control
the practice of paid donors. A new survey conducted by WHO, was made public on
World Blood Donor Day. According to the survey, 52.42% of all blood donated in
India was through voluntary blood donation camps. It is good to know that the
figure had reached 45% in 2002.
Forms have to be filled up for the
donation purpose. Medical history and sexual habits are asked in these forms.
They also describe the policies and procedures for the collection facility,
including the safety components. A physical examination is made sometimes.
After the initial screening is completed, the normal plasma donation process
starts and a measurement of weight and a quick blood test is made. The blood
sample tested will be used to confirm whether the blood is chemically fit for
that particular day’s donation.
A number of questions might be asked
about the daily habits and well-being since the last visit. An ultraviolet
light and special dye will be used to mark the finger and ensure that blood
donation is not done at other facilities. Mini-screening process takes only 10
minutes. After the mini-screening is done, a glass of water will be given and
then led into the plasmapheresis room. The bathroom should be used if
necessary, before getting connected to the machine as it is impossible to stop
midstream during the process.
At
the plasmapheresis room, donor will be made to lie on a reclining chair and
wait. The staff member then preps the arm, opens the sterile collection
supplies, and sticks a needle to start the blood draw.
After
45-100 minutes, and as per requirement of the number of cycles needed, the
total amount of time will depend on the blood flow. After plasma collection
container gets filled up, the machine is disconnected and water is given after
a gauze for arm is given. The payment is done in cash later.
The
payout for a container of plasma averages from $20 to $30, depending on the
individual center. Some facilities have their own incentive plans. For two
donations in a week, some facilities may pay $20 for the first trip and $30 for
the next trip instead of $25 each time.
There are three types in blood
donation:
1. Whole blood donation
2. Plasma donation
3. Platelet donation
People
between the age of 16 and 70 years, fit and healthy can donate blood and
plasma. Blood group O negative is always needed for whole blood donations.
These donors are known as ‘universal donors’. It is the only blood type which
is given to everyone. It is known as a safe blood type. Every 12 weeks the
donations can be made.
The
blood types A, B, and AB donors are the ones much needed for plasma donations.
The
people with blood type O and A donors are much needed for platelet donation.
If water is not taken as per
instruction, then there may be short term health problems such as dizziness,
fainting or sometimes vomiting. Plasma is the water content within a human body
and in a typical donation session half a gallon of water is lost. Fatigue is also
a common side effect. Regular donations are not harmful to the long-term health
but it becomes a useful life-saving resource. Pre-menopausal women and people
with lowered levels of antibodies in blood should not donate plasma as it makes
them weak and tired after donation. The problem arises due to the lack of
protein and hemoglobin content in the body.
One big benefit is that people can
make some quick cash. In most of the places 30-40$ is paid for a visit. Added
bonus would be a sort of satisfaction for "donating" a vital fluid
that goes for some useful purpose like a life-threatening medical need.
Author owns the
Copyrights of the content in this blog post. Copying in part or full of this
content if found will be dealt strictly.
To read more topics on Money Making Ideas either click on the link OLDER
POSTS at the bottom or CLICK ON Blog Archive in the side bar..
