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. We do not test your WBC count. I don't overeat, and I've been trying to pay as close attention as I can to iron levels in the food I eat (iron is in almost EVERYTHING). I donated for my first time last week and they said that drinking caffeine around the time of your donation is bad. There are some things to consider before giving blood. Read information sheet about donating blood. Youre doing a wonderful thing. If you're feeling pain or are just uncomfortable with the situation you're in, don't be afraid to speak up. I had a Salmon dinner right before I went to my 4:45pm appointment. 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. During the donation, if a person has either a large bruise or a small bruise that occurs with pain, the attendant should stop the donation and apply a cold compress. (2020 . And be sure to eat your iron-rich foods! However, I can not say for sure that your protein levels will be as cooperative, but it's always worth a shot. (2014). > Blood Tissue Safety At least that's what I've seen at the center where I donated. Plasmapheresis. But during the beginning of the first return the flow in has to be turn down, down, down. Plasma is the liquid component (mostly water, in fact) of your blood that contains vital proteins, salts, and hormones (among others). Someone came to assist, but it didn't help. By choice, not necessity. OR is it a after donation normal thing? camarochix72 (author) from USA on January 26, 2017: I'm not sure why you were asked about smoking, I knew a lot of people who would finish a cigarette right before donating. If you want to continue to donate, just use the arm you know will work the best. I drank my poweraid and went home. camarochix72 (author) from USA on August 29, 2017: So sorry you're having this much trouble donating. Then again, each center has a slightly different set of rules they go by. The actual plasma extraction process known as apheresis is only part of the experience. Adding more fruits, vegetables and white grains are a good substitute: bananas, grapes, apples, squash, sprouts, kale, carrots, white bread, white bagels and refined cereals. This can result in: If this happens, the healthcare provider will stop the donation and apply a cold compress. When this happens, there is less plasma (the liquid part of your blood) that can be extracted during each donation cycle. On the other hand, if you're talking about other injectables, such as drugs; absolutely not. Where to donate blood and convalescent plasma. Everything went right. Finally, if you've gotten a body piercing or tattoo in the past 12 months, you're ineligible. If I eat high protein for 48 hrs is that enough time? 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. My blood pressure was normal. The routine blood test that is drawn is for SPE (Serum Protein Electrophoresis) and for Syphilis. Then the pain us probably caused by something else. camarochix72 (author) from USA on August 30, 2017: I've never heard of a donation causing a reaction like this. The donor rests for 1015 minutes and has a snack and something to drink. Facts and statistics. camarochix72 (author) from USA on January 03, 2018: Depending on how busy the lab is that they use, assuming your center is like the one I went to and they send samples to an outside lab, it could take a few weeks. Watch out for whole grain and whole wheat, though, these options are higher in protein. camarochix72 (author) from USA on October 15, 2018: If your protein level is high enough, it would have to be low hematocrit (iron) levels. One of the best (and easiest) ways to stay well during and after your donation is to do muscle . Most centers will do a variety of additional tests on the samples they collect, but it's random. The nurse insisted that it was fine that they stick my other arm and I could finish. This reaction is common and usually mild. Question: Should I always use the same arm when donating plasma? And the best way to lower it is simply to drink more water. 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. My friend that introduced me to this just had a 6 month check, and her protein was 5.7 on a needle draw. 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. Every year, people donate over 100 million . Then they said its not an actual diagnosis but I still cant donate. The average donation takes one hour and 15 minutes. Donating plasma can cause common but usually minor side effects like dehydration and fatigue. In some cases, a catheter is . I hope these little bits have helped you understand, and correct, some of the issues that arise during your plasma donation. camarochix72 (author) from USA on March 31, 2015: Vein occlusion is a narrowing or blocking of the vein. I've actually had a needle "catch" on the scar tissue on the way out, and it wasn't pleasant. 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. This is only my right arm, I have no discomfort in left arm when removing the needle. If youve ever been diagnosed as having anemia, or borderline anemia (which I am), this can also make you feel a little dizzy after your donation (similar to standing up too fast). From your knowledge, is this something I should be concerned about? 3. For most people, donating plasma does not cause any side effects, but some donors can experience fatigue, bruising, bleeding, or dehydration. I have been giving plasma 8 times in the past 8 weeks. How long does it take to increase the level of protein? Donating plasma is usually safe. Giving you information on the hematoma is pretty standard. There will be a pulsing sensation in the collecting tube. As you can imagine I have very bad scar tissue. I've never been denied because of a vein, if one didn't work well, they always just used the other arm. For the second time I used my left arm and it takes forever. Platelets must be used within five days and new donors are needed every day. Generally, donors are compensated for their time. Then they tried to return my blood (they couldn't). What does no flow really mean or so did they mess up my vein. I didnt think itd work but it actually did. Yours just hadn't been drawn for that particular test until now. I drink at least a gallon of water everyday, usually closer to two. It also faded quickly. 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. Poppy seeds used to be a red flag, but they don't seem to be much of a concern any more. People with AB blood have a universal type of plasma, which means that a person with any blood type can receive this plasma safely. Or perhaps youve noticed someone else, who is donating the same volume as you, is finishing their donation a lot more quickly than you. And since a lot can learned through your urine, that's why they need to collect it. After cleaning the donors arm, a phlebotomist or nurse inserts a new, sterile needle. The center I went to explained to me that usually when this happens, the speed of the machine needs to be adjusted. Purple is my favorite color. During the donation. Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets. I've found that the second day is a little more difficult to keep levels high enough because of the natural depletion from your first donation. camarochix72 (author) from USA on May 07, 2018: The best way I know of lowering your heart rate is to practice a meditation-like breathing. Always let them know when you're in pain. Im 18 and make sure to hydrate. This is very common in people who havent eaten well enough before their scheduled donation. Had a miscarriage (D&C) 3 weeks ago. Answer: I believe there is a way to do it. 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". Ive never experienced this, personally, but Ive seen a hand full of people who have. Plasma donation (plasmapheresis) collects the liquid portion of the blood (plasma). I probably drink at least 20 oz. All rights reserved. A little of my blood got into the plasma collection container before the return cycle. Remember, you have every right to stop your donation at any time. Only 4 percent of the population has type AB blood. Hi, I just started donating last week. Answer: I've never heard of any issues with salmon, or other seafood being an issue prior to donation. The chances of more serious problems happening during or after donating plasma are usually small. I finally just started donating with the good arm every time. Answer: I've never been asked to wiggle my feet, just to squeeze and release the foam "stress ball" repeatedly during the extraction part of the donation cycle. Usually when the needle semi-blocked by scar tissue, it results in slower return speed, but it can affect just the draw cycle or both the draw and return cycles. But I have a totally new one. Ive talked to the nurse and they are the ones that tell me its because my body is fighting something off. Answer: Every center has the same rule, 2 times per week with at least one day between donations. I used to donate platelets regularly, and this worked best for me. Vibrating or Tickling in the Arm During Donation. Plasma helps blood clot and contains antibodies that help fight off infections. A person who donates plasma may experience adverse effects during the process or right afterward. I had a similar issue several times, mine was sharp pain that started in the elbow and radiated to the shoulder. Fish eggs (roe and caviar) Yeast extract spread (marmite) Lobster and crab. While each center has a specific process, its a good idea to do these things before you donate plasma. About 2 or 3 hours before your appointment, consider drinking at least this amount of water to help offset the loss of blood volume. So far, it's been a great experience. We also look at the side effects and what a person can do to prevent them. Answer: Dehydration does have an impact on your veins, not hydrated enough makes them "shrink", however, some people just have small veins and no amount of water can change that, but that doesn't mean you can never donate. Why is this happening? Why does this happen? However, youre having some trouble during the donation process. People who smoke regularly are also at risk of having high hematocrit levels. Please help. Find answers here: Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases. When I told her it hurt she kind of wiggled the needle around and the pain subsided. That's not to say you can't enjoy a greasy burger with some fries and a milkshake, just don't do it the day of your donation(or even the day before it you tend to eat those types of meals more often). The last two times they upped my level of plasma being taken as with my boots and clothes on I weighed in exactly at 150lbs. A person may attend a follow-up to ensure that any associated issues receive appropriate attention. This can be easily fixed by having the Phlebotomist either adjust the rate at which the blood is being extracted from your body, or by adjusting the position of the needle in your arm. Donor reaction and injury intervention protocol. camarochix72 (author) from USA on December 08, 2016: Your pain sounds similar to what I had when I got my most recent Tetanus vaccination. I'm considering trying to avoid Vitamin C to try and help lower iron levels, but I've been worried I'll cause other issues by doing so. I was unable to get any info out of anybody before ibleft as to what that meant in concerns to future donations. They can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or find the nearest American Red Cross donation center here. I told the technician right away. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. If the attendant notices signs of hemolysis, they will stop the procedure and may call for additional help. People who are currently taking medication for treating TB or malaria also can't donate. Camarochix, thanks for answering all of these questions! Question: how come the vein does not like the return? My donations average about 40 minutes or so. She told the nurse i had been over 3 mins. Also is it just me or is it a burning pain when they insert the needle?, I know last time I felt needle poking like pain. I found it via Google search. Being dehydrated can cause a lot of issues with your donation, and showing your hematocrit as being too high is one of them. Try drinking an acidic drink, like orange juice, with your meal, or eating some fruit. 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. Platelets regularly, and it takes forever plasmapheresis ) collects the liquid part of the machine needs to adjusted... I 've seen at the side effects like dehydration and fatigue it simply! Of rules they go by procedure and may call for additional help well during and after donation! Here: Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and her protein was on! ; absolutely not off infections her protein was 5.7 on a needle.! Of hemolysis, they always just used the other arm on August 30, 2017: I 've had... 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