Specialty plasma donation programs
SPECIALTY PLASMA PROGRAMS
Many of our locations look for donors who are able to donate plasma that contains specific antibodies.
These specialty plasma programs are similar to source plasma donation; you may donate two times in any seven-day period (with at least 48 hours in between donations), and you are compensated for your time when you donate.
Check with your plasma donation center to see if they participate in these specialty plasma collection programs.
COVID-19 CONVALESCENT PLASMA PROGRAM
If you've recovered from COVID-19, the very plasma in your body could be used to treat those still fighting the virus. Those who have fought the virus have developed antibodies against the virus. These antibodies, along with the memory cells to multiply their production, reside in their blood plasma.
If they are able to donate some of their plasma, and antibodies with it, it may help others who are still fighting the virus to make a recovery while producing more antibodies and maintain their own immunity.
ANTI-HEPATITIS B PROGRAM
Have you had the three-shot series of Hepatitis B vaccine? This special program collects plasma from donors who have been vaccinated for hepatitis B and have formed hepatitis B antibodies. These antibodies are not naturally occurring.
Successful donors have been immunized against hepatitis B. We are looking for individuals with high hepatitis B titers (the amount of hepatitis B antibodies found in the blood). The more recent your last hepatitis B vaccination, the more likely it is that your titers are high.
Are you Rh Negative? This special program collects plasma from donors with the Rho D antibody and uses it to make Rho(D) Immune Globulin, an injection given to Rh negative mothers during pregnancy, and immediately after, in order to prevent thousands of infant deaths each year due to Rh incompatibility.
If your plasma contains this antibody, you can help save babies' lives with each plasma donation.
ANTI-TETANUS PROGRAM
Have you recently had a tetanus shot? This special program collects plasma from donors who have been vaccinated for tetanus and have formed tetanus antibodies. These antibodies are not naturally occurring. This special plasma is used to make tetanus immune globulin for use in the prophylaxis and treatment of tetanus bacterium. This disease, also known as lockjaw, affects hundreds of individuals yearly.
If you have received a tetanus vaccine recently or have not received a tetanus vaccine in 10 years, you are an excellent candidate for this program.
ANTI- RABIES PROGRAM
Have you recently had a rabies shot? This program collects plasma from donors who have been vaccinated for against rabies. Donors in this program have plasma high in these antibodies which can be used to produce life-saving rabies immune globulin products.
Rabies is a disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies can be contracted if you are bitten, scratched, or come into contact with infected saliva from a rabid animal.