From plasma donation to medication

What will become of your plasma? The journey from your donation to the finished medicine is long - but important. Here you can find out exactly what happens to your plasma and why it is so valuable.

The donation

When you donate plasma, the process is similar to donating blood: Blood is taken from your arm vein. The plasma - the liquid part of your blood - is separated from the blood cells in a device. You get the cells straight back.

The whole thing is called plasmapheresis. It sounds complicated, but it's actually quite simple: your blood is taken in several stages, the plasma is collected and the rest is returned to your body. Depending on your body weight , you donate up to 850 ml of plasma. The donation takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

After the donation

What happens to your plasma after donation?

Your plasma is frozen and tested for possible viruses. It is then stored for at least 60 days. Only when everything is safe is it combined with other donations and processed further.

This process - from donation to the finished medicine - takes between seven and twelve months and is called "plasma fractionation". During this time, certain proteins that are needed for medication are filtered out of the plasma. These plasma proteins are purified and concentrated - so that they can later help people.

  • What our donors say:
    I have someone in my family with a blood clotting disorder, so donating plasma is particularly important to me.

    Rumiana, donor in Oberwart

Human plasma

Why is human plasma so important?

Plasma is the basis for many medicines that save lives or help people with serious illnesses. These substances cannot be produced artificially, which is why donations are so important! Over 80% of people in Austria will need a medicine made from plasma at least once during their lifetime - for example after an accident, during an operation or for a rare disease.

Medication

Which drugs are made from your plasma?

Here are a few examples:

  • Antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins): help people with a weak immune system - e.g. after cancer, in the case of rare immunodeficiencies or severe infections.
  • Albumin: is used to stabilize the circulation in the case of major injuries, burns or after operations.
  • Fibrinogen & fibrin glue: help with internal bleeding or closing wounds - even torn tendons or nerves.
  • Coagulation factors: are vital for people with blood clotting disorders (e.g. haemophilia).

Your donation makes the difference

By donating plasma, you are helping people who could not survive without this medication. Many of them depend on it for the rest of their lives. And the best thing is: you can donate regularly and save lives time and time again.

You want to donate plasma for the first time?

Your first step to saving lives starts with a quick medical check. Book your appointment now for the initial examination at your donation center by phone or email and become part of our community.

You can find us here

Have you already donated with us?

We look forward to welcoming you back as part of the Europlasma family. Book your next donation appointment quickly and easily on the web or in the app.

Book next appointment

Because it's in your blood. Donate now!