Plasma donation is the process of giving a component of your blood called plasma, which is a yellowish liquid that carries water, salts, and proteins. Plasma is essential for various medical treatments, including those for patients with liver disease, burn victims, and individuals with clotting disorders. The donation process typically takes about 1 to 2 hours and is performed at specialized centers.
During the donation, blood is drawn from your arm, and a machine separates the plasma from other blood components. The remaining blood cells are then returned to your body. Donors are usually compensated for their time, and the process is safe, with minimal side effects.