Donation Eligibility Guidelines
BioLife Plasma Services is licensed and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must comply with strict FDA regulations for donor safety and product quality. These steps help ensure donor safety as well as the safety of patients receiving life-saving plasma products.
To participate in a plasmapheresis program, you must meet some general donation criteria, such as:
AGE: Minimum 18 years. Maximum 65 years.
WEIGHT: At least 110 pounds.
IDENTIFICATION: You must provide one or more forms of identification that includes the following information: a photo, a signature, date of birth, and social security number. Some examples of acceptable identification would be: social security card, driver's license, valid passport, certified birth certificate, ID card issued by the government agency or other entity (e.g., US military ID card, school, employment, state, etc.), or permanent residence card issued by CIS. Please note that EXPIRED forms of identification are not acceptable.
ADDRESS: You must provide proof of a permanent local address within the donor recruitment area of the facility in which you would like to donate. This proof may be in the form of a current and valid drivers license listing your physical address, a signed lease agreement between you and your current landlord, or a utility bill or other items mailed through the United States Postal Service (USPS), so long as the postmark is dated within the last 60 days. Some exceptions may apply to the donor recruitment area for college students, military personnel, and donors participating in a specific antibody collection program.
DIET/NUTRITION
GOOD HEALTH
MEDICAL SCREENING
DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS:
Alcohol
Antibiotics
Birth Control
Immunizations/Vaccinations
Other Medications
MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
MEDICAL PROCEDURES:
Blood Transfusion
Dental Procedures
Donations (Platelets and Whole Blood)
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Mastectomy
Organ/Tissue Transplants
Other Surgeries
MISCELLANEOUS:
Piercing
Tattoo/Branding
Travel Outside of USA
DIET/NUTRITION:
Proper food and adequate fluid intake are essential to a successful donation. For additional information in regards to diet and nutrition, please see the BioLife web page at the following link:
http://www.biolifeplasma.com/en/health_nutrition.htm
or download BioLife's Health & Nutrition Brochure (PDF) for additional information.
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GOOD HEALTH: You must be in good health and feel well the day you plan to donate.
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MEDICAL SCREENING:
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
To assess your health, prior to the first plasma donation and at least annually thereafter, you will undergo a medical history interview, a physical examination, and a blood test. The physical exam includes, but is not limited to, determination of your weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and a physical examination by our Medical Staff, as required.
The medical history interview consists of a series of questions about your past and present health history, including questions regarding possible exposure to certain infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis. The medical staff at the BioLife location you visit may ask additional questions in order to determine donor eligibility.
In addition, prior to each plasma donation, you will perform a self-administered electronic questionnaire using a touch screen system. Upon completing the electronic questionnaire, you will undergo a brief eligibility screening, which includes the determination of your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. This screening also includes a test for anemia (hematocrit) and protein level, which requires just a few drops of blood from your finger.
This page provides a list of certain common medical conditions and other donation criteria that may affect your eligibility to donate plasma. We are providing this list to help answer questions/concerns you may have prior to contacting or visiting our plasmapheresis center. This list is not complete and the eligibility rules may have changed since this information was last updated. Additionally, some responses are confidential and can only take place when the donor is on site at a BioLife Plasma Services plasmapheresis facility.
Note: The final decision to accept or exclude a donor is determined on the day of the scheduled plasma donation, at the plasmapheresis facility, based on the medical history interview, the physical exam and laboratory tests. Details of each donor's health and activities are discussed prior to plasma donation in a confidential setting, and the final determination of eligibility is made at that time. If you are interested in donating plasma, we recommend that you call or visit your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule a physical examination so that our qualified medical staff may determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
BioLife Plasma Services is committed to providing the highest quality plasma for patient treatments. Donor screening procedures involve asking questions regarding your health history. In some cases, we may need to obtain documentation from your personal physician in order to approve you to donate. As it could take time to acquire all documentation and approvals, we may temporarily defer you from donation until all approvals have been obtained.
Back To Top
DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS:
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, but are not under the influence at the time of donation, you may be eligible for plasma donation. If you drank alcohol on the day you plan to donate (e.g., smell of alcohol on breath or about the person, slurred vocalizations, etc.), you will not be allowed to donate on that day.
Individuals showing physical and mental effects of chronic alcohol usage are not eligible for plasma donations.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Antibiotics
If you are being treated with antibiotics, you may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the reason for receiving this type of treatment. You may visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Birth Control
You are eligible to donate plasma if taking birth control medications.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Immunizations/Vaccinations
Donor eligibility varies depending upon the type of immunization/vaccination received, the reason for the immunization/vaccination, and the presence of any symptoms prior to the plasma donation. If you recently received an immunization/vaccination, please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Other Medications
In most cases, taking medications does not disqualify you from donating plasma. The acceptance into the plasmapheresis program mostly depends on the type and severity of the medical condition(s) for which you are being treated. Therefore, if you are accepted into our plasmapheresis program, you should continue taking your medication(s) as prescribed by your doctor even on the day of donation. If a change in your medical condition requires a new treatment or a higher dose of your current treatment, you need to inform our center staff so they may adjust your plasma donation schedule, if needed.
In a few instances, you will not be eligible for plasma donation if the medication you are taking may harm the patients receiving medications made from this plasma.
If you are taking a medication and wish to verify if you may donate plasma, please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Drugs and Medications
MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Acne
You may be eligible for plasma donation. However, if on the day of donation you have a severe case of acne (extensive inflammation and pus-filled skin lesions) our center medical staff may temporarily defer you from plasma donation until your condition has improved. If your acne is treated with antibiotics you may donate plasma.
If your acne is treated with oral medication excluding antibiotics, you will be eligible to donate after 30 days from your last dose. Your eligibility will be determined during your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. Please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation).
Back to Medical Conditions
Allergies
If you do not feel well or have any allergy or cold-like symptoms (e.g. congestion, nasal drainage, hoarse voice, sore throat, headache, watery eyes) on the day of the scheduled donation, you should wait until the condition has improved/subsided to donate plasma. Please reschedule your appointment and get some rest. You may return to the center for evaluation when you feel well and healthy and no longer show signs of allergy or illness.
Back to Medical Conditions
Arthritis
You may be eligible for plasma donation, depending on the type and severity of your condition. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm your medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Asthma
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the severity of the asthma, and the type of treatment required for proper control of symptoms. In addition, you must also be free of symptoms on the day of donation if accepted into the program.
Back to Medical Conditions
Autoimmune Diseases
You may be eligible to donate plasma depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition as well as the treatment needed to control your symptoms. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma. You may visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Blood Pressure, HIGH (Hypertension)
If you have a history of high blood pressure controlled with or without medication, you may be eligible for plasma donation. However, donor eligibility may vary depending on the severity of the disease and/or the type of treatment required to control the blood pressure. In addition, prior to each plasma donation, your blood pressure must be within our established acceptable limits.
Back to Medical Conditions
Blood Pressure, LOW (Hypotension)
If you have a history of low blood pressure, you may be eligible for plasma donation as long as your blood pressure is within our established acceptable limits on the day of donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Cancer
You may be eligible for plasma donation based on the type and/or severity of the cancer and treatment received. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm your medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Cholesterol, HIGH
You may be eligible to donate plasma with high cholesterol even if you are taking medication to lower cholesterol.
Back to Medical Conditions
Cold, Flu, Sore Throat
If you do not feel well on the day of the scheduled donation, you should wait a few days until the condition improves or has subsided to donate plasma. Please reschedule your appointment and get some rest. You may return to the center for evaluation when you feel well and healthy and no longer show signs of illness.
Back to Medical Conditions
Diabetes
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity and any required treatment for control of the Diabetes. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma. Please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Epilepsy, Seizures, Convulsions
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity of the condition and the treatment needed to control the seizures. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Heart Disease, Heart Murmur, Heart Valve Disorder
If you have a history of Heart Disease and/or heart conditions such as a heart murmur or valve disorder, you may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity, and any required treatment for control of the disease/disorder. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Herpes Simplex I – Oral Cold Sore
You may be eligible for plasma donation, even if you are using topical antiviral medications, as long as the lesions are not active or wet at the time of donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Herpes – Genital
You may be eligible for plasma donation as long as no active lesions are present even if you are taking antiviral medications prophylactically (preventative).
Back to Medical Conditions
Hypertension
Refer to Medical Conditions – Blood Pressure, High
Back to Medical Conditions
Hypotension
Refer to Medical Conditions – Blood Pressure, Low
Back to Medical Conditions
Infectious Diseases (Hepatitis, HIV/AIDs)
A history of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis, or exposure to individuals with a history of Hepatitis, will require that you be evaluated for eligibility during the initial donor screening and physical examination.
If you are known to be HIV positive or have a history of AIDS, you will not be eligible for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)
You may be eligible for plasma donation once the infection has passed.
Back to Medical Conditions
Kidney Disease
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity and any required treatment for control of the Kidney Disease. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Leukemia or Lymphoma
Refer to Medical Conditions – Cancer.
Back to Medical Conditions
Lyme Disease
You may be eligible for plasma donation as long as you are free of symptoms and antibiotic treatment has been completed.
Back to Medical Conditions
Mad Cow Disease or Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
Due to concerns about vCJD, the FDA has determined that the following individuals are not eligible to donate plasma:
Back to Medical Conditions
Menstruation
You may donate during your menstruation provided you feel well on the day of donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Mental Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar/Manic Depression Disorder, Etc.)
If you have a history of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, etc., you may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the severity of the medical condition, and the type of treatment required for proper control of symptoms. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Refer to Medical Conditions – Autoimmune Diseases.
Back to Medical Conditions
Pain (Chronic)
You may be eligible to donate plasma depending upon the reason for the pain (e.g., medical condition). You must be symptom free the day of donation, and are able to remain comfortably in the donor chair for the entire plasmapheresis procedure.
Back to Medical Conditions
Pregnancy
You are not eligible for plasma donation during pregnancy. You will be eligible for plasma donation 6 weeks after delivering, miscarrying, or terminating a pregnancy.
If you are currently breast-feeding, you are not eligible for plasma donation until the breast-feeding stops.
Back to Medical Conditions
Skin Condition
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity of your condition. In addition, the skin over the vein area to be used for plasma collection must not be affected.
Back to Medical Conditions
MEDICAL PROCEDURES
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Blood Transfusion
You may be eligible for plasma donation once 12 months have passed from the receipt of the blood products.
Back to Medical Procedures
Dental Procedures:
Back to Medical Procedures
Donations (Platelets and Whole Blood)
Donors who donate one unit of whole blood will be eligible for plasma donation after 8 weeks (or 56 days) from the date of donation.
Donors who donate a double unit of red cells will be eligible for plasma donation after 16 weeks (or 112 days) from the date of donation.
Donors who donate platelets for another donation program will not be allowed to donate plasma while participating in the platelet donation program. Individuals can only be on one collection program (e.g. plasma or platelets) at one time.
Back to Medical Procedures
Gastric Bypass Surgery
You may be eligible for plasma donation 6 months after surgery if you feel well. Your personal physician may be asked to verify his/her approval for you to donate. Please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Procedures
Mastectomy
Refer to Medical Conditions – Cancer.
Back to Medical Procedures
Organ/Tissue Transplants
Other Surgeries
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the reason for surgery as long as you feel well, have been released from doctor's care, and have resumed full activities. The majority of surgeries are acceptable; however, you may visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Procedures
MISCELLANEOUS
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Piercing (Ears/body)
A recent piercing may affect your eligibility to donate, depending on the type of procedure used to complete the piercing and whether or not the piercing shows no sign of infection. You must be able to explain how the piercing was performed and briefly describe the technique used to the center medical staff so they can determine your donation eligibility.
Tattoo/Branding
A recent tattoo may affect your eligibility to donate for a period of 4-months up to 12-months depending upon the state in which the tattoo was applied. You may be eligible to donate if your tattoos are older.
Travel Outside of USA
Refer to Medical Conditions – Mad Cow Disease or Variant Creutzfeblt - Jacob Disease (vCJD).
Back to Miscellaneous
To participate in a plasmapheresis program, you must meet some general donation criteria, such as:
AGE: Minimum 18 years. Maximum 65 years.
WEIGHT: At least 110 pounds.
IDENTIFICATION: You must provide one or more forms of identification that includes the following information: a photo, a signature, date of birth, and social security number. Some examples of acceptable identification would be: social security card, driver's license, valid passport, certified birth certificate, ID card issued by the government agency or other entity (e.g., US military ID card, school, employment, state, etc.), or permanent residence card issued by CIS. Please note that EXPIRED forms of identification are not acceptable.
ADDRESS: You must provide proof of a permanent local address within the donor recruitment area of the facility in which you would like to donate. This proof may be in the form of a current and valid drivers license listing your physical address, a signed lease agreement between you and your current landlord, or a utility bill or other items mailed through the United States Postal Service (USPS), so long as the postmark is dated within the last 60 days. Some exceptions may apply to the donor recruitment area for college students, military personnel, and donors participating in a specific antibody collection program.
DIET/NUTRITION
GOOD HEALTH
MEDICAL SCREENING
DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS:
Alcohol
Antibiotics
Birth Control
Immunizations/Vaccinations
Other Medications
MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
MEDICAL PROCEDURES:
Blood Transfusion
Dental Procedures
Donations (Platelets and Whole Blood)
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Mastectomy
Organ/Tissue Transplants
Other Surgeries
MISCELLANEOUS:
Piercing
Tattoo/Branding
Travel Outside of USA
DIET/NUTRITION:
Proper food and adequate fluid intake are essential to a successful donation. For additional information in regards to diet and nutrition, please see the BioLife web page at the following link:
http://www.biolifeplasma.com/en/health_nutrition.htm
or download BioLife's Health & Nutrition Brochure (PDF) for additional information.
Back To Top
GOOD HEALTH: You must be in good health and feel well the day you plan to donate.
Back To Top
MEDICAL SCREENING:
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
To assess your health, prior to the first plasma donation and at least annually thereafter, you will undergo a medical history interview, a physical examination, and a blood test. The physical exam includes, but is not limited to, determination of your weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and a physical examination by our Medical Staff, as required.
The medical history interview consists of a series of questions about your past and present health history, including questions regarding possible exposure to certain infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis. The medical staff at the BioLife location you visit may ask additional questions in order to determine donor eligibility.
In addition, prior to each plasma donation, you will perform a self-administered electronic questionnaire using a touch screen system. Upon completing the electronic questionnaire, you will undergo a brief eligibility screening, which includes the determination of your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. This screening also includes a test for anemia (hematocrit) and protein level, which requires just a few drops of blood from your finger.
This page provides a list of certain common medical conditions and other donation criteria that may affect your eligibility to donate plasma. We are providing this list to help answer questions/concerns you may have prior to contacting or visiting our plasmapheresis center. This list is not complete and the eligibility rules may have changed since this information was last updated. Additionally, some responses are confidential and can only take place when the donor is on site at a BioLife Plasma Services plasmapheresis facility.
Note: The final decision to accept or exclude a donor is determined on the day of the scheduled plasma donation, at the plasmapheresis facility, based on the medical history interview, the physical exam and laboratory tests. Details of each donor's health and activities are discussed prior to plasma donation in a confidential setting, and the final determination of eligibility is made at that time. If you are interested in donating plasma, we recommend that you call or visit your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule a physical examination so that our qualified medical staff may determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
BioLife Plasma Services is committed to providing the highest quality plasma for patient treatments. Donor screening procedures involve asking questions regarding your health history. In some cases, we may need to obtain documentation from your personal physician in order to approve you to donate. As it could take time to acquire all documentation and approvals, we may temporarily defer you from donation until all approvals have been obtained.
Back To Top
DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS:
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, but are not under the influence at the time of donation, you may be eligible for plasma donation. If you drank alcohol on the day you plan to donate (e.g., smell of alcohol on breath or about the person, slurred vocalizations, etc.), you will not be allowed to donate on that day.
Individuals showing physical and mental effects of chronic alcohol usage are not eligible for plasma donations.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Antibiotics
If you are being treated with antibiotics, you may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the reason for receiving this type of treatment. You may visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Birth Control
You are eligible to donate plasma if taking birth control medications.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Immunizations/Vaccinations
Donor eligibility varies depending upon the type of immunization/vaccination received, the reason for the immunization/vaccination, and the presence of any symptoms prior to the plasma donation. If you recently received an immunization/vaccination, please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Drugs and Medications
Other Medications
In most cases, taking medications does not disqualify you from donating plasma. The acceptance into the plasmapheresis program mostly depends on the type and severity of the medical condition(s) for which you are being treated. Therefore, if you are accepted into our plasmapheresis program, you should continue taking your medication(s) as prescribed by your doctor even on the day of donation. If a change in your medical condition requires a new treatment or a higher dose of your current treatment, you need to inform our center staff so they may adjust your plasma donation schedule, if needed.
In a few instances, you will not be eligible for plasma donation if the medication you are taking may harm the patients receiving medications made from this plasma.
If you are taking a medication and wish to verify if you may donate plasma, please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Drugs and Medications
MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Acne
You may be eligible for plasma donation. However, if on the day of donation you have a severe case of acne (extensive inflammation and pus-filled skin lesions) our center medical staff may temporarily defer you from plasma donation until your condition has improved. If your acne is treated with antibiotics you may donate plasma.
If your acne is treated with oral medication excluding antibiotics, you will be eligible to donate after 30 days from your last dose. Your eligibility will be determined during your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. Please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation).
Back to Medical Conditions
Allergies
If you do not feel well or have any allergy or cold-like symptoms (e.g. congestion, nasal drainage, hoarse voice, sore throat, headache, watery eyes) on the day of the scheduled donation, you should wait until the condition has improved/subsided to donate plasma. Please reschedule your appointment and get some rest. You may return to the center for evaluation when you feel well and healthy and no longer show signs of allergy or illness.
Back to Medical Conditions
Arthritis
You may be eligible for plasma donation, depending on the type and severity of your condition. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm your medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Asthma
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the severity of the asthma, and the type of treatment required for proper control of symptoms. In addition, you must also be free of symptoms on the day of donation if accepted into the program.
Back to Medical Conditions
Autoimmune Diseases
You may be eligible to donate plasma depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition as well as the treatment needed to control your symptoms. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma. You may visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Blood Pressure, HIGH (Hypertension)
If you have a history of high blood pressure controlled with or without medication, you may be eligible for plasma donation. However, donor eligibility may vary depending on the severity of the disease and/or the type of treatment required to control the blood pressure. In addition, prior to each plasma donation, your blood pressure must be within our established acceptable limits.
Back to Medical Conditions
Blood Pressure, LOW (Hypotension)
If you have a history of low blood pressure, you may be eligible for plasma donation as long as your blood pressure is within our established acceptable limits on the day of donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Cancer
You may be eligible for plasma donation based on the type and/or severity of the cancer and treatment received. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm your medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Cholesterol, HIGH
You may be eligible to donate plasma with high cholesterol even if you are taking medication to lower cholesterol.
Back to Medical Conditions
Cold, Flu, Sore Throat
If you do not feel well on the day of the scheduled donation, you should wait a few days until the condition improves or has subsided to donate plasma. Please reschedule your appointment and get some rest. You may return to the center for evaluation when you feel well and healthy and no longer show signs of illness.
Back to Medical Conditions
Diabetes
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity and any required treatment for control of the Diabetes. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma. Please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Epilepsy, Seizures, Convulsions
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity of the condition and the treatment needed to control the seizures. Your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Heart Disease, Heart Murmur, Heart Valve Disorder
If you have a history of Heart Disease and/or heart conditions such as a heart murmur or valve disorder, you may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity, and any required treatment for control of the disease/disorder. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Herpes Simplex I – Oral Cold Sore
You may be eligible for plasma donation, even if you are using topical antiviral medications, as long as the lesions are not active or wet at the time of donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Herpes – Genital
You may be eligible for plasma donation as long as no active lesions are present even if you are taking antiviral medications prophylactically (preventative).
Back to Medical Conditions
Hypertension
Refer to Medical Conditions – Blood Pressure, High
Back to Medical Conditions
Hypotension
Refer to Medical Conditions – Blood Pressure, Low
Back to Medical Conditions
Infectious Diseases (Hepatitis, HIV/AIDs)
A history of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis, or exposure to individuals with a history of Hepatitis, will require that you be evaluated for eligibility during the initial donor screening and physical examination.
If you are known to be HIV positive or have a history of AIDS, you will not be eligible for plasma donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)
You may be eligible for plasma donation once the infection has passed.
Back to Medical Conditions
Kidney Disease
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity and any required treatment for control of the Kidney Disease. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Leukemia or Lymphoma
Refer to Medical Conditions – Cancer.
Back to Medical Conditions
Lyme Disease
You may be eligible for plasma donation as long as you are free of symptoms and antibiotic treatment has been completed.
Back to Medical Conditions
Mad Cow Disease or Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
Due to concerns about vCJD, the FDA has determined that the following individuals are not eligible to donate plasma:
- If you have stayed three months or more, cumulatively, in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996.
- If you have stayed 4 years or more, cumulatively, in France from 1980 to present.
- U.S. Military personnel or dependents that resided at:
- U.S. Military bases in Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany for 6 months or more from 1980 through 1990.
- U.S. Military bases in Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, or Greece for 6 months or more from 1980 through 1996.
- U.S. Navy personnel who have been onboard ship is NOT included in computing the "Travel Time" spent in the area. For vCJD, only time spent ashore will be included as "travel time."
- Recipients of blood transfusion in the United Kingdom between 1980 and present.
Back to Medical Conditions
Menstruation
You may donate during your menstruation provided you feel well on the day of donation.
Back to Medical Conditions
Mental Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar/Manic Depression Disorder, Etc.)
If you have a history of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, etc., you may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the severity of the medical condition, and the type of treatment required for proper control of symptoms. In addition, your personal physician may be asked to confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment including his/her approval for you to donate plasma.
Back to Medical Conditions
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Refer to Medical Conditions – Autoimmune Diseases.
Back to Medical Conditions
Pain (Chronic)
You may be eligible to donate plasma depending upon the reason for the pain (e.g., medical condition). You must be symptom free the day of donation, and are able to remain comfortably in the donor chair for the entire plasmapheresis procedure.
Back to Medical Conditions
Pregnancy
You are not eligible for plasma donation during pregnancy. You will be eligible for plasma donation 6 weeks after delivering, miscarrying, or terminating a pregnancy.
If you are currently breast-feeding, you are not eligible for plasma donation until the breast-feeding stops.
Back to Medical Conditions
Skin Condition
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the type and/or severity of your condition. In addition, the skin over the vein area to be used for plasma collection must not be affected.
Back to Medical Conditions
MEDICAL PROCEDURES
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Blood Transfusion
You may be eligible for plasma donation once 12 months have passed from the receipt of the blood products.
Back to Medical Procedures
Dental Procedures:
- Cavity filled, scaling or root canal – You may be eligible to donate plasma the day after the completion of the procedure.
- Tooth extraction or extensive oral surgery – You may be eligible to donate plasma as soon as the completion of the procedure, if you are free of symptoms and treatment completed.
- Dental abscess – You may be eligible to donate plasma after you are free of symptoms and treatment completed.
Back to Medical Procedures
Donations (Platelets and Whole Blood)
Donors who donate one unit of whole blood will be eligible for plasma donation after 8 weeks (or 56 days) from the date of donation.
Donors who donate a double unit of red cells will be eligible for plasma donation after 16 weeks (or 112 days) from the date of donation.
Donors who donate platelets for another donation program will not be allowed to donate plasma while participating in the platelet donation program. Individuals can only be on one collection program (e.g. plasma or platelets) at one time.
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Gastric Bypass Surgery
You may be eligible for plasma donation 6 months after surgery if you feel well. Your personal physician may be asked to verify his/her approval for you to donate. Please visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
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Mastectomy
Refer to Medical Conditions – Cancer.
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Organ/Tissue Transplants
- Human organ – You will not be eligible for plasma donation.
- Human tissue transplants – You may be eligible to donate plasma 12 months from the date of the transplant depending on the tissue received.
- Xenotransplant material (animal to human) – You will not be eligible for plasma donation.
Other Surgeries
You may be eligible for plasma donation depending on the reason for surgery as long as you feel well, have been released from doctor's care, and have resumed full activities. The majority of surgeries are acceptable; however, you may visit or call your local BioLife Plasma Services facility to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for plasma donation.
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MISCELLANEOUS
PLEASE NOTE: Your eligibility will be determined at your physical screening or at your next visit to BioLife Plasma Services. We may not be able to provide all eligibility requirements by phone.
Piercing (Ears/body)
A recent piercing may affect your eligibility to donate, depending on the type of procedure used to complete the piercing and whether or not the piercing shows no sign of infection. You must be able to explain how the piercing was performed and briefly describe the technique used to the center medical staff so they can determine your donation eligibility.
Tattoo/Branding
A recent tattoo may affect your eligibility to donate for a period of 4-months up to 12-months depending upon the state in which the tattoo was applied. You may be eligible to donate if your tattoos are older.
Travel Outside of USA
Refer to Medical Conditions – Mad Cow Disease or Variant Creutzfeblt - Jacob Disease (vCJD).
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