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Essential Products for Plasma Donors
- Anker Portable Charger 10000mAh - Keep devices charged during sessions
- JBL Tune Wireless Earbuds - Entertainment during donation sessions
- Memory Foam Travel Pillow - Comfort during 45-90 min sessions
- Portable Phone Charger - Keep phone charged during sessions
Quick Answer
To pass plasma screening, you need: protein levels ≥6.0 g/dL, hematocrit ≥38% (women) or 39% (men), blood pressure below 180/100, pulse 50-100 bpm, and temperature under 99.5°F. Prepare by hydrating well (64+ oz water), eating protein-rich foods, getting good sleep, and avoiding caffeine/alcohol.
What the Plasma Screening Tests For
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Get the Pro Toolkit — $19Every plasma donation visit starts with a health screening. Here's exactly what they check and why:
1. Protein Levels (Finger Prick Test)
Requirement
≥6.0 g/dL total protein
What it measures
Total protein in your blood
Plasma is mostly protein. If yours is too low, the donation won't be usable. Low protein is the #1 reason for failed screenings.
2. Hematocrit/Hemoglobin (Finger Prick Test)
Requirement (Women)
≥38% hematocrit
Requirement (Men)
≥39% hematocrit
Measures your red blood cell concentration. This indicates iron levels and overall blood health. Low hematocrit often means low iron.
3. Blood Pressure
Upper Limit
<180/100 mmHg
Will Defer If
≥180/100 mmHg
High blood pressure can indicate health risks during donation. Stress, caffeine, and rushing can temporarily spike your reading.
4. Pulse/Heart Rate
Acceptable Range
50-100 bpm
Will Defer If
<50 or >100 bpm
Anxiety, caffeine, and recent exercise can elevate pulse. Athletes with naturally low resting heart rates may need documentation.
5. Temperature
Upper Limit
<99.5°F (37.5°C)
Will Defer If
≥99.5°F (37.5°C)
Elevated temperature may indicate illness. Hot weather, rushing, or warm clothing can also raise your temp temporarily.
How to Prepare (24-48 Hours Before)
Hydration (Most Important)
- • Drink 64-80 oz of water in the 24 hours before donation
- • Add electrolytes (sports drinks, coconut water) for better retention
- • Your urine should be pale yellow or nearly clear
- • Avoid alcohol completely for 24 hours (causes dehydration)
Protein Intake
- • Eat protein-rich meals for 24-48 hours before
- • Good options: eggs, chicken, fish, Greek yogurt, beans, nuts
- • Have a protein-heavy meal 2-3 hours before your appointment
- • Target 50-70g protein the day before and day of donation
Iron Levels (For Hematocrit)
- • Eat iron-rich foods: red meat, spinach, beans, fortified cereals
- • Take vitamin C with iron foods (increases absorption 2-3x)
- • Avoid coffee/tea with meals (blocks iron absorption)
- • If regularly low, consider iron supplements (consult doctor first)
The Day Of
- • Get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before
- • Avoid caffeine for 4+ hours before (affects BP and pulse)
- • Eat a substantial meal 2-3 hours before
- • Arrive 10-15 minutes early to relax before screening
- • Wear layers you can remove if you're warm
⚕️ Medical Notice
The screening process exists to protect your health and the safety of plasma recipients. If you fail a screening, it may indicate an underlying health condition that needs attention. Do not attempt to "trick" the screening—always be honest about your health status, medications, and recent activities. If you have ongoing issues passing screenings, please consult with your healthcare provider to address potential health concerns.
Common Reasons People Fail (And Solutions)
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low Protein | Poor diet, dehydration, vegetarian/vegan diet | High-protein meal 2-3 hrs before |
| Low Hematocrit | Low iron, menstruation, frequent donation | Iron-rich foods + vitamin C |
| High Blood Pressure | Stress, caffeine, rushing, white coat syndrome | Arrive early, skip caffeine, deep breathing |
| High Pulse | Anxiety, caffeine, recent exercise | No exercise 2 hrs before, relaxation |
| High Temperature | Illness, hot weather, warm clothing | Remove layers, cool down in waiting room |
At the Center: Tips for Passing
For Blood Pressure
- • Sit quietly for 5 minutes before the check
- • Practice slow, deep breathing
- • Don't talk during the reading
- • Ask for a re-check if high (most allow one)
For Pulse
- • Use 4-7-8 breathing: inhale 4s, hold 7s, exhale 8s
- • Avoid thinking about stressful topics
- • Listen to calming music while waiting
- • Mention if you're an athlete (naturally low pulse)
For Temperature
- • Remove jacket/hat before check-in
- • Avoid hot drinks 30+ minutes before
- • Cool down in AC if you rushed
- • If running warm, ask to wait 5 minutes
For Finger Prick
- • Warm hands improve blood flow
- • Rub hands together before the prick
- • Stay well hydrated (easier blood draw)
- • Relax your hand—tension slows flow
⚠️ Final Medical Disclaimer
This guide is educational only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your eligibility to donate plasma.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
Plasma center staff are trained medical professionals. Their screening decisions are made to protect your health. If you are deferred, respect that decision and address any underlying health concerns with your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I retake the screening if I fail? ▼
Most centers allow one recheck for vitals (blood pressure, pulse) during the same visit. For blood tests (protein, hematocrit), you typically need to leave and come back another day once the issue is corrected. There's no permanent limit on attempts—you can keep trying different days until you pass.
Will failing screening affect my future eligibility? ▼
Temporary screening failures (low protein, high BP on one visit) don't affect future eligibility. However, repeated issues or failing for certain reasons (like positive disease tests) can result in temporary or permanent deferral. Being honest during screening is crucial—lying can result in permanent bans.
What if I have "white coat syndrome" and my BP is always high at medical facilities? ▼
This is common. Arrive early, practice deep breathing, and ask to sit quietly for 5-10 minutes before your check. Some centers allow a brief wait and recheck. If you have documented normal BP from your doctor, mention it to staff—though they'll still need to pass you on their reading.
I'm an athlete with a low resting heart rate. Will I fail the pulse check? ▼
Pulse must typically be between 50-100 BPM. If you're an endurance athlete with a naturally low resting heart rate (below 50), mention this to staff. Some centers can document your athletic status. Light exercise before arrival can temporarily raise your pulse to an acceptable range.