Plasma Donation Recovery Tips 2026

Immediately After Donation

The first 15-30 minutes after donation are most important:

At the Center

1. Stay seated: Rest for full required time (usually 15 min)
2. Eat snacks: Have the cookies/crackers they offer
3. Drink fluids: Water or juice provided
4. Keep bandage on: Leave for at least 4 hours
5. Don't rush: Stand up slowly when ready

Signs to Watch For

• Dizziness: Normal if mild, sit back down
• Lightheadedness: Stay until it passes
• Nausea: Drink water, stay seated
• Tell staff: If symptoms don't improve

First Hour After Leaving

Do

• Eat a meal: Substantial food with protein
• Keep drinking: Water, juice, sports drinks
• Take it easy: No strenuous activity
• Keep arm straight: Avoid bending at donation site

Don't

• Heavy lifting: Avoid with donation arm
• Intense exercise: No gym, running, etc.
• Hot showers/baths: Can cause dizziness
• Remove bandage: Keep it on for hours

Rest of the Day

Hydration

• Extra fluids: 8+ additional glasses of water
• Electrolytes: Sports drinks help replenish
• Avoid alcohol: For at least 24 hours
• Limit caffeine: Can dehydrate you

Activity Level

• Light activity OK: Walking, normal tasks
• No heavy exercise: Skip the gym today
• Avoid donation arm: Don't lift heavy with it
• Get rest: Good night's sleep helps

Bandage Care

• Keep on 4+ hours: Minimum recommended time
• Keep dry: Avoid getting wet
• Remove gently: When ready to remove
• Watch for bruising: Normal and fades

Best Foods After Donation

Immediately After

• Simple carbs: Cookies, crackers, juice
• Quick energy: Helps blood sugar
• Center provides: Take what they offer

First Meal

• Protein: Chicken, beef, eggs, fish
• Iron-rich: Red meat, spinach, beans
• Carbohydrates: Rice, pasta, bread
• Balanced: Complete nutritious meal

Throughout Day

• Iron foods: Helps replenish what's lost
• Vitamin C: Helps iron absorption
• Protein: Helps rebuild plasma proteins
• Regular meals: Don't skip eating

What to Avoid After Donation

First 4-6 Hours

• Heavy lifting: Especially with donation arm
• Strenuous exercise: Gym, running, sports
• Hot environments: Saunas, hot tubs
• Alcohol: Can cause dizziness

First 24 Hours

• Intense workouts: Give body time to recover
• Alcohol: Dehydrates and affects recovery
• Skipping meals: Your body needs fuel
• Dehydrating activities: Excess caffeine, hot weather

When to Be Concerned

Contact the center or seek medical attention if:

• Prolonged dizziness: Doesn't improve with rest
• Excessive bruising: Large or painful
• Signs of infection: Redness, swelling, fever at site
• Numbness: In arm or hand
• Fainting: After leaving center