Quick Answer
Plasma centers run two categories of tests: pre-donation screening (every visit) and laboratory testing (on your plasma samples). Every visit, you'll have your total protein, hematocrit, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature checked. Your plasma samples are also tested for HIV-1/2, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis, and other viral markers. Failing any screening results in a temporary or permanent deferral.
Tests Performed at Every Single Visit
Before you even sit in the donation chair, the center's medical staff will run through a standardized set of screening tests. These take 10-20 minutes and determine whether you're eligible to donate that day.
| Test | Acceptable Range | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Total Protein | 6.0-9.0 g/dL | Protein concentration in your blood; ensures you have enough to safely donate |
| Hematocrit | 38-54% (men), 36-48% (women) | Percentage of blood that is red blood cells; screens for anemia |
| Blood Pressure | Systolic 90-180, Diastolic 50-100 | Cardiovascular health indicator; extreme highs or lows are unsafe |
| Pulse/Heart Rate | 50-100 BPM | Heart rhythm; too fast or slow indicates possible health issues |
| Temperature | Up to 99.5°F (37.5°C) | Screens for infection or illness |
| Weight | Minimum 110 lbs (50 kg) | Determines plasma volume that can be safely collected |
The total protein and hematocrit tests are performed from a fingerstick blood sample. The medical technician pricks your finger, collects a small drop of blood into a capillary tube, and runs it through a centrifuge (for hematocrit) and a refractometer (for protein). Results are available in under 2 minutes.
Viral Marker Panel (Laboratory Testing)
Every plasma donation is tested for infectious disease markers using Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and immunoassay methods. These tests are performed on your plasma samples at a central testing laboratory, not at the donation center itself.
Mandatory FDA-Required Tests
- HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies + NAT: Screens for both antibodies (indicating past infection) and viral RNA (detecting new infections before antibodies develop). The NAT window period is approximately 7-10 days.
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Detects active Hepatitis B infection. Also tests for Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) which indicates past or chronic infection.
- Hepatitis C Antibody + NAT: Dual testing catches both established and very recent Hepatitis C infections. NAT can detect HCV within 3-5 days of exposure.
- Syphilis (RPR/VDRL): Screens for Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis.
- HTLV-I/II Antibodies: Tests for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus, which can cause leukemia and neurological disease.
- Parvovirus B19 NAT: Detects Parvovirus B19, which can be dangerous for immunocompromised patients receiving plasma products.
- Hepatitis A NAT: Added to the standard panel in recent years to prevent Hepatitis A contamination of plasma pools.
Your plasma is held in frozen quarantine until these test results are confirmed negative. If any test comes back positive or indeterminate, your plasma is destroyed and you are notified and deferred.
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Periodic Screenings (Not Every Visit)
In addition to the tests performed at every visit, plasma centers conduct more comprehensive evaluations on a periodic basis:
- Physical Examination (Every 4 months): A licensed physician or physician's assistant performs a brief physical exam, reviewing your medical history, examining your arms for injection sites, and assessing overall health. This is an FDA requirement for all repeat donors.
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE): Some centers periodically run SPE to check the distribution of protein types in your blood, particularly immunoglobulin levels. This test can detect if frequent donation is depleting specific protein fractions.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Quantification: Increasingly common at major centers. IgG levels below a threshold (varies by center, typically 600 mg/dL) may result in a temporary deferral to allow recovery.
What Fails You (And For How Long)
| Failed Test | Deferral Length | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Low protein (<6.0 g/dL) | Same-day only | Eat high-protein meals, return next eligible day |
| Low hematocrit | Same-day only | Increase iron intake, hydrate well, return next visit |
| High blood pressure (>180/100) | Same-day; repeated = medical review | Relax, avoid caffeine, sit quietly for 15 min and retest |
| High pulse (>100 BPM) | Same-day; may retest after resting | Deep breathing, avoid caffeine and nicotine |
| Temperature >99.5°F | Same-day; return when feeling well | Wait until illness resolves completely |
| Positive viral marker | Permanent deferral | Center will notify you and provide referral for follow-up testing |
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Most screening failures are preventable. Follow these strategies to pass consistently:
The Night Before
- Eat a protein-rich dinner (chicken, fish, beans, eggs). Aim for 25-30g of protein.
- Drink at least 32 oz of water in the evening.
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- Avoid alcohol entirely -- it dehydrates you and affects liver function.
The Morning Of
- Eat a high-protein breakfast 2-3 hours before your appointment. Eggs, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, or peanut butter on toast are all excellent choices.
- Drink 16-32 oz of water before leaving the house, then sip more on the way.
- Avoid caffeine if you're prone to high heart rate or anxiety at screenings.
- Avoid fatty foods (fast food, fried foods) which can cause lipemia -- milky-looking plasma that gets your donation rejected.
At the Center
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early so you're not rushed or anxious.
- Sit quietly and breathe deeply while waiting for your vitals. This naturally lowers heart rate and blood pressure.
- If your heart rate is borderline, ask the technician if you can sit for 5 minutes and retest.