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Printer-Friendly ModeNew plasma resource center allows for student donors
March 17, 2008 —
Talecris Plasma Resources Inc. (TPR) has found a solution for students looking to help those in need, and make extra money.
TPR recently opened a plasma donation center on the corner of Dixie Highway and Hess Road and they are looking for college students to become regular donors.
"Plasma donation is regulated by the FDA," said Steven Goldsmith, spokesman for Telacris Biotheraputics. "We want to make sure that the donation process is safe for the donors."
A first-time donor is given an initial physical and then a portion of blood is drawn and filtered through a machine, a process called plasmapheresis. When the process is finished, the platelets and red and white blood cells are sent back into the donor's body. The donation process takes about two hours.
Donors may donate as often as twice a week, with at least 48 hours in between donations.
"Both TPR and the FDA want to make sure that the donor replaces all the donated plasma before they donate again," he said. "It takes the body about 24 hours to replace the lost plasma."
All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 18 years old and must bring a state- or government-issued photo I.D. and a social security card, or some other proof of citizenship. Donors are encouraged to call ahead and set up an appointment to donate, and are encouraged to drink water before donating to ease the process.
"The more hydrated the blood, the easier it is for us to collect the plasma," he said. "Plasma is 92 percent water."
Goldsmith said that students are becoming frequent donors at the center.
"There is donating plasma for the good of society, and there is donating plasma for money," said criminal justice and sociology sophomore Jessica Wummel. "If you can do both at the same time, why not?"