Day 71: Donate plasma

Plasma is the clear, straw-colored liquid portion of the blood that remains after the removal of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components. It is the single largest component of human blood, comprising about 55 percent, and contains water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins. Human plasma is the source of proteins and antibodies including albumin, clotting factors, immunoglobulins and fibrinogen, which are used to make therapies that treat life-threatening rare, chronic, and often genetic diseases such as hemophilia, primary immunodeficiencies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and neurological and autoimmune disorders.

Plasma donors are providing a vital service to patients who suffer from rare, chronic diseases, and the industry that manufactures these life-saving plasma-derived therapies appreciates their commitment to donate.

To find a plasma donation center near you, do a goodsearch for donating plasma and your city.

I've been struggling to find a location in the New Orleans area. I believe this could be Katrina-related. If anyone knows of a local spot, please e-mail me, and I will update this entry. Thanks.