Biolife Plasma

chief364

Has anybody heard of any negative effects from dontating plasma twice a week long term? And by donating, I mean selling.

Esh

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=pfwl&cp=38&gs_id=3x&xhr=t&q=are+there+any+side+effects+to+donating+plasma&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&site=&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=are+there+side+effects+to+donating+pla&aq=0b&aqi=g-b1&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=5c70f6dd121aab58&biw=1217&bih=668

Besides that, the Biolife site gives you the information you're seeking as well.

chief364

I guess I really don't need to be using the Penny Arcade forums as a substitute for Google.

Hewn

Biolife is a reputable company. You'll be in good hands there. I've had several close friends work there and I've donated myself. No problem whatsoever.

But if you're donating regularly, only let them tap one arm. They typically do both arms, but see if you can arrange one. Overuse of a vein can cause it to become scarred. Later in life, when you'll want accessible veins for procedures, it will be important to have one good arm. This advice came to my from my cousin, a medical doctor.

SmokeStacks

Hewn wrote:

Overuse of a vein can cause it to become scarred. Later in life, when you'll want accessible veins for procedures, it will be important to have one good arm. This advice came to my from my cousin, a medical doctor.

Not only that, but with long term donation the scar will be visible, so it's best to keep it to one arm. I have what looks like a very small (about half the size of a pencil eraser) off-color dent in one arm from donating, but I've been doing it on and off for years.

Mercade

I work for Biolife, and I donate twice a week myself elsewhere. It's very safe. The machines used have several safety features to prevent anything major from happening. The staff are trained to monitor you and intervene when issues arise. The worst things that can happen are you get sick (go in very well hydrated, no caffeine, and eat a good meal beforehand), you get a bruise (it happens, but it heals) or you have a small blood loss (doesn't happen too frequently, but it does). Donating isn't for everyone, but that's why we have nurses do a initial physical, vein check, and so forth. If you're absolutely terrified of needles, blood, etc, I wouldn't go in. Long-term, yes, if you donate over a long period of time with the same veins, scarring will build, but in hospitals they typically use hand/lower forearm veins for IVs, so it's not a big deal. We have plenty of 10-20 year veteran donors who have no issues. In short, it's easier than it looks. Go for it.

chief364

@Mercade I've been going in twice a week for a few months now. I try to drink a lot of water the day before; it usually goes smoother.

Mercade

Oh cool, glad it's working out then!