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Every donation includes a free mini health checkup
Before the process, called plasmapheresis, begins, a donor is screened and blood pressure, pulse, temperature, weight, protein and hematocrit are checked.
Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of blood content composed of red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, “It indicates whether you have too few or too many red blood cells — conditions that can occur as the result of certain diseases.”
People who give plasma regularly (it’s possible to do so twice per week) could have as many as 104 mini-checkups a year, providing them with a good snapshot of their week-to-week health.
Regular donors not only get mini-checkups at the time of each donation, but at all centers donors also can receive an annual physical provided by the staff
Medical specialists at Biomat USA centers in Utah, for instance, collect urine samples during annual exams to look for elevated levels of glucose or protein. They also check for inflamed lymph nodes and listen to heart and lung sounds. Donors can then seek further advice and treatment from their personal physicians, as needed.
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Preparing for donation can motivate the donor to take better care of himself
Participants are always encouraged to eat healthy, balanced meals before the process and continually drink plenty of fluids. Todd Trudo, a regular donor and college student in Idaho, says, “I definitely am more apt to drink more water and have better eating habits while I'm donating plasma, especially if I'm in the habit of going to the gym every day as well.” He says he’s aiming to add muscle mass, so the weight check that’s part of each checkup is also motivating.
The donation process may reduce “bad” cholesterol levels in donors
A study done by Grifols in 2012 suggested that plasmapheresis might lower levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, in donors, particularly if their LDL or total cholesterol levels are high. The effect was slightly more pronounced in women and it continued as long as donors gave plasma regularly.
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Giving has been consistently shown to have positive psychological and physiological effects
PsychCentral reported on a 2010 study that found that of the 41 percent of Americans who volunteered an average of 100 hours per year, “68 percent reported that it made them feel physically healthier; 89 percent that it ‘has improved my sense of well-bring’ (e.g., happiness) and 73 percent that it ‘lowered my stress levels.’”
And as wellness advocate Dr. Frank Lipman wrote, volunteering can protect against depression, provide a boost similar to a “runner’s high,” and help the giver “live better, healthier, and longer.”
Giving is particularly potent. PsychCentral noted, when there is some kind of personal connection, such as through a friend in need or who works with a specific cause, rather than just an anonymous donation.
When you consider how donating plasma helps save lives, there's no doubt you can make it personal.
