Plasma donation separates the liquid portion of blood, rich in proteins, clotting factors, and antibodies, from cellular components. This collected plasma is used to create life-saving therapies, including immunoglobulins and treatments for hemophilia, severe burns, and trauma. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own healthy tissues, causing chronic inflammation and damage. Because both processes involve the immune system and blood components, strict guidelines govern whether individuals with these conditions can safely donate.
Baseline Requirements for Plasma Donation
Prospective plasma donors must satisfy standard requirements established for donor safety and product quality. Donors must be at least 18 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds to tolerate the fluid removal process and minimize the risk of adverse reactions like dizziness or fainting.
The screening process includes checks of vital signs, such as pulse, temperature, and blood pressure, which must fall within acceptable ranges. A small blood sample is collected before each donation to analyze total protein and hematocrit levels. Deferral periods are also enforced for recent tattoos, piercings, or non-sterile needle exposure, typically requiring a waiting period of four to twelve months.
Safety Considerations for Donors and Recipients
Eligibility rules protect both the donor and the recipient of the plasma product. For the donor, the plasmapheresis process involves drawing blood, separating the plasma, and returning the red blood cells, which can be physically taxing. This procedure could potentially trigger a disease flare-up or exacerbate symptoms, especially if the chronic inflammatory condition is not well-controlled.
Protecting the recipient is crucial because plasma contains autoantibodies and inflammatory markers that could be transferred. While donated antibodies typically have a short lifespan, there is a theoretical risk of these components affecting a vulnerable or immunocompromised patient. Furthermore, immunosuppressive medications used to treat autoimmune diseases can be present in the plasma and may pose a risk to the recipient.
Autoimmune Disease Eligibility and Deferral Rules
Eligibility depends on the specific autoimmune condition, its current activity level, and the medications being used. Regulations often result in a temporary or indefinite deferral for individuals diagnosed with systemic autoimmune disorders, such as Lupus or Multiple Sclerosis. These policies ensure donor safety and maintain the purity of the plasma supply.
Disease Activity and Remission
A donor may be accepted if their condition is completely inactive and in long-term remission, without systemic involvement of the cardiovascular or renal systems. Individuals with organ-specific autoimmune conditions, like Celiac disease, may also be eligible if they meet all other criteria and manage their condition through diet alone.
Medication Deferrals
The use of specific medications often results in mandatory deferral. Treatment with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or oral steroids for systemic suppression usually requires a 12-month deferral after the last dose. Biologic therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, often necessitate a deferral of six months or more due to their potent immune-modulating effects. Some lower-risk maintenance treatments, such as low-dose hydroxychloroquine or sulfasalazine, may be acceptable at the center’s discretion, provided the disease is stable.
Research Exceptions
A unique exception exists for individuals with high levels of specific autoantibodies, often sought for specialized research collection. Plasma rich in autoantibodies from conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Graves’ Disease may be collected to help scientists develop new diagnostic tests and therapies. This type of donation is separate from the general plasma supply and is typically conducted through specialized research programs.
The Donor Screening and Decision Process
Eligibility determination is conducted by medical staff at the donation center. The process begins with a medical history questionnaire where prospective donors must disclose health conditions, surgeries, and medications. This is followed by an interview and a physical examination performed by a licensed medical professional.
The final decision to accept or defer a donor is made by the center’s physician or qualified staff after reviewing the collected data. Since specific rules vary between collection centers, and disease activity and medication regimens are unique, an in-person evaluation is required. Individuals with an autoimmune diagnosis should contact their local plasma center beforehand to discuss their medical history.