Plasma is made into medicines which save the lives of thousands of people with rare diseases. 14 donor centres are now taking donations, and NHS Blood and Transplant need you to donate plasma.
What is plasma?
Plasma saves and transforms the lives of around 17,000 adults and children each year. They have weak immune systems, cancer, and other diseases. Plasma is part of your blood, and the antibodies within it are used to make life-saving medicines that thousands of adults and children in the UK rely on.
Over 50 different conditions are treated with medicines made from plasma, and the need for plasma medicines is growing every year.
Who can donate plasma?
- You need to be aged between 17 and 66 to donate plasma.
- Men are generally more likely to be able to donate as you need to be a certain height and weight, but NHS Blood and Transplant want to hear from anyone interested in donating.
- Vein size is also important and your veins will be assessed before donating.
How can I donate plasma?
There are 14 donor centres across England.
Visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma or view this leaflet to find out more, and call 0300 123 23 23 to book an appointment.