Plasma Please

What is Plasma?

Plasma is the straw-colored liquid portion of blood that contains proteins that are essential for the human body, including antibodies and clotting factors. Antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins) play an important role in health and illness. Many patients living with CIDP, MMN or Variants regularly receive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) to treat the condition, and many GBS patients likely received IVIG after diagnosis. Flooding a person’s system with antibodies from normal, healthy individuals can reverse problems caused by abnormally overactive immune systems.

Immunoglobulin – whether given as IVIG or SCIG – is created from source plasma that is donated from healthy people. There is no other way to create this treatment, so patients who use plasma products rely on people to donate plasma through a safe, relatively quick process for which their time may be reimbursed.

Currently, companies that manufacture the therapies needed by our patient community – and hundreds of thousands of people across the world – are reporting a sharp decrease in the number of people who are donating plasma. This shortage creates a direct threat to the health and wellness of our patient population, who are treated with immunoglobulin (Ig). Ig can only be created from human plasma donations, therefore, we are asking for plasma, please.

If you are a patient living with CIDP, MMN, or a variant or you once had GBS, we are asking that you share information about how to donate plasma with loved ones in your life to help inspire them. Plasma donors are everyday heroes that selflessly give plasma so that others can live.

A quick reminder that immunoglobulins come from source plasma donations. Many people have heard recently about convalescent plasma as a potential treatment for Covid-19.Learn more about the difference in this article by Dr. David Saperstein.

Here is a flyer that you can print or save and share with your friends!

On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of patients across the world who use plasma, thank you.

Advocate for Plasma Donation

Donating plasma is not the only way of helping patients who use plasma. You can become an advocate by creating awareness within your network about the need for plasma. A simple way to advocate is to encourage your friends and family to become plasma donors by sharing information and resources about plasma donation with them. An effective and easy way to do this is to use your social media platforms!

Ways to Advocate on Social Media

Share Your Story

A good place to start is to share your connection to plasma. Are you a patient with GBS, CIDP, or a variant, such as MMN? Have you received infusions of IVIG or frequently rely on plasma-based products to treat your condition? Are you a consistent plasma donor and know what the process is like? In 1-2 paragraphs, write a concise story highlighting how plasma has impacted your life. Compliment the post with images related to you or your experience.

Engage with the Foundation’s Plasma Content
Share Graphics Related to Plasma

FAQs about Donating Plasma

Is it safe to donate plasma?

Can IVIG be made from whole blood donation as well or just plasma?

Does donating plasma hurt?

Can I only donate plasma one time?

Do I need to make an appointment to donate plasma?

How do I find a donation center?

Can you donate plasma if you’ve had GBS, or other autoimmune conditions?

Can I donate plasma or blood for Covid-19 research if I am using SCig?

What type of safety measures are donation centers taking during Covid-19?