Plasma donation: in Toulouse, relax and save lives!
Less known than blood donation, even ignored, plasma donation is nevertheless essential to treat many patients. The French Blood Establishment is launching a campaign to attract donors. In Toulouse, the week of October 17 will be an opportunity to give and relax!
To publicize plasma donation and attract donors, the Etablissement français du sang d’Occitanie (EFS Occitanie) is organizing a week on the theme of relaxation and well-being. Donors who come to make a donation at the Purpan donation center (hospital site), between Monday October 17 and Wednesday October 19 or at the Lapeyrouse donation center (Toulouse city center, near the Wilson) between Thursday October 20 and Saturday October 22 could participate in a workshop offered by EFS partners.
With, on the program, hypnotherapy, sound therapy, emotional release, assisted massage… The opportunity to change your outlook on plasma donation but also to take time for yourself, while giving for others.
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To care for many patients
Plasma is the liquid part of blood in which blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) are suspended in blood vessels. It contains albumin, coagulation factors and antibodies of major therapeutic interest for patients. The EFS recalls that a large number of patients are treated each year with drugs produced from proteins extracted from plasma (such as immunoglobulins) or directly by plasma transfusions.
Among them, people in intensive care, or undergoing severe bleeding, or requiring plasma exchanges (total replacement of all their plasma). Others are suffering from chronic illnesses such as primary immune deficiencies, and have very frequent needs: some patients are treated by administering immunoglobulins every 2 or 3 weeks.
France is not autonomous in plasma. The reserves of certain plasma-derived drugs, such as immunoglobulins, are in fact partly imported and are subject to strong international tension. It is estimated that 65% of plasma is imported, mainly from the United States. Thus, they strengthen national plasma collection capacities, making it possible to reduce, in the long term, a situation of dependence on the foreign market.
Who can donate plasma?
When donating plasma, only plasma from the donor’s blood is extracted. The red blood cells are returned to him. This method, known as “by apheresis”, makes it possible to collect two to three times more plasma than during a blood donation. The collection lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, to which must be added 20 minutes of snack. To donate plasma, you must be in good health, be over 18 and under 65 and accept 2 weeks between two plasma donations or a plasma donation and any other donation (whole blood or platelets).
Information on the site: dondesang.efs.sante.fr/