Can anyone tell me why it takes so much longer in my left arm? It contains proteins and antibodies that are crucial for clotting and immunity. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Donation center staff encourage people to rest and have a drink and a snack after the process is over, to counter any lightheadedness. The last two times they upped my level of plasma being taken as with my boots and clothes on I weighed in exactly at 150lbs. Do you know why this happens? So, youve decided to donate plasma. Blood stops flowing, nurse moves the needle, it hurts, they tell me to go home. However, if your red blood cell loss is more than the max allowed, it will be considered more of a blood donation, and you will be deferred long enough for your body to regenerate those lost blood cells. My schedule was Tuesday and Thursday mid-morning, this was some of the more slow times and I was able to get in and out faster. As a first-time donor, we can only use your plasma to make lifesaving medicines after you've donated twice. She told the nurse i had been over 3 mins. Serious side effects may occur, but these are rare. After I came during the next 10 minutes, I slowly started to see again. Please help. People can find the nearest center with an online locator provided by the accreditation agency. Just donated a day ago, I enjoyed it However today I have tightness or minor pain in my chest. For dizziness or fainting, lie down or sit with your head between your knees. So I've donated plasma regulary for the past few years and today during my first donation of the week I had something off happenmy machine started going off and when the lady came over she told me that some of my blood got into my plasma bottle but that it was lesser not greater? MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? Take it easy: It may be a good idea to rest, or at least avoid strenuous activity, for the rest of the day. Dean Michael Mancuso on January 04, 2017: I have a yearly Plasma Center physical this week. It kind of worries me. I don't overeat, and I've been trying to pay as close attention as I can to iron levels in the food I eat (iron is in almost EVERYTHING). The routine blood test that is drawn is for SPE (Serum Protein Electrophoresis) and for Syphilis. camarochix72 (author) from USA on January 03, 2018: Depending on how busy the lab is that they use, assuming your center is like the one I went to and they send samples to an outside lab, it could take a few weeks. I have seen people pass out after their donation, and one come very close during donation, but what you describe is much worse than that. People who have taken Accutane, oral Retin-A, or finasteride in the past month can't donate. If they accidentally puncture an artery instead: If this happens, the attendant will stop the donation immediately and apply firm pressure to the area for at least 10 minutes. When I use the right arm it takes about 60 minutes. Regulating body temperature by absorbing and releasing . Donating plasma is usually safe. (n.d.). Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. I normally donated Tuesday and Thursday every week. I had no bruising or any issues at the injection site (my vein) other than a little pain when the phlebotomist started the injection. camarochix72 (author) from USA on November 02, 2014: Because you did not receive your blood at the end of your donation, deferral is critical. I've been donating plasma for 5 months and suddenly my protein level is too low. Also because vitamin C helps the absorption of iron, limiting it to around 200 milligrams per dose can also help. I been donating for a few years and the main arm I use is my right but now it's saying that it I have no flow on that. Im 18 and make sure to hydrate. Before inserting the needle, the phlebotomist uses a disinfectant to cleanse the arm. Good luck! We avoid using tertiary references. Answer: Plasma becomes cloudy when the amount of fat you've eaten is too high. Answer: Because your body uses plasma for healing injuries, such as burns, my guess is that if they deem the burn to be large enough, or bad enough, you will not be able to donate until it has healed. I've been having a few issues though - nothing major. I iced the area and that seemed to help with he pain, but the swelling took quite a while to go down. Although the meat in your burger may be providing the protein and iron your body needs for a good donation, youll also be consuming a high level of grease, making your plasma appear cloudy. Then I realized that I have a plasma screen TV. Question: Does wiggling your feet help with donating plasma? THAT JUST DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT TO ME! This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Plasma donation involves drawing blood, extracting the plasma, and returning what is left of the blood to the person, all through a single needle that remains in the arm throughout the process. As a healthcare provider inserts or withdraws a needle, it may hit a nerve. This usually passes quickly, but if youve noticed this happening, keeping a snack on hand to eat immediately after your donation will help. We ask you to come in for your second donation within six months. But at each passing second, I was crashing as I needed the red blood cells and saline. Greasy birds like duck may also cause your plasma to be milky in color and thicker than normal. Lifting the day of your donation, before you donate and the day after are perfectly ok, just not right after. By choice, not necessity. This reaction is common and usually mild. Plasma donation, also known as apheresis, can help save lives. One study has suggested that citrate could affect bone density, as it binds to calcium. If you're drinking your Diet Pepsi (or any soda), it dehydrates your body throughout the day, so although you drink some water before your donation, it's not nearly enough to make up for what you've lost due to the Diet Pepsi. Key Facts About Plasma Donations. One of the easiest ways I kept my protein and iron levels high enough was either by eating lean red meats (beef, or in my case elk), beans (like a bowl of chili), or a protein bar (Snickers was my favorite because it also had the additional iron I needed) for lunch or dinner the day before my donation. Also, dark chicken meat and poultry skin. One thing to know though, is that your body needs a little extra help with the absorption of protein. I wish I had a good answer for you. Did you eat a McDonalds cheeseburger before you went in for your donation? camarochix72 (author) from USA on August 04, 2017: If you had to be disconnected, for some reason, without getting your blood cells back, feeling dizzy is normal. It's exactly as you described it. Platelet, red cell, and plasma donations may take between 80-120 minutes. Plasma products are used by burn, trauma and cancer patients. Blood plasma is. Also, take a 81 MG aspirin a few hours before donating to help with blood flow. I'm not a doctor, but I would recommend seeing one if the symptoms get any worse. Could all of this be related? camarochix72 (author) from USA on March 31, 2015: Vein occlusion is a narrowing or blocking of the vein. This medical term refers to the destruction of red blood cells, which can happen during a plasma donation. It happens more than you'd think. The nurse insisted that it was fine that they stick my other arm and I could finish. The muscle in the arm that I received it in is very sore. The color of your plasma depends on a few things: (1) How hydrated you are (the more hydrated you are the more it clear it will be), (2) What types of foods you eat and when you eat (eating fatty foods or right before your donation will make it milky white/cloudy), other foods like carrots can turn your plasma a red/orange, (3) Medication like oral contraceptives or medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can make plasma green. The general donation process is outlined below. The machine removes the plasma and returns the rest of the blood including red blood cells, platelets, and a saline solution to the person through the same needle. In the meantime, you can always make a quick call to see if they've gotten your results back, but just haven't had a chance to contact you. Then a needle or catheter will be placed into a vein in the crux of whichever arm has the most robust artery. I sometimes get a "cramping" type pain, but it's very clearly in my vein, not my muscles or tendons. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Your donation time may also be longer than others if you arent opening and closing your hand during the extraction cycle. I treated mine with "RICE" (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for a few days, then I used a warm pack to help with any bruising. If youre not drinking enough water throughout your day, its going to make your blood thicker." When you say a vein may be blown, is the pain like a deep pain that you can feel all the way up and down your arm? Try drinking an acidic drink, like orange juice, with your meal, or eating some fruit. People who are currently taking medication for treating TB or malaria also can't donate. While not typical, fainting can also occur. I wish I could be more help. What could be the cause? Next Steps: You must donate twice! Answer: Every center has the same rule, 2 times per week with at least one day between donations. It's just one of those "shit happens" kind of things. No bruise? Learn more about blood donations, including how long they take and some potential side effects. Eating leaner meats and avoiding greasy foods before your donation will help clear this up considerably. Find answers here: Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases. The feeling of pure terror as I thought for sure I was going to die. (n.d.). Yes, they can do tests to see if you have marijuana in your system, but it's also about your overall health. camarochix72 (author) from USA on October 05, 2016: From my experience, the procedure itself is not the issue. If you had a vein rupture, you'd have a huge dark bruise. Know your blood type? Once they adjusted the collection rate, it went away. Those are the two things they check when you get your finger pricked. camarochix72 (author) from USA on October 15, 2018: If your protein level is high enough, it would have to be low hematocrit (iron) levels. Although the finger stick is the faster (and most cost effective) method of collecting your blood sample, the most accurate measure of your hematocrit and protein levels will always be from blood drawn from the arm. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. It always stops after a minute or so, and the rest of the donation is fine. The center I went to explained to me that usually when this happens, the speed of the machine needs to be adjusted. My left arm works, A-1however the three times we tried my right arm the procdure has to be stopped. Check with the facility to determine their specific requirements, but generally plasma donors should: Be 18 years of age or older, Weigh at least 110 pounds, Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers, a tingling sensation in the fingers or around the nose and mouth, ask the person about their health and medical history. She started poking around at my arm and took the needle out. Suite L100 Emergency medical help may be necessary. She said i wasn't deferred because it was lesser but didn't explain what happened just asked if I smoke cigarettes which I dont, so can someone explain why that happened? Read on to learn more about this component of blood, such as its functions, how it keeps people healthy, and the importance of, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? At the end, after I reached the max limit of blood withdrawn, (my blood comes out fast) the machine then is supposed to return my red blood cells and give me saline along with an anticoagulant. Donor eligibility varies. Have iron pills also ocean spray cran-apple juice. A rule of thumb (that I learned from my Dr when I was pregnant), "if you must drink a soda, make sure you drink the same amount of water in the same day". Prepare for your appointment by getting plenty of rest, especially the day night before you donate, drinking plenty of water or other caffeine-free beverage 2-3 hours before your plasma donation appointment, and eating a healthy, low-fat meal before you donate. camarochix72 (author) from USA on December 31, 2014: Most of the time, in my experience, the return speed is set too high on the machine itself. Answer: No. In this article, we explain the process of donating plasma. If you are constantly having poor. Is there anything I can do to speed up that process? I've increased the protein in my diet for the past couple of days. Women are also more prone to having lower numbers for both, depending on where they are within their "cycle". Also, sodium and potassium are nutrients that assist your cells work. Slow deep breath in for a count of 5-8 seconds, then slow breath out for 8-10 seconds. They checked my blood pressure three times after, it kept dropping, I left the facility and it was 74/40. Eliminate fatty foods before you donate and drink more water. This is the same side effect you may feel if you'd donated blood (which in a way you just did). For millions of Americans, they are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. Giving plasma can reduce your blood volume by about 800 millilitersor about 32 ounces. Thanks again for all your efforts. My donations average about 40 minutes or so. The one they send away to check. > Topics The nurse hit a nerve that runs along the muscle in my arm, and caused a great deal of pain. 26 languages. If youve ever been diagnosed as having anemia, or borderline anemia (which I am), this can also make you feel a little dizzy after your donation (similar to standing up too fast). The plasma center that I donate at called today and told me that my protein levels are high and I need to come in and get blood work again. If the attendant notices signs of hemolysis, they will stop the procedure and may call for additional help. I'm not positive that either of these will be a solution for you, but might be worth a shot. Adding more fruits, vegetables and white grains are a good substitute: bananas, grapes, apples, squash, sprouts, kale, carrots, white bread, white bagels and refined cereals. Question: What can I do to get my heart rate lowered so I can donate plasma? camarochix72 (author) from USA on August 01, 2017: The only thing I've ever heard the nurse on duty tell people when they felt sick, was to make sure they've eaten before their donation. Without further testing from your regular doctor, there is no way of pinpointing where or what type of infection you may have. The center didn't have an issue with it; it's more about what works best for the donor. Overall, donating plasma takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, though the procedure itself only takes about 40 minutes. If it's caused by a medical condition, you'll need more help from a physician than I can offer. camarochix72 (author) from USA on June 01, 2017: Your height and weight are very similar to mine, and donating twice a week is absolutely safe. STEP 1 REGISTRATION Present your ID Card. Watch on. Any other tips for me? Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. Ask the donation center if they want you to do anything else to prepare for your visit. Both times, I've had a sharp pain along the back of my arm. Your donation is very important, and the people who receive your plasma, although you dont hear directly from them, are very thankful. Or do they have separate plasma donation center for TV's? After a few years of donating, I had one arm that was a lot faster than the other, so I used it exclusively for a long time. Fish eggs (roe and caviar) Yeast extract spread (marmite) Lobster and crab. Changes in serum ionized calcium concentrations during leukapheresis. Plasma is in high demand, as it helps treat cancer and other health issues. Once the donation is complete, the attendant applies a dressing to stop any bleeding and prevent infection. Giving you information on the hematoma is pretty standard. When the machine catches it, and the amount hasn't exceeded the maximum amount, based on your donation volume, you will be disconnected (to prevent more red blood cell loss), given water (to replace the normal saline at the end of your donation) and be able to donate again like normal. I've had it happen during both the collection and return phases of the donation, and both times, after making adjustments to the machine speed itself, the pain went away. When i donate plasma the first one goes ok but the second one my protein level is to low what is going on and what do i need to do so they are not low. The SPE test all of the different types of proteins levels that are found in your plasma. Not enough plasma is donated in Australia to create all the medical products needed by Australians. I donated for my first time last week and they said that drinking caffeine around the time of your donation is bad. Crossing the legs at the ankles and practicing muscle tension can also help improve blood flow. When you donate, you will be asked to provide documentation and need to pass medical exams, screening, and testing before you become eligible to donate. camarochix72 (author) from USA on August 09, 2016: Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning that it causes the body to flush out fluids and dehydrate faster than normal. Answer: I've seen people have cloudy plasma on the first donation of the week, and it's mostly cleared up by the second of the same week. OR is it a after donation normal thing? Does this sound normal? You may want to double check with them, as each donation center has slightly different guidelines. Staying hydrated daily, not just on donation days, will help immensely. To discover more evidence-based information and resources for donating blood, visit our dedicated hub. The center where I donated did this for all new donors and all current donors on a yearly basis, it was the same process for everyone. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of donating blood, plus how it affects the body, Donating blood is important and can help save lives. I've tried strictly going the supplements route, but found out the hard way that actually eating these foods, made the most difference. No one until you has ever mentioned iron or vitamin C as being factors let alone offered advice for how to increase my levels. camarochix72 (author) from USA on September 25, 2014: I am so sorry for your loss. If you're not drinking enough water throughout your day, it's going to make your blood "thicker." When this happens, there is less plasma (the liquid part of your blood) that can be extracted during each donation cycle. If you are not sure about your status with the donation center, give them a quick call before heading out for your next donation. It would also be helpful to include a vitamin B-6 supplement to your daily routine to help your body absorb the protein. It goes away after a day or two so i don't think it's a major problem but have you heard of this happening before? There will be a pulsing sensation in the collecting tube. But, the last three times I have had an issue with the return having to much pressure and the machine stops. camarochix72 (author) from USA on May 07, 2018: The best way I know of lowering your heart rate is to practice a meditation-like breathing. They said "the filter is clogged" and they tried to unclog it. As long as there was no bruising from the previous donation, it was allowed. At home today I am 145 lbs. The type of protein you're eating may have a higher fat content; fatty burger or other fatty cuts of meat. It sucks that it happened to you on your first time. After i got home i vommited everything i are before i donated and the poweraid. Return visits can take about 90 minutes and may be quicker. Some are OK, while others are not, it's best to check with the donation center directly. Once you leave the donation center, you may need to eat a small snack to help relieve any dizzy feelings you may still feel. Answer: Your only limitations will be after your donations. Patients across the United States depend on plasma protein therapies to treat rare and sometimes chronic diseases. The person will donate one unit of blood, and this will take 6-10 minutes. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If a person experiences this, it is safe to continue the donation. Then the pain us probably caused by something else. Plasma is in charge of maintaining a healthy blood pressure. The chances of more serious problems happening during or after donating plasma are usually small. This would be warrant a call to the donation center's nurse. After your second donation, we can accept your plasma donations regularly. Allow the blood to flow into the bag until it is full. My hemocrit was 36 need to get it to 38.have to have to donate tomorrow. 3.Predicting the removal of proteins during plasma exchange. For the second time I used my left arm and it takes forever. The structure of the veins can vary; thin walls, deeper into the arm or even smaller. . The more you stay hydrated (on a day to day basis, not just donation days), the more plasma you can have extracted during each cycle. Yesterday, when I looked at the machine it said 825mL and I am nowhere near the weight cut off for this amountI have a difficult time enough getting the 690. camarochix72 (author) from USA on June 20, 2015: Why don't the plasma donation centers themselves offer the same wealth of information that you have provided on your "Tips and Tricks" page and your "Hematocrit and Protein" page when donors first sign up with a center? NIH blood bank: AB plasma donor program. However, other research does not appear to confirm this. Other things that may help with the dizziness: 1. drink plenty of fluids and have a salty snack, 3. avoid hot rooms and hot showers/baths for the remainder of the day, 4. avoid vigorous exercise or rushing about, 5. avoid standing for long periods for a few hours. Also, a person may see blood in their urine. They even said it wasn't my fault, but I was still deferred. I've read everything on line. If youre noticing that your donation time seems to be considerably longer than others around you, it may be due to dehydration. I can't get my pulse down any tips on how to do that. I just went in tonight after being denied 30 day ago for the vein check and I was denied again tonight and now they said 6 months before I can come back. Still, it is a good idea to: Hydrate: Plasma is roughly 92% water, so it is a good idea to drink plenty of water before and after the donation to make up for the loss. Question: I donate plasma and when its time for the saline the machine stops. I finally just started donating with the good arm every time. Needing a longer time to donate or having flow issues ; Reacting to the citrate during a plasma donation; . Ive never experienced this, personally, but Ive seen a hand full of people who have. If this happens, the person may experience: Without treatment, this can lead to seizures, shock, or cardiac arrest. Usually when the needle semi-blocked by scar tissue, it results in slower return speed, but it can affect just the draw cycle or both the draw and return cycles. On the second time they took another blood sample because they said the first one was cloudy it's been over a week and the results haven't came back and I still can't donate.
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