International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) – October 4-8 – raises global awareness about source plasma donation, recognizes the contribution of plasma donors and increases understanding about lifesaving plasma protein therapies. Championed by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, here’s how you can take part:
- Learn about the need for source plasma. Plasma is the clear, straw-colored liquid portion of blood – the single largest component of human blood, containing water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins. Therapies made from source plasma treats people who have diseases and disorders such as primary immunodeficiency and hemophilia. Plasma-based medicine also treats patients who suffered trauma, burns and shock.
- Meet some of the patients who rely on therapies made from donated plasma. Matt, never let hemophilia stand in his way; he has needed infusions of a plasma-based therapy his entire life. Judy lives with severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe; she was given 10 years to live after her diagnosis at age 28 and has beat the odds, celebrating her 50th birthday.
- Learn about the power of plasma. Explore infographics, videos and other content about plasma medicine.
- Donate plasma today at a collection center near you. Donating plasma is similar to giving blood. A needle is placed into a vein in your arm. Plasma is collected through a process call plasmapheresis and is conducted in cycles that may take up to an hour.
Find plasma donation centers, including CSL Plasma centers, and more information at donatingplasma.org/ and CSLPlasma.com.
