The Luxembourg Red Cross is actively seeking plasma donors aged 18 to 65 to help meet the growing demand for this vital resource.
Danielle Welter has been a blood donor since turning 18. When our colleagues from RTL Télé met her, she was visiting for her third plasma donation appointment, with each appointment typically taking between 30 and 45 minutes.
Welter notes that the Luxembourg Red Cross does not always require full blood donations. During her appointment booking, she noticed a chart showing the Red Cross' blood reserves. Seeing that her blood group had a relatively high reserve, she opted to donate plasma instead.
Unlike blood donations, where donors are usually invited every three to four months, plasma donors can donate once a month. Depending on their body weight, donors can provide between 500 and 750mL of plasma.
The donation process begins with a health questionnaire. If everything is satisfactory, the plasma donation can proceed. Dr Andrée Heinricy from the Luxembourg Red Cross explains that, unlike full blood donations where separation occurs afterward, plasma is separated during the donation. The blood passes through a machine that separates the different components: the plasma is retained, while the other components are returned to the donor.
Plasma donors must be between 18 and 65 years old. Hospitals request plasma from the Red Cross, which is treated before use. Plasma can be utilised in two primary ways, according to Dr Heinricy: it can be used as freshly frozen plasma, which involves freezing after certain viruses and bacteria are deactivated, or for treating severe bleeding or burns. Additionally, plasma is used in pharmaceutical production to treat autoimmune diseases.
Further information on how to become a blood or plasma donor is available at dondusang.lu.
