Donor Health
It’s important that donors follow a diet that meets the recommended daily requirements for protein, typically between 50 to 80 grams daily for an adult.. Proteins include foods such as cheese, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and beans. A donor's protein level will be tested each time he or she presents to donate, and if the results are out of the acceptable range, the donor will not be permitted to donate plasma that day.
Donors should also eat foods rich in iron such as tuna, eggs, nuts, beans and lean red meat to help ensure that iron levels are sufficient to donate. Each time a donor presents to donate plasma, the hematocrit level is tested. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood occupied by red blood cells.
Donor should always remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or juice the day prior to and the day of donation, avoid alcohol and caffeine and get plenty of sleep.
Before donating, inform center personnel if you’ve:
* Recently had major surgery
* Obtained a tattoo, touch-up or piercing within the last 12 months
* Are taking any medication or are under a doctor’s care for any medical condition