DURBAN North resident, Claire Panagiotopoulos who’s been an avid blood donor, now donates plasma, and says she can’t believe it because she was always so petrified of the process.

“My mom used to work at a blood donor clinic and she always advised me to donate blood, but I never did because I was always so afraid. Eventually she twisted my arm and we donated blood together. Since then I have been a regular donor,” she said.

READ ALSO: Durban North College principal aims to inspire blood donors

Although anyone can donate plasma, those belonging to the AB group are more sought after, as this group is universal and can help any blood group. She has donated 36 units of plasma since May 2020.

“When the blood bank saw that I belong to the AB blood group, they called and asked if I would like to donate plasma and I agreed. It’s easy, pain-free and doesn’t require anything of me other than my time. I choose to donate plasma as my way of giving back,” said Panagiotopoulos.

Each donation takes about 40 minutes and Panagiotopoulos ensures that she rests afterwards and doesn’t perform any strenuous activities.

“I’ve stopped donating blood and only donate plasma now. I feel, if one day I need blood or plasma, someone’s donation would help me. So it makes me happy knowing that my donation is helping others,” she said.

If you, like Panagiotopoulos, would like to donate plasma, visit SANBS at Kensington Square in Durban North.

What is Plasma?
Plasma is the liquid part of your blood in which red cells, white cells and platelets are suspended. It carries these components throughout the body and makes up about 55%of your total blood volume. Plasma also contains antibodies, clotting factors and proteins such as albumin and fibrinogen. The process is called plasmapheresis or source plasma donation where plasma is separated and collected while the red cells, white cells and platelets are returned to your body.

Why donate plasma?
Plasma is essential to saving lives. Clotting factors, antibodies and proteins in plasma can be isolated and concentrated into various essential medicinal products used to treat people with rare, chronic diseases and disorders such as hemophilia, primary immunodeficiency, genetic lung diseases, severe burns, trauma and shock.

Who should donate plasma?
Although anyone who meets normal donation criteria can donate plasma, we specifically need blood group A and AB donors aged 18 to 65 years to consider donating this special source plasma

Why blood group AB?
Group AB plasma is universal; therefore it can be used by anyone regardless of AB their blood group.

Is plasma donation safe?
Donating plasma is generally safe, however side effects can occur. Speak to a nurse at your nearest donor centre to find out more.

How often can I donate plasma?
You can donate plasma every two weeks to a maximum of 24 times a year.