The process by which the plasma is collected is called plasmapheresis. Only the blood plasma is collected, with the red and white blood cells and platelets all being returned to the donor.

As with donating blood, a cannula is inserted into the vein in the arm, through which the blood flows into a centrifuge and filter. Centrifugation and filtration separate the blood into blood cells and plasma. The plasma is collected in a plasma collection bottle and the blood cells are returned to the donor in several cycles via the collection tube.

The exclusive use of sterile disposables ensures the complete absence of contact with foreign blood or other unsafe materials. The amount of plasma donated depends on the donor’s body weight and is capped at a maximum of 850ml, plus the required laboratory samples.

The plasma donation takes about 45 minutes.