BioLife – Donateplasma

Yes, you can, if:  

1. You are between 18 and 60 years old.   

2. You have a social security number, either Hungarian or EU, identification and proof of address.  

3. You are able to speak and understand the English language.  

4. You weigh more than 50 kg but less than 150 kg  

5. You are not pregnant or have not been for at least 6 months and you are no longer breastfeeding.   

6. You have not undergone surgery or major dental work in the past 4 months, and at least 4 months have passed since your last tattoo or piercing.   

7. If you have not been in contact with someone with blood-borne infections (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, etc.) such as intravenous drug users or sex workers.  

8. You don’t or didn’t have diabetes, infectious hepatitis, or organ/tissue transplantation   

9. You don’t have any chronic illnesses (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, autoimmune disease, severe asthma, etc.),   

Identity: ID card/driver’s license/passport/student ID  

Proof of address: passport/valid student ID/employment contract or rent agreement  

Health insurance: social security (TAJ) card/EU card/other card or insurance providing health care coverage in Hungary  

You need a local proof of address or rent agreement.  

Yes, English–speaking assistance is provided! Please check the available days for foreign donors at your local center!  

You can donate plasma up to 45 times a year. Because, compared to whole blood donation, we collect only the liquid component—that is, the plasma—your body replenishes it very quickly, so you can donate plasma more often than whole blood. At least 61 hours must pass between two donations.  

Plasmapheresis is very similar to blood donation; it is a safe procedure that has been widely used in healthcare for a long time. During the procedure, blood plasma is separated from the other components of the blood. Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm using a sterile, single-use set, and the plasmapheresis machine separates it into its components using a centrifuge. The plasma is collected in a plasma bag, while the solid components—the blood cells—are returned to the body.  

• The great feeling of helping others: Many of our plasma donors are motivated by the knowledge that their donation can help someone. For many patients, life without plasma-based medicines is nearly impossible. 
•  Regular free health screenings: Your health and safety are our top priority, which is why you’ll receive regular medical checkups with us. 
•  Relaxation: Many of our plasma donors view donation as a personal form of relaxation, during which they can read a book, watch a movie, or simply relax. 
•  Compensation for your time: Since plasma donation takes longer than blood donation, donors receive a compensation fee regulated by law (five times the current minimum hourly wage incash) after each plasma donation, as well as other benefits. See the Benefits section for full details! 

Like blood donation, plasmapheresis is a safe procedure that is widely used in healthcare, has been known for a long time, and is performed safely. In rare cases, especially if donors have not eaten or drunk enough, side effects such as dizziness can occur. As with blood donation or blood draws, bruising may occur at the needle insertion site in rare cases.  

Immediately after the plasma donation, we take two samples of the plasma and subject them to two different pathogen screening tests. We only approve plasma for further processing if no pathogens are detected in either test. The plasma is stored at -20 degrees Celsius for at least 60 days, and then, following further testing, it is sent for fractionation, where the plasma is broken down into its individual components. The production of plasma-based products takes an average of 7–9 months.  

We handle all data in accordance with the strict provisions of the European General Data Protection Regulation. We collect and store your personal and health data only to the extent permitted and required by law.  

Plasma donation generally does not affect physical performance.  

However, please note that you must not drive a motor vehicle for at least 30 minutes after donating plasma, and for safety reasons, you should not participate in activities that pose a particular risk, dangerous sports or recreational activities, or activities and occupations that involve significant physical stress for 12 hours following plasma donation.  

Free Wi-Fi is available at all of our centers for all our plasma donors. For more information about access, please ask our staff at the center. 

1. Blood plasma is mostly water, and the body needs extra fluids to replace it  

2. Vein elasticity depends on getting enough water  

3. Proper hydration speeds up the donation process; the success of plasmapheresis may depend on it  

However, it is not recommended to drink large amounts of fluids 1–2 hours before the plasma donation to avoid an uncomfortable urge to urinate during the donation.  

1.  You must not consume alcohol within 12 hours before donating plasma  

2. You must wait 2 weeks after donating blood  

3. You must inform the BioLife physician if you have had a tattoo, piercing, or other body jewelry within the past 4 months, or if you have undergone major dental work 

4. If you have been taking antibiotics, you may donate plasma only after you have fully recovered and one week has passed since taking the last dose  

•  Yes. Before your first visit, please schedule an appointment with us via our website, email, or phone. 
•  If you are already a registered donor at BioLife, you can book your next appointment at the reception desk after your plasma donation, or by calling our toll-free number (+36 80 808 008), or on our website. 

The amount of plasma collected and the duration of the donation depends on your height and weight. On average, however, it takes about an hour. If this is your first time visiting us, please allow an extra 30–60 minutes.  

•  You must arrive at the plasma center at the scheduled time and register at the reception desk with your original, official photo ID, tax card, social security card, and proof of address, as well as your registration form. Plan to spend about 1-1 and a half hour there on your first visit.  
•  You will receive a health questionnaire, which you must fill out completely. 
•  Following this, you will have a consultation and examination with the center’s doctor, who will also review the completed health questionnaire with you. 
• The doctor will decide whether to approve your donation based on all the information and your personal parameters. On your first visit, you may donate plasma or just provide a blood sample—depending on the doctor’s decision and your readiness as a donor. 
•  After the medical examination, you will be escorted by a staff member to the donation room, where you can make yourself comfortable on the pheresis bed. We collect the plasma through a vein in your arm; the process takes about 45 minutes. 
•  After the plasma donation, our staff member will apply a pressure bandage to your arm, and we’ll ask you to remain seated at the center for a few minutes. 
•  After your first plasma donation, you will receive a temporary donor card, which we will replace with a permanent one after your second donation. You will receive the full amount of the reimbursement and compensation for the first two plasma donations and for completing the donor satisfaction survey after your second donation. Subsequently, you will receive payment (in the form of cash + a Rewin voucher) immediately following a successful visit.  
•  Please don’t forget to schedule your next appointment right after your first plasma donation, while you’re still at the center. 

Our plasma centers are staffed by experienced and trained healthcare professionals who care for plasma donors throughout the entire process. A doctor is always present at every center to provide medical consultations to plasma donors and perform the necessary examinations. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have!  

•  If possible, stay at the center for half an hour after donating plasma and drink plenty of fluids. 
•  We recommend that you avoid driving for half an hour after donating plasma. 
•  Keep the pressure bandage on for at least one hour after donating. This prevents ugly blue bruises. 
•  You should avoid heavy physical activity for about 1–2 hours. 

1. Make sure to drink enough fluids (at least 2 liters), but avoid “colored” drinks.
2. Always eat before donating plasma, preferably foods rich in protein and carbohydrates. Do not arrive on an empty stomach. Avoid fatty foods.
3. Alcohol consumption is prohibited 12 hours before plasma donation; drinking coffee and smoking are not recommended either.
4. On the day of plasma donation, heavy physical work or sports are not recommended.

MEATS:   

YES: lean meats: chicken, turkey, sea fish  
NO: fatty meats: sausage, cold cuts, liver pâté, organ meats, dishes containing ground meat, canned meat, hot dogs, krinolin, canned oily fish, smoked and dried fish, shellfish  

VEGETABLES:   

YES: potatoes, soybeans, legumes  
NO: avocados, olives, beets, carrots  

FRUITS:  

YES: almost any fruit can be consumed, e.g., apples, peaches, bananas  
NO: red fruits, e.g., blackberries, blueberries, melons  

BEVERAGES:  

YES: mineral water, fruit juices (except those made from red fruits), green tea  
NO: alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, coffee, colored fruit teas, fruit syrups, red fruit juices   

NUTS:   

NO: walnuts, peanuts, oilseeds  

DAIRY PRODUCTS:  

YES: low-fat milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, margarine  
NO: whole milk, whipped cream, butter, cheese  

GRAINS:  

YES: white rice, brown rice, pasta  
  

OTHERS:  

YES: egg whites  
NO: egg yolks, sweets, pizza, mayonnaise