When I arrived at my whole blood donation appointment today with the Canadian Blood Services, the receptionist asked me if I might be interested in donating plasma instead. I asked, “Why, is there a shortage?” and she (and later the other wonderful collection specialists) explained to me that essentially, yes—there is a shortage.
I had no idea until today, but it seems our plasma supply for now largely depends on purchasing from the global market. Worse, we’ve apparently had to contract private entities that operate paid plasma collection clinics, which is unethical and also increases the safety risks that threaten our supply (i.e. desperate individuals can feel compelled to sell their plasma to help meet their financial needs).
One of the neat things about plasma donation is that you can do it way more frequently. If your arms can handle it, you can donate as often as once a week.
Personally, I have a recurring appointment for every two weeks during my lunch break. I spend an hour hooked up to the machine, drinking a coffee and reading a book - it’s pretty chill. There’s emerging research indicating that there may be health benefits to donating as well - you are basically doing an oil change for your body.
To be slightly more specific, we accumulate PFAS, carcinogenic “forever” chemicals, in our blood, and our bodies have no way to process or rid ourselves of it. Emerging research suggests that blood donations reduce the amount of PFAS in our blood because, well, we’re basically bloodletting it out.
PFAS is in both everyday things from Teflon cookware to fire storeroom foam and its worked is way everywhere in the environment due to human activity, of course. Everyone has PFAS in their blood, even newborn infants.
Search “PFAS blood” or “PFAS newborn” to be disappointed in life 🙁
So, bloodletting, with two upsides.