FAQS
Have questions about IPAW or plasma donation?
Explore our answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
IPAW faqs
I’m not located in North America or Europe, but still want to celebrate IPAW. How can I get involved?
Individuals or organizations from around the world are invited to get involved with International Plasma Awareness Week. Many of the resources available for download on this site feature customizable files so you can adjust and distribute items in your language and add relevant messaging to your area or cause. Additionally, we want to see how you are getting involved from around the world – include #IPAW2024 in your social media messages and tag PPTA so we can help highlight your activities. Further, if you’d like to receive an IPAW logo in your language, email media@pptaglobal.org to make a request—please include the specific language translation of “International Plasma Awareness Week” and “October” in your message. Please allow for 1-2 weeks for response and turnaround.
What is the purpose of IPAW?
Plasma protein therapies are sometimes referred to as plasma-derived therapies, fractionated plasma products, blood products, or plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs):
- Raise global awareness about plasma collection.
- Recognize the contributions of plasma donors to saving and improving the lives of patients living with rare and/or genetic conditions around the world.
- Increase understanding about lifesaving plasma-derived medicines and their use cases in rare diseases and everyday medicine.
Who is the target audience for IPAW?
IPAW is for everyone! Patients around the world rely on plasma-derived medicines and this underscores the value of plasma donation. From the person who may just be looking for ways to help their neighbor to policymakers who can impact regulations—there is a need to increase the understanding and appreciation for plasma donation.
How can I get involved?
Post content to your social media accounts acknowledging IPAW. Share and like PPTA's Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn posts @PPTAEurope and @PlasmaProteins. Don’t forget to use the official IPAW hashtag in your social media content: #IPAW2024.
What is PPTA, the organization behind IPAW?
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) is the primary advocate for the world’s leading source plasma collectors and producers of plasma-based and recombinant biological therapeutics. The medicines produced by PPTA members are used in treating life-threatening diseases and serious medical conditions including bleeding disorders, immune system deficiencies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, burns and shock. As the global representative for the plasma collection and therapeutics industry, PPTA works cooperatively with patient groups, policymakers, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. For over a decade, IPAW has been a joint project of PPTA and its members.
General faqs
What is plasma?
Plasma is the straw-colored liquid portion of blood made up of water, salts, and proteins. For more information on plasma, click here.
What are plasma proteins?
Plasma contains numerous proteins, which are essential for the body to function properly. Some plasma proteins include:
- Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (protects the lungs)
- C1 esterase inhibitor (helps regulate inflammation)
- Clotting or coagulation factors (control bleeding)
- Immunoglobulins or "antibodies" (control the immune system and prevent illness)
What are plasma-derived medicines?
Plasma-derived medicines are made from donated plasma. For more information, click here.
Plasma-derived medicines are sometimes referred to fractionated plasma products or plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs).
How are plasma-derived medicines made?
The production of plasma-derived medicines begins with donated plasma from healthy individuals. Plasma donations are pooled, and then individual proteins are extracted through a process called fractionation. For more details on plasma donation and the complex manufacturing process, click here.
What do plasma-derived medicines treat?
Plasma-derived medicines treat a variety of chronic and life-threatening medical conditions, many times caused by insufficient levels of any one plasma protein. Some conditions include:
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency—patients have chronic emphysema and liver damage.
- Hereditary angioedema—patients experience severe swelling; can be fatal if airway is obstructed.
- Bleeding disorders—patients cannot regulate bleeding; can be fatal if bleeding occurs in brain or vital organs.
- Immunodeficiency diseases—patients are chronically ill from severe, persistent, recurrent infections.
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy—patients experience progressive weakness, loss of limb function, and disability.
How is plasma collected?
Donating plasma is similar to giving blood. Plasma is collected through a process called plasmapheresis. A needle is placed into a vein in the arm and connected to a plasmapheresis machine that removes whole blood, separates the plasma from the other blood components, and then returns those components to the donor.
What is source plasma?
Source plasma is plasma collected from healthy donors and used exclusively to make plasma-derived medicines.
What is recovered plasma?
Recovered plasma is plasma that is taken from a whole blood donation, rather than collected from a plasma donor through plasmapheresis. Both source & recovered plasma are used to make plasma protein therapies.
Where is plasma collected?
Source plasma is collected at specialized donation centers located in the United States and Europe. To find a center near you, visit here.
What is IQPP?
IQPP stands for International Quality Plasma Program. The IQPP program provides independent, third-party evaluation and recognition of a plasma center’s adherence to global industry standards for source plasma collection. An independent, third-party auditor evaluates the center’s adherence to the IQPP Standards. A center is certified only if it meets all of the requirements. Learn more.
How many plasma donation centers are there in the United States?
There are more than 1,000 IQPP certified plasma donation centers in the United States. To find a center near you, visit here.
How many plasma donation centers are there in Europe?
There are more than 150 IQPP certified plasma donation centers in Europe. To find a center near you, visit here.
Where can I donate plasma?
Use this map to find a plasma donation center near you.
It's my first-time donating plasma. What can I expect?
If you are over 18 and weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg), please arrive to a plasma donation center near you with a valid form of ID, and having eaten before your appointment (eating protein before donating is recommended). It's also important to be well hydrated prior to donating plasma. Your first visit will generally take about two hours, and include medical exams and tests to ensure your eligibility to donate plasma. After you donate your first time, most subsequent visits will take 90 minutes or less. Common side effects of plasma donation are similar to those of blood donation and may include bruising, dehydration, or dizziness. Eating and drinking before a donation may help prevent side effects.
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contact us
We're here to help! For inquiries about IPAW, IPAW-related resources, or general questions about plasma donation, please get in touch with us by filling out our contact form.
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