The lifesaving journey of plasma
Plasma from blood and plasma donations can be made into medicines. These medicines can be used to treat over 50 diseases and support cancer treatments.
Watch this video to see how plasma donated by blood and plasma donors in England goes on a journey to become lifesaving medicine.
How plasma becomes lifesaving medicine
How you can help
Every year, more and more people will rely on plasma medicines, and it takes many donations to help one patient.
Until recently, England relied on imports of plasma from other countries to make these medicines. Now, thanks to our amazing donors and staff, we are establishing our own supply of plasma medicines.
We need more donors to help make these medicines and strengthen UK self-sufficiency.
Donate plasma
Key things about plasma donation:
- you can donate plasma at 3 donation venues in England - Birmingham, Reading and Twickenham
- You can donate plasma more often than blood - most plasma donors give several times a year, but you can donate as often as every 2 weeks if you'd like
Who can donate plasma
If you can travel to Birmingham, Reading or Twickenham, you could donate plasma
Give blood
Key things about blood donation:
- we collect smaller amounts of plasma from blood donations, so if you can't make it to one of our plasma donor centres, you could still help by donating blood
- you can donate blood at one of our 27 donor centres (where we have most appointment availability) or at one of our community based venues.
Who can give blood
As long as you are fit and healthy, you should be able to donate blood
Already a donor?
If you already donate blood or plasma, you can login and book an appointment to donate today.
If you are a blood donor interested in changing to plasma, find out how to change to plasma donation.