El Paso, Texas (KFOX 14) — Plasma donations can help create medications for people whose bodies may not naturally produce certain proteins needed to stay healthy, according to Isaac, a nurse with CSL Plasma who joined Daytime to explain the donation process.
Isaac said plasma donation is similar to blood donation, with one key difference.
“With plasma, we return your red blood cells,” Isaac said. “We’re basically taking the plasma, which is the liquid portion of the blood, and then we’re returning your red blood cells.”
That process is one reason plasma can be donated more often than whole blood. CSL Plasma says healthy adults who follow FDA frequency guidelines may donate no more than twice in a seven-day period, with time between donations.
Plasma is used to help make therapies for patients living with serious medical needs. CSL Plasma says plasma-derived medicines can help treat people with immunodeficiencies, neurological disorders, shock, burns and other conditions.
For Isaac, the impact is personal and practical. He said donated plasma helps supplement what some patients’ bodies cannot produce on their own, allowing them to live more normal lives.
At CSL Plasma, Isaac said the staff works to make donors feel supported from the moment they walk in. That includes explaining the process, answering questions and helping donors understand why each safety step matters.
“We’re going to be there with the donor every step of the way,” Isaac said.
New donors should bring proper identification and be ready for a screening process. CSL Plasma lists general donor requirements that include being in good health, being at least 18 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds, having valid identification and a permanent address, and meeting eligibility and screening requirements. Eligibility is determined during the visit.
CSL Plasma says appointments are not required, and donors can visit a local center during operating hours.
The company has four verified plasma donation centers in El Paso, including locations on North Loop Drive, South Desert Boulevard, North Yarbrough Drive and Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive.
Plasma donations can help create medications for people whose bodies may not naturally produce certain proteins needed to stay healthy, according to Isaac, a nurse with CSL Plasma who joined Daytime to explain the donation process.
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El Paso Locations:
Loop Drive Plasma Donation Center
8825 N Loop Dr.
El Paso, TX 79907
Phone: 915-261-1124
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Desert Boulevard Plasma Donation Center
6351 South Desert Blvd., Suite 212-B
El Paso, TX 79932
Phone: 915-226-0080
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Yarbrough Drive Plasma Donation Center
2200 N. Yarbrough Dr., Suite K
El Paso, TX 79925
Phone: 915-201-2908
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive Plasma Donation Center
4820 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr.
El Paso, TX 79924
Phone: 915-455-4250
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.