December 13, 2023 – As the holiday season approaches, Canadian Blood Services highlights the importance of plasma donation, now conveniently available at the cutting-edge Brampton Plasma Donor Centre. This state-of-the-art dedicated plasma facility was the first of its kind in southern Ontario when it opened just over a year ago.
Plasma, a protein-rich liquid in blood, is crucial for treating various medical conditions. The Brampton Plasma Donor Centre plays a vital role in meeting the increasing demand for plasma-derived products.
Eligibility Criteria Dropped After 30 Years of Research
Last month, Canadian Blood Services announced a significant eligibility change that could bring thousands of potential blood and plasma donors to the forefront this holiday season. Health Canada has approved the removal of a long-standing rule related to the human variant of ‘mad cow’ disease, opening doors for donors who were previously ineligible.
For over two decades, individuals who lived or spent time in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, or France during the ’80s and ’90s were barred from donating due to the ‘mad cow’ outbreak. Now, with nearly 30 years of global surveillance and research, this restriction is lifted.
Ron Vezina, vice president of public affairs, reveals that around 70,000 Canadians were unable to donate since 2003 due to this rule. The change aims to encourage those who were once ineligible to visit donor centers after December 4, addressing the ongoing need for blood and plasma.
Decades of Research Pave the Way
Research conducted over three decades on variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) led to the removal of criteria related to potential exposure to beef products and transfusions. Dr. Aditi Khandelwal, medical officer, emphasizes ongoing reviews to ensure blood safety and availability.
After the criteria were lifted for several European countries in February 2022, Health Canada’s recent approval aligns Canadian Blood Services with global counterparts like the United States, Australia, and Israel.
The Need is Great
Vezina stresses the continuous need for donors, particularly during the winter holiday season. Canadian Blood Services aims to recruit 100,000 new donors annually to maintain the strength of Canada’s Lifeline.
Plasma donation offers a unique opportunity to make a life-saving difference for patients across Canada. Donating plasma is similar to donating blood. Only the plasma portion of your blood is collected; the other components (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) are returned to you.
How to Donate Plasma in Brampton
The Brampton Plasma Donor Centre, located at 8255 Financial Drive, welcomes healthy individuals meeting eligibility criteria to donate plasma as frequently as every two weeks. The centre operates on a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
People interested in donating are urged to visit the Canadian Blood Services website, call 1-888-2DONATE (236-6283), or use the GiveBlood app to book appointments.
Canadian Blood Services encourages those unable to donate to explore alternative ways to contribute, such as supporting blood donors or sharing the message on social media. Visit blood.ca for more information on eligibility criteria and how to get involved.
As Canada’s Lifeline strives to maintain a steady supply of blood and plasma, the holiday season serves as a crucial period to reinforce the message: Give the gift of life this Christmas.