Eligibility
Medical Temporary Deferral - FAQs
Why was I deferred? A medical temporary deferral means our medical team has asked you to wait before donating to ensure that it is safe for you to donate and that you meet required donation guidelines. In many cases, you may be able to donate again ...
Will a Protein Sample Visit End My Deferral?
If you are deferred and required to come in for a Protein Sample Visit, it is important to know that we can only end the deferral once we receive in-range test results. Our full protein sample results can take up to 3 weeks to be shipped, tested, ...
How Can I Prepare for a Protein Sample Visit?
A Protein Sample Visit is just a simple blood draw, similar to having lab work done for a doctor's visit. While no specific preparation is necessary, we recommend eating a healthy, protein-rich meal before hand and staying hydrated. This is general ...
What is a Protein Sample Visit?
A Protein Sample Visit (sometimes referred to as a Sample Only Visit) is a short visit to a donation center where a vial of blood is drawn to test and confirm that a donor's protein levels are within the FDA's required range for Plasma donation. ...
What does my body temperature have to be to donate?
Your body temperature cannot be above 99.5 degrees. If you have a fever or are feeling under the weather please stay home.
What does my pulse need to be to donate?
Before each donation, we will check your vitals. An acceptable pulse is between 50 and 100 beats per minute when at rest.
What does my blood pressure have to be to donate?
Before each donation, we will check your vitals. To donate at Parachute, your blood pressure must be above 90/50 and below 160/100.
Why do you have to weigh between 110-400 lbs to give plasma?
Hello! The FDA sets this weight requirement and it is for safety reasons.
I don’t fall within the weight restrictions but am healthy. Can I still donate?
Unfortunately, the weight requirement is strict and we are not able to make any exceptions. I apologize for the inconvenience.
I don’t fall within the age restrictions but am healthy. Can I still donate?
The age requirement is set by our medical team and is for safety reasons. Other donation centers may have different age requirements, so I would recommend visiting www.donatingplasma.org to see what other options there are near you.
What do you mean by ‘good general health’?
Good general health means that you feel well on donation day and can carry out normal daily activities. If you have a chronic medical condition, you may still be eligible if you are receiving appropriate treatment to control your condition. When you ...
What are the donation requirements?
To donate at Parachute members must be 18-64 years old, weigh 110-400 lbs., and be in good general health.
How long do I have to wait to consume any alcohol after my donation?
We recommend hydrating after your donation. Since plasma is about 90% water, it’s recommended to drink extra fluids in the 24-48 hours following your donation, as your body replenishes and recovers. We advise waiting 24 hours after donation to ...
Can I drink water during my appointment?
Hydrating prior to your appointment is encouraged. During the registration and screening process, you are welcome to drink water or other non-alcoholic and caffeine-free beverages, as long as they are in a spill-proof container. Once your donation ...
Can I drink coffee before my donation?
While drinking coffee in moderation will not disqualify you from donating, we suggest avoiding caffeine entirely before donating. If you do drink a caffeinated beverage, it’s best to allow at least 2-3 hours before attempting to donate.
I smoke cigarettes/use nicotine, can I still donate?
We highly recommend refraining from smoking, vaping, and any kind of nicotine use the day before and the day of your donation, as it can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, which could result in temporary deferral. We also encourage donors ...
Will you test my blood for drug use?
We do not test for drugs, but if a member enters the center under the influence and/or smells like marijuana or alcohol, they will be asked to leave the center and come back to donate when not under the influence. This is for safety reasons.
I use medicinal marijuana/THC products/have a medical marijuana card. Can I still donate?
Thanks for reaching out! Since this question relates to donor safety and eligibility it would need to be answered by the team at the donation center. If you’re interested in donating and are uncertain if you’re eligible I would recommend scheduling a ...
Can I donate on my period/while menstruating?
Yes, as long as you are feeling well. We will check your iron levels prior to each donation, so this is something to be mindful of depending on where you are in your cycle. We recommend staying well hydrated and consuming a meal high in iron and ...
I am/was pregnant/breastfeeding. Can I donate?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible to donate during pregnancy. You would need to wait until you are at least 183 days postpartum. Once you've hit that milestone, you are eligible to donate, even if you are still breastfeeding.
How do you verify what medications a person is taking?
When you come in for your first visit you’ll fill out some paperwork regarding your health history and any medications you’re currently taking. If more information is needed, our medical team will connect with your primary care provider.
What do you check my blood for?
Because plasma is used to make life-saving medicines, safety is our top priority. We carefully screen every donation for infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, and other viral markers to help protect both you and the patients who rely on ...
What do you check before donating?
As a first step, we will review any medications you may be taking and ask you some questions about your medical history. Next, we'll measure your pulse, blood pressure, heart rate, and weight and perform a finger prick test to measure your blood ...
What happens during the physical?
The health screening you'll receive is an abbreviated version of what you may be used to getting from your primary care physician. It'll be done in a private room and is to ensure that you're in good health and are feeling well. We'll check your ...
Where do I fax medical records to?
Our fax number for incoming Medical Authorization Forms is 737-210-8868 and should be sent in by your healthcare provider.
Can I donate if I tested positive for COVID-19?
We follow the current CDC guidelines for isolation and social distancing. To keep our team and other members safe, we ask that you wait until you are feeling healthy and well before coming in for an appointment. Here’s a link to their website to view ...