FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2015) -- A medic is an integral part of saving the life of a wounded Soldier. That medic on patrol isn't able to carry a refrigeration device with them, so often their supplies must be able to withstand austere conditions and extreme temperatures.
To help medics in these remote locations without ready access to standard blood products, the Army Blood Program, a service component of the tri-service Armed Forces Blood Program, is providing support by collecting plasma that will be freeze dried for use on the battlefield. The product will allow for earlier use by physicians and medics to manage life threatening injuries with severe hemorrhaging.
Freeze Dried Plasma eliminates the logistical burden associated with storage and preparation of traditional plasma products. Dried plasma was developed and first used by the military in World War II. It does not require dry ice, freezing or thawing. It helps reduce waste by eliminating the outdating of fresh frozen plasma after it is thawed and not transfused. FDP also has a longer shelf-life, lasting two years.
The Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center is collecting plasma to be processed for use by our service members. Lt. Col. Audra Taylor, director, Army Blood Program, said that eligible donors used to donating blood will notice some differences when choosing to donate apheresis plasma.
"During a plasma donation, blood drawn from the donor's arm first goes into a cell separator machine," said Taylor. "This type of automated technology is called apheresis. The plasma is separated and sent to a collection bag, while the remaining components are returned to the donor."
She said that apheresis allows the blood donor center to collect a larger, more concentrated amount of a single blood component. It's a closed, sterile system, using single-use disposable needles and plastic tubing.
The biggest difference for the donor? Time.
"Most donors are used to donating one unit of whole blood, which can take five to 10 minutes for the actual collection," said Taylor. "Apheresis plasma donation takes about one to two hours to complete."
Those hours are time well spent, according to second-time plasma donor, Spc. Jarvis Brummitt from the 3rd Military Information Support Battalion (Airborne).
"I like being able to give back," said Brummitt. "It doesn't feel any different and it's an important thing to do."
It's crucial for FDP donors to donate at least twice. When the first donation is collected, it's tested and placed in a "quarantine" status. The donor then returns 60 days later for a second collection and testing. Once negative results are received, the first unit can be released and shipped out for processing and manufactured into FDP.
In order to qualify for this plasma donation, donors must be male with type A, B or AB blood. They must weigh at least 175 pounds and meet all the general blood donation requirements. The donor must also be able to return after 60 days for retesting and a second donation.
Anyone eligible and able to donate apheresis plasma is encouraged to stop by the Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center to learn more and schedule a donation. This effort is to help meet an operational need for the U.S. military.
Soldiers who donate plasma may receive a certificate of achievement worth five promotion points for donating.
Call the Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center at 910-396-9925 for more information and to schedule an appointment for an apheresis plasma donation.
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