VERIFY | Here's what donating plasma does to your antibody levels

ST. LOUIS — Bob Muenz saw a silver lining when he recovered from COVID-19: the antibodies in his blood could help other people fight the coronavirus.

He donated plasma and got a call a few weeks later. The blood bank wanted him to donate again, because his antibody count was very high.

But he had a question: would donating again reduce the number of antibodies in his blood, and would that have an effect on his ability to fight off SARS-CoV-2 if he was exposed again?

The Verify Team at 5 On Your Side spoke to a local doctor to find out.

Dr. Alex Lacasse at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital is an infectious disease doctor who has been treating COVID-19 patients for the last six months. He also just completed a study on plasma with the Mayo Clinic.

"The antibody level is never reduced. It stays in your system in what we call memory cells. So if, for example, you were exposed to COVID-19, the response would be, boom, instantaneous because we have those memories," said Dr. Lacasse.

So we can verify: Donating plasma more than once will not reduce the antibody levels that protect against COVID-19.

[jessicah]

Thank you plasma donors! From someone with Common Variable Immunodeficiency. I don't make antibodies to vaccines or infections, so you all make life without constantly being on antibiotics possible. ❤️

[weallbelearningsomestuff]

When I donated in my mid-twemties, I used to celebrate with 1 pint of Guiness after dinner.
Now at age 44, I fuel up on healthy cuisine before and after donating. Hydration is an absolute must. Drink plenty of water. Donating plasma keeps me on my sober path, abstinence from alcohol. The money I earn affords me better groceries including CBD with low THC, and Lion's Mane mushrooms amongst many. Be strong for yourselves and be strong for others. It's a LIFESTYLE

[notchbak]

Donating plasma pays you pennies, and the company makes BILLIONS.
It's human vampiristic cannibalization at a minimum...

[timisin]

I am conducting a field study on how we can increase our antibodies by giving plasma. My levels before I gave plasma were at 200 per ml, now they are 395 after just giving once. I have gave two more times and will go in for another antibody test monday. I am currently going on 15 months with antibodies btw. Goodluck and keep your self immunity.

[robnation]

Donating plasma can be beneficial particularly if you have "elevated autoantibodies" which is a "bad" form of antibodies (too many).
I've been donating for the past 2 months (16 times so far) and I feel better in a number of ways (unlikely that I have elevated autoantibodies though). My blood pressure has never been better for starters.
Donors just need to eat well and drink a ton of water. Donating has created new positive habits for me (like drinking more water and eating better)😀

[sumanghosh-pbdw]

0:39 - details start here
0:58 - anti-bodies never reduced

[LetsTalkPopCulture]

I mean donating plasma sucks. Waiting 3 hrs to get little pay & deal with weird ass people… yep let’s do it !

[ZarinaGalore]

Thanks because I survived COVID and just gave plasma for my first time!

[tuvoca]

They still didn't answer the original question....

[seapearl]

I’m only donating for a month, to make $800. No more after that. 😅 I don’t like the process, and have visible injection sites from the needle on my right arm, I bruise easily. I have small veins on my left arm so they can’t touch it.

[HellNoKamala]

Your blood has antibodies your plasma doesn't. I just feel weak after giving plasma. I know when you hit 62 or 3 they stop you from giving plasma. So they know it's not good for you actually but they aren't going to be explicit with what happens. I don't think Canadians are even able to get paid for giving plasma. The United States supplies many countries with life saving plasma and products.

[franklopez]

I've been donating plasma for about 12 - 13 years now

[gotsm]

It's normally harmless to donate your plasma, most common side effect is feeling dizzy or drunk after donating if you're a really thin person or an older person. Most people can donate up to twice a week with no side effects. If you want to donate plasma it is important to say is it healthy as you can.

[tarzanjane]

My arm has a big intention initially. Hurts. My anti body levels were high when tested for other things.

[critterfestsanctuary]

I've been donating plasma for almost two years now and sad to say have noticed changes to my body. My muscles are getting weaker and I feel weaker at times. It's too the point that no matter how much I proteins I build up and how much I hydrate I wind up getting sick for the next two hours after donating and if I eat right afterwards I will start throwing up. I'm going to stop for I have no choice. Any advice ? Peace.

[spurbronc]

As long as you follow the advice and guidelines as medically directed and check with your physician, there is only good that comee out of donating!! Keep donating plasma and blood. Of course you get paid foe plasma but if yoi don't need cash, donate a4 either place. Just contribute to the world in a positive way!!

[sarahshep]

I donated my plasma for over a year and am pretty healthy. I stopped after I got a cold/flu and it was the worse I have ever got sick in my life. I know what they tell you but to encourage the masses to donate. Nope not anymore I have been fine since I stopped haven't gotten sick in over 2 years. So I definitely think it depletes your body. Just my experience but wouldn't recommend.

[mickymouse]

so if he had high antibody's what does that have to do with donating if you dont lose them?

[markthomas]

Thank you Tim. Going in soon for third donation. Reno, Nv. I will ask for any numbers attached to my personal file. Will post results if given anything worth mentioning. March 6, 2023

[InstrumentalArcanum]

Does this lower your iron? I can never find actual info cause they label blood donation instead of plasma. Does donate plasma lower iron