96.3 KKLZ Is Learning About Grifols Plasma And Donation FAQs

96.3 KKLZ is excited to get a tour of Biomat in Las Vegas and learn about their life-saving plasma donation services!

Grifols is a global healthcare company with a track record of more than 100 years and a recognized leader in the development and production of plasma-derived medicines with a network of more than 280 centers operating under the names of Biomat USA Inc., Interstate Blood Bank Inc., and Talecris Plasma Resources, Inc., including a center (s) in the local area.

Plasma is a portion of the blood that is used as the starting material to make life-saving medicines that treat rare and chronic conditions. Plasma contains many proteins and antibodies that help our bodies function. Without enough of any one of these proteins, a person could have or develop a life-threatening illness. Plasma donation is essential in helping make medicines that help treat these illnesses.

Biomat USA is expanding in the Las Vegas Tropicana area.

There is an urgent need for plasma right now because the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted collections with stay-at-home orders, social-distancing measures, and people generally being nervous about going to the center. We need plasma donors now more than ever to make these critical medicines because for many patients there are no alternative treatments. They depend on plasma medicines and the generosity of donors to lead a more normal life. These patients continue to need their treatments today and they also happen to be more susceptible to COVID-19.

Plasma donation is a painless procedure that thousands of people do each day. It is a great way to take a break in the middle of the day while helping others!

All donors receive a thorough health screening at each donation. Once they are screened then they undergo the plasmapheresis process which is where a machine draws the donor’s blood, the plasma is separated from the blood, and the red blood cells are returned.

Since plasma is mostly water plus therapeutic proteins and antibodies, the body quickly regenerates the plasma so a donor can give up to twice a week with a full day between donations. This is important because we need lots of donations – it takes anywhere from 130 to 1300 donations to make enough medicine to treat just one patient for one year. So are asking that people take the time to become regular donors.

We recommend that donors eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of fluids, and get a good night of sleep prior to coming in to donate plasma. Once at the center, they can relax, check their phone or catch up on their latest tv show!

The safety of our donors and employees is Grifol's number one priority. Grifols has implemented protocols as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We are practicing physical distancing throughout the facility by maximizing floor space to seat donors apart
We have put up extra plexiglass barriers and have updated HVAC systems
We have enhanced existing cleaning protocols and provide personal protective equipment for employees
We are requiring everyone to please wear face-covings when inside the center
We take employee and donor temperatures at the door
We strongly encourage anyone who doesn’t feel well to please stay home.
We have a full list of all of our safety protocols on our website grifolsplasma.com
Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Plasma donation is urgently needed now more than ever. Donating plasma at one of Grifols’ network of plasma donor centers is a way people can help make a difference during this exceptional time. We encourage everyone to consider becoming a plasma donor to help those in their communities and globally.