Plasma Donation
Plasma donation is an automated procedure where only the plasma is drawn. Blood is drawn and is passed through a cell separator where the plasma is collected and the remainder is returned to you. Apheresis is very safe. Each donation is medically supervised and is performed using a sterile disposable processing kit which is used only once.
This apheresis procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. During this time you may watch a movie or you may bring one of your own to watch while you donate. Receiving plasma from a single donor reduces the risk of an adverse transfusion reaction from several different donors. After a plasma donation, donors must wait 8 weeks before making a blood donation, but only 72 hours for platelets. 
Donors with blood type AB not only have a rare blood type (only four percent of the population is AB), but also an opportunity to save lives in a special way. Donors with AB blood types have "universal donor plasma", so it can be transfused safely into a patient of any blood group.
Requirements:
The same good health requirements that govern a whole blood donation apply here. You must be 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health.
Why is Plasma important?
Plasma, which is 90 percent water, constitutes 55 percent of blood volume. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure, carries blood cells, nutrients, and enzymes. Plasma supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. Shock and burn victims rely on its lifesaving proteins that are necessary for blood coagulation. Plasma can be frozen and used for up to one year.
Other Types of Apheresis Donations
For answers to specific questions about being eligible to donate send an e-mail to donornotification@bloodntissue.org.