London’s plasma donor centre is upgrading to new ‘female friendly’ donor machines which will almost double the number of women who can donate lifesaving plasma.

Up until now, the number of female donors has been severely restricted. The previous donation machines operated to minimum height and weight criteria that ruled most women out. Only around 5% of the 1,900 plasma donors at the centre in Twickenham were female, because of the restrictions.

However the new machines operate with new height and weight criteria, based on more up to date evidence. The majority of women can now donate plasma, which will even up the donor mix, and bolster donations of a medicine under supply pressure.

The nine new machines go live in Twickenham today [Friday, August 5], at the centre in Regal House on London Road, one of three plasma donation centres in the country.

The machines can take donations from women who are shorter or who weigh less. Previously, a woman of around average height at 5ft 4ins tall had to weigh 12 stone 8lbs to make a donation. Now, a woman who is 5ft 4ins tall only needs to weigh 9 stone to make a donation.

The new machines are also designed solely for plasma donation, which gives them more advantages. Donors say the new machines are more comfortable and faster, with each donation taking about 35 minutes instead of 45 minutes.

In plasma donation, blood is gradually passed through the machine, which spins out the plasma. The red blood cells are gradually returned to the donor.

The plasma will be used to make immunoglobulin, an antibody-rich medicine which strengthens or stabilises the immune system of people with rare disorders.

Each year, around 3,900 people from Greater London are treated with immunoglobulin, for disorders such as Primary Immunodeficiency, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

England relied on imported immunoglobulin for more than 20 years as a precaution against vCJD but the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said last year that UK plasma donation can again be used for immunoglobulins.

NHS Blood and Transplant has been directed to take donations to bolster long term immunoglobulin supplies to NHS hospitals in the face of international supply pressures.

Christina Leaver, Twickenham Plasma Donor Centre manager, said: “Our new plasma donation machines are female friendly, enabling almost twice as many women to save lives by giving plasma.

“We know some women were disappointed because we had to turn them away before. Now, more people than ever can donate.

“Please register to donate plasma – you have a medicine in you which will save lives.”

Kate George, 47, from Isleworth in Hounslow, said plasma medicine enabled her to have a son.

Her body was only making about 5% of the normal level of antibodies. She experienced years of infections and illness before she was diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency and her treatment began.

“My consultant said if I had tried to get pregnant during that period, I would probably have lost my child,” said Kate, a senior HR manager.

“And without I am not sure I would be here alive either, as I could have caught something like pneumonia.

“I can’t even put into words what immunoglobulin infusions have done for me. It’s given me my life back. It’s amazing that people donate and I am so grateful. I hope the new machines let more people than ever give plasma.”

Kim Chadwick, 65, from Ealing, is tied for the most plasma donations by a woman at Twickenham donor centre, with 16 donations so far.

Kim, who works in accounts at an electrical wholesaler, said: “I go down every two weeks. It doesn’t hurt and the people are lovely.

“You never know what’s around the corner so all the time I can do it, I will do it, because even if I just help one person’s life, I will be over the moon.

“To anyone thinking of trying it, I’d say it’s not painful, the staff look after you, and to me it’s a relaxing half hour – it’s lovely.

“I know they need more donors because we’ve had imports only, so I’d say to anyone out there just try it, especially now more women than ever can donate.”

Alexander Bayliss, aged 36, a communications consultant from Greenwich, receives plasma medicine every three weeks for a rare genetic condition.

He has pachydermoperiostosis, which affects the skin and bones. Doctors believe it has also affected his bone marrow, meaning he has less white blood cells making antibodies to fight infections.

Alex said: “I think it’s really important that we can take donations in England again now.

“Effectively, my immunity to illness can only come from the community donating. I am grateful to everyone who donates. and it’s great that now many more women can donate.”

Register to donate plasma in plasma at www.blood.co.uk/plasma