According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does not generally disqualify a person from donating plasma.

However, if a person has severe RA, their doctor may recommend that they do not donate. Other factors unrelated to RA may also stop a person with this condition from being able to donate.

For example, some factors that may stop a person from donating include:

The MSKCC also states that someone with RA should inform their donor program before donating if they have previously taken or are currently taking upadacitinib (Rinvoq).

Upadactinib is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that doctors typically use to treat RA.

People taking immunosuppressive drugs may also be unable to donate blood or plasma, temporarily or permanently. This is due to the increased risk of infection and potential effects on people who will receive the blood.

People who want to donate plasma may have to undergo medical testing to ensure they are suitable. This may involve testing blood pressure and other health factors. People can speak with a healthcare professional to learn more about this process.

People with RA may also want to consider whether the donation process may affect their symptoms or cause discomfort before donating.

When the needle is in place during plasma donation, a person must recline on a chair and may need to repeatedly squeeze a soft ball. If someone’s RA affects their hands or wrists, this action may be uncomfortable.

The entire process of giving plasma may take up to two hours on a person’s first time. After this, appointments may range from an hour to an hour and a half. The actual plasma extraction can be up to an hour long.

If someone with RA wants to donate plasma, it is generally a good idea to speak with a member of their healthcare team.

A healthcare professional can help assess whether they may be a suitable donor and explain the potential for adverse effects or discomfort.