Question: where is plasma extracted from the blood supply

title: Blood plasma
text: In contrast to whole blood donation , plasma donation may be done much more often ( 2 times per week in some jurisdictions , compared to once per 8 weeks for whole blood donation ) , because the whole blood cells are returned to the body during the donation process . Most plasma is naturally replaced by the body within 48 hours . There are medical for - profit companies which financially compensate individuals who give their plasma ( $10 -- $100 per week for 3 -- 7 hours of time , normally ) . It is usually defined as a compensation for time and trouble . Plasma purchased in this way can not be transfused as the FDA requires transfusions to come from volunteer donors . Plasma that is purchased can only be used for research and manufacturing purposes .