Plasma Donation Date Calculator
Next plasma date for Source or AB Elite programs.
What it does
Plasma schedules depend on which product leaves your arm. Source Plasma for manufacturing allows twice per 7 days at least 2 days apart, up to 104 gifts a year, while Red Cross AB Elite plasma for transfusion runs every 28 days up to 13. Same needle, different calendars.
The tool above dates either program. Enter the last gift, pick Source or AB Elite, and it prints the next eligible date with the rule and yearly cap. Defaults put a Jan 5 Source gift next on Jan 12; an AB Elite gift on Mar 6 returns Apr 3.
Federal rules and blood banks agree. FDA inspection guides with 21 CFR 640.65 state the 2-day, twice-per-7-day Source limits, and Red Cross pages set AB Elite at 28 days with platelets at 7 and whole blood at 56. Cornell mirrors the regulation text readably.
Centers layer their own screens on top. Hydration, protein, vitals, and deferrals still gate each visit regardless of calendar math. Use this page for eligibility dates, then confirm with the center before driving over.
How to use
- Enter the last donation date.
- Pick Source Plasma or AB Elite.
- Read the next eligible date first.
- Read the rule and yearly cap.
- Keep 2 days between Source gifts.
- Book the slot at your center.
Formula
- last
- Last gift date, UTC counted.
- program
- Source Plasma or AB Elite program.
FDA 21 CFR 640.65 sets twice-per-7-days with 2-day gaps; Red Cross sets AB Elite at 28 days / 13 per year.
Worked example
Example: Jan 5 Source gift
Defaults: Jan 5, 2026, Source Plasma.
- Inputs: last Source Plasma gift Jan 5, 2026.
- Rule: steady weekly slot, +7 days.
- Next: Jan 5 + 7 = Mon Jan 12, 2026.
- Same-week gifts need 2 days apart, max twice weekly.
- Tool shows Mon Jan 12 2026, twice per 7 days max, 104/yr max.
Reference table
| Product | Interval | Max/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Source Plasma | 2 days apart, 2x/7d | 104 |
| AB Elite plasma | every 28 days | 13 |
| Platelets | every 7 days | 24 |
| Whole blood | every 56 days | 6 |
Limits
- Date math only. Health screens gate visits.
- Center policies add deferrals.
- Yearly caps assume steady cadence.
- Products must not be mixed.
Common mistakes
- Mixing Source and AB Elite intervals.
- Donating inside the 2-day gap.
- Counting calendar weeks instead of rolling 7 days.
- Skipping hydration and protein prep.
- Driving over unconfirmed.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
AB Elite gift Mar 6, 2026?
AB Elite adds 28 days. Mar 6 + 28 = Apr 3, 2026. Rule every 28 days, 13/yr max.
Source gift Jun 1, 2026?
Source adds 7 days. Jun 1 + 7 = Jun 8, 2026. Twice per 7 days max, 104/yr.
Questions
How often can I give plasma?
Source Plasma allows twice per 7 days at least 2 days apart (FDA); this display uses steady +7-day slots, max 104 a year.
When is my next date?
Add 7 days to the last gift for the same weekly slot. Jan 5 gives Jan 12.
What is AB Elite plasma?
Every 28 days up to 13 a year. It is a transfusion product, not Source Plasma.
What about platelets?
Every 7 days up to 24 a year per Red Cross policy.
What about whole blood?
Every 56 days up to 6 a year.
Do programs mix?
Yes. Pick the program first; intervals and caps differ completely.
Sources
- FDA: Source Plasma Inspection Guide (twice/7d, 2d gap)
- eCFR: 21 CFR 640.65 Plasmapheresis
- Red Cross: Plasma Donation (AB Elite 28 days, 13/yr)