The largest independent plasma donation center operator in the country has selected Albany, Georgia as home to its newest center. ImmunoTek Bio Centers opens its Albany location on April 20, 2021, and is inviting potential donors to visit the state-of-the-art facility to learn more about plasma donations.

The opening of ImmunoTek’s 44^th plasma center coincides with a month dedicated to raising awareness of Primary Immunodeficiencies (PI), a group of rare, chronic disorders that impact the body’s immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Fortunately, most patients with these disorders can successfully be treated with plasma therapy, giving them a chance at a normal life. They are just one of many groups that benefit from donated plasma. 

“Donating plasma is truly a life-saving gift. Plasma is used by pharmaceutical companies to develop plasma protein therapies and vaccines for a myriad of immune disorders. Plasma is also being used to fight against COVID-19 and recent research shows promise with plasma-derived therapies to reduce or limit the effects from Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Jerome Parnell III, CEO of ImmunoTek.  Plasma is also used in treatments for burn victims, those suffering from blood disorders, and cancer patients. 

Local residents are already interested in donating at the center, and according to the new center’s director, people are ready for the center to open its doors. “We are taking appointments for the first few weeks of operation to be sure we are prepared for all the people who have contacted us about donating,” said Keresha Whyte, the Albany center director. Walk-in donors are always welcome.  

Following an in-house screening along with a medical history and physical exam conducted by our medical professionals, donors can roll up their sleeves and donate plasma much the same way as a blood donation. It is slightly different because plasma donors’ blood is separated to remove just the plasma and the remaining red blood cells are returned to the donor. It is completed using a safe, sterile, self-contained automated process called Plasmapheresis. Plasma can be donated up to twice a week.

ImmunoTek’s Albany location is at 300 South Slappey Boulevard and brings new life to a building that has been renovated specifically to house the ImmunoTek donation center. “Our location is perfect,” said Whyte, “We are located across from several businesses, and a nearby bus stop will make accessing our center easy for donors.”  Currently, the center employs 18 people and Whyte anticipates adding several others in time.   

“We are excited to be opening this new center in Albany. We know people are always willing to help others if they can, and donating plasma is a way to do that,” said Scott Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer at ImmunoTek Bio Centers. “While we do compensate our donors for their time, the real gift is the plasma that is donated saves lives.”

ImmunoTek Bio Center in Albany opens April 20, 2021, and will operate Tuesday – Saturday.  For more information, call the center at 229-302-5709, or visit ImmunoTek.com.