Celiac Disease Research and Information FAQS

What does The Binding Site want me to do?

The Binding Site would like to request your participation by contributing plasma that will be used in laboratory diagnostic tests for other people who need tests for celiac disease. The diagnostic test requires a plasma sample from someone who positively has the antibodies for celiac disease. Positive samples are used to compare to someone who is being tested for celiac disease. The contribution we are requesting is about the same as a blood donation at a blood center.
The Binding Site will pay you $350.00 for your time and will reimburse your mileage at .50 per mile from your home to the blood center and back home

What are antibodies?

Antibodies are a naturally occurring part of our immune system. Antibodies fight off infections and attack foreign bodies. In autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, the antibodies attack the person’s own system. Antibodies can be harmful and can be the cause of diseases. Antibodies also play a role in allergic reactions. Antibodies are found in plasma in the human body.

What is plasma?

Plasma is a component of blood. It comprises about 50% of the blood volume. The remainder of the whole blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Unlike whole blood, plasma is easily produced by your body especially if you drink plenty of fluids.

How do you get the plasma?

Plasma is obtained through a process called plasmapheresis. It is very much like donating blood. You go to a blood center to have this done.

What would I have to do?

You are asked to go to the blood center which we will identify and set an appointment for you. You will see a nurse who will check your blood pressure and will test your blood by a finger stick to make sure that you are not anemic and are in good enough health to contribute plasma. They will answer any of your questions and ask for you to sign a consent form for the procedure. They will explain the risks. [Common side effects include possible light headedness and bruising at the donation site. Rare side effects include fainting, inflammation of the vein, infection of the skin or nerve injury] The staff will make you comfortable and will insert a needle in one arm and will start the machine. It will take about I hour for the actual procedure. The staff will be there all the time to check on you and answer any questions. You can watch a DVD, read a book, play games, study, listen to music.

How will this affect me or my health?

This will not affect you or your health negatively. You may feel light headed. You might feel cold. You might feel discomfort but it should not be painful. The staff will ask you how you are doing and will stop the process if they identify any risks to you that were not known. We will give you instructions that you eat a good meal before your appointment and that you drink plenty of water so that it minimizes effects of donating plasma.

You may choose to stop your participation at any point along the way. Even when you are at the blood center! This is voluntary on your part and you cannot be penalized for dropping out. We understand.