Does anyone have experience with plasma fractionation and discolored plasma (C grade, unacceptable for fractionation)? Plasma Free Hgb testing is negative. Any thoughts would be welcome. What could be the cause if not hemolysis during phlebotomy?

I use to pool plasma at the American Red Cross to be sent for fractionation.  The only discoloration of plasma I noticed that was not hemolysis was a definite GREEN color I told was due to copper in the blood from birth control pills ???? and extremely milk colored plasma from a recent high fat meal.

Has anyone else had nurses complain/question you about the milky plasmas ?

I never had any nurses complain/question us about milky plasma. We did however, have a nurse complain and refuse to transfuse a unit of blood because the color of the unit was a slightly darker red then the first unit they transfused the patient with.........

Nurses - don't you just love them!

The vast majority are very good, but a substantial minority have got a medical degree from a cereal box!

The brighter colored unit may have been from a smoker so contained more carbon monoxide.  I would prefer the darker one, I think.  Blood bag plastic can also affect color somewhat.  At least that is what I remember when my supplier changed blood bag vendors once.

I wouldn't want one full of fat!   I hate giving out those that look like they ate a cheeseburger and milkshake before donating.