DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 58-year-old male who donates plasma twice a week. I’ve been doing this for four or five years. I get paid $50 a week, which helps in today’s times. Should I be worried about long-term effects? For example, will my vein at some point possibly collapse, since I use my left arm all the time? Should I worry about scar-tissue buildup or anything else?

DEAR READER: There are three types of cells in our blood — red cells, white cells and platelets. Red blood cells are most prominent, giving blood its characteristic red color. Their purpose is to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. White blood cells help fight infection. Platelets aid clotting. Plasma, on the other hand, is a watery, yellowish fluid in which blood cells are suspended. It makes up about 55 percent of our total blood volume.
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