Introduction to plasma donation
Plasma donation is the process of giving your blood plasma to a medical center in exchange for money.
It is a safe and painless procedure that helps save the lives of people suffering from blood disorders, cancer, and other serious medical conditions.
Plasma donation is also a great way to make some extra money on the side.
What is plasma and why is it valuable?
Plasma is a yellowish-colored liquid component of your blood. According to the American Red Cross, plasma is the liquid portion of blood. About 55% of our blood is plasma, and the remaining 45% are red blood cells. White blood cells and platelets that are suspended in the plasma.
Plasma consists of 92% water. It also contains 7% vital proteins and 1% mineral salts, fats, sugars, vitamins and hormones.
Plasma also contains substances that help your body fight infections and diseases. Plasma is also used to manufacture medications that are used to treat many medical conditions, including hemophilia, hepatitis, and immune deficiency.
Therefore, plasma donation is important for medical research and the development of new treatments.
Understanding the process of donating plasma
Donating plasma is a relatively quick and easy process. The entire process typically takes between one and two hours, depending on the donation center.
If this is your first time donating blood, it may take a little longer as you go through the onboarding procedure.
Once you arrive at the donation center, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire and provide a sample of your blood. The blood sample will be used to determine your plasma donation eligibility.
Once you are determined to be eligible to donate plasma, you will be asked to sit in a comfortable chair and your arm will be punctured to draw a sample of your blood.
The blood sample will then be processed in a machine to separate the plasma from the rest of the blood. The plasma will then be collected in a special bag and the rest of the blood will be returned to your body.
What functions does plasma serve in the body?
- Maintains blood volume and pressure
- Plasma supplies required proteins for immunity and blood clotting
- Transports electrolytes such as potassium and sodium to muscles all over the body
- Supports cell functions by maintaining a correct pH in the body
How is donated plasma used?
Plasma is often used in the medical field as a substitute for blood transfusions, and it can be found in most health clinics and hospitals. It is a highly valuable fluid, and one of the main uses for it is in the treatment of burns.
It is also used in the treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B, autoimmune disorders, diseases of the blood vessels, and certain cancers.
Pharma companies use plasma to create treatments for bleeding disorders and immune deficiencies.
How is plasma donated?
Donating plasma is a relatively quick and easy process. The entire process typically takes between one and two hours, depending on the donation center.
Once you arrive at the donation center, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire and provide a sample of your blood. The blood sample will be used to determine your plasma donation eligibility.
Once you are determined to be eligible to donate plasma, you will be asked to sit in a comfortable chair and your arm will be punctured to draw a sample of your blood.
During a plasma-only donation (as opposed to a full blood donation), the liquid element of the donor’s blood is separated from the cells. The blood is taken from one arm and sent to a specialized apparatus that collects the plasma.
Then, the blood donor’s red blood cells and platelets are returned to them along with some saline. This process is secure and only takes a short while longer than giving a complete blood donation.
The plasma that has been donated is frozen within 24 hours to ensure its helpful coagulating properties remain intact. It can be stored for up to 12 months and can be thawed out and given to a patient in need of a transfusion.
Who can donate plasma?
The eligibility requirements for donating plasma vary from donation center to donation center. Generally speaking, you need to be in good health and meet the age, weight, and other requirements set by the donation center.
You also need to pass a physical exam, drug test, and provide proof of a negative HIV test. you would also need to be over over 18 years old, and have valid government issued ID.
Summarizing the requirements, this is what you should bring with you to your appointment at your plasma center:
- Government issued photo ID
- Social security number
- Proof of citizenship or residency
- Visa or border crossing card
How often can you donate plasma?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that individuals should wait at least two days in between plasma donations, with a cap of twice within a week.
In order to donate again, the human body must have time to build back up its reserves. Eating a healthy diet should ensure that the body can return to its pre-donation state in 24 to 48 hours.
Things than can disqualify you from being able to donate plasma
It is necessary to go through a screening process when donating plasma. The screening process is meant to protect both the donor and the recipient, and prevent any medical studies the plasma may be used for from being affected.
The screening process ensures the donor is healthy and able to safely give plasma. To be eligible, a person must be at least 16 years old, have a valid form of identification, and weigh more than 110 pounds.
In most cases, there is no need to do a drug test when donating, yet those who are taking medication are excluded as the drugs they took could affect any medical study and potentially skew the results of developing medicines.
The following are general items that may disqualify you from donating plasma:
- HIV: if you have HIV you are not able to donate plasma
- Cold & Flu: if you are suffering from them you can not donate
- Heart disease: depends on type of disease and severity
- Diabetes: unable to donate plasma
- Epilepsy: depends on severity
- Cholesterol: depends on medication and severity
- Anemia: requires a blood test to determine eligibility
- Cancer: requires doctor approval and may require some tests
- Asthma: generally asthma does not have an effect but depends on medication
- Arthritis: depends on severity and medication taken
- Menstruation: can donate plasma while menstruating
- Pregnancy: unable to donate plasma if pregnant
- Piercings: depends on when the piercing was done and any complications or infections
Your plasma donation may also be deferred if you have any of the following:
- Traveled to malaria infected areas
- Your blood pressure is outside the normal range
- Your iron count is low
- You are breastfeeding
- You have recently given birth
- You have recently received a transfusion
How much can you earn for donating plasma?
People often wonder how much they can get for donating their plasma. In addition to paying money for plasma, donation centers may provide multiple rewards in order to draw in donors, such as gift cards, and reward points they can use at their own store or exchange for other gift cards.
The sum of money a person can receive by donating plasma is dependent upon the donation center they select.
Conducting research for this articles, I researched the highest paying plasma donation center near me and compared their compensation to other plasma donation center locations.
Generally, an individual can anticipate making between $20 and $50 per donation, apart from other additional incentives or bonuses.
Following the recommendation of a maximum 2 donations per week, and hence 8 per month, you could make up to $400 per month.
How to the Plasma Donation Centers pay you?
If you are considering donating plasma to make some money quickly, you have various options in terms of payment. You may be able to get cash immediately or get the amount electronically transferred to your bank account.
Additionally, some donation centers provide payment through PayPal and prepaid debit cards. To find out what method is used by the donation centre nearest you, you can visit their website, look for notifications on their FAQ pages, or contact them directly.
Highest paying Plasma Donation Centers
If you are looking to donate plasma for money in your area, it is essential to find out if there are any centers close by.
It turns out that here are many facilities in the United States that provide payment for plasma donations.
The top five centers listed below most likely will provide the highest payouts, and they have anywhere from 50 to 250 locations across the United States.
You should investigate to find out which of these centers is closest to you.
Below I have compiled a table that summarizes the plasma donation center, the payment amount per donation, the maximum payment you can expect to earn in a month, any bonuses that are offered, and the number of centers there are across the United States.
Do keep in mind that even though the potential monthly income may be high, it would not be wise to continually donate your plasma every week and every month on end. Your m\body needs time to rest and recover properly.
| Plasma Donation Center | Payment Amount | Number of Centers | Maximum Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CSL Plasma |
$20 to $50 |
250 |
$400 |
Highest Paying Plasma Donation Centers
1. CSL Plasma
CSL Plasma is one of the best known plasma donation centers in the US, and has been operating for more than 100 years. In fact it is a multinational company with a presence across the US, Europe and China and has more than 12,000 employees in over 300 locations.
How much does CSL Plasma pay?
Does CSL Plasma have Rewards and Promotions?
CSL Plasma runs various rewards programs throughout the year, and at different centers. As a new plasma donor you may be eligible for these rewards. As can be seen below, currently (December 2022) new donors can make up to $800 per month, and $100 on your first donation.
How does CSL Plasma pay donor? In Cash or Debit Card?
CSL Plasma does not offer cash, bank transfer or Paypal.
Plasma donors are paid via the iGive® Rewards program. What this means is you earn loyalty points to redeem for cash back when you join our iGive Rewards® program.
After your first plasma donation, your payment will be loaded onto a prepaid card. This card is similar to a debit card, and can be used at ATMs, shops, and online for payments.
You will earn points every time you donate plasma. As you build up points, you build up the balance on your debit card, and also increase your status, all the way from Bronze and up to Platinum level.
As you increase in status, your rewards also increase.
2. BioLife Plasma Services
Plasma Donation Centers in Canada
1. Canadian Plasma Resources (Canada)
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Conclusion
Donating plasma can be a great way to make some extra money on the side and help save the lives of people suffering from serious medical conditions.
If you are thinking about donating plasma, make sure to do your research and find the highest-paying plasma donation center near you. With the right preparation and knowledge, donating plasma can be a safe and rewarding experience.
