I Earned $750 As A New Plasma Donor

You probably know someone who has donated their plasma. But, did you know that you can earn $750 to a $1000 as a new donor? That’s a good amount of money! So, lets take a look at what you can expect as a new plasma donor!

What Is Plasma?

According to the Red Cross, “Plasma is the liquid portion of blood” and makes up around 55% of our actual blood makeup. It helps the human body to maintain a healthy blood pressure, it also helps the blood clot. In addition, it helps distribute electrolytes to the muscles and it also supports normal cell functions by assisting the body maintain an appropriate pH balance.

How Does Donating Plasma Work?

Plasma is usually obtained by plasmapheresis. Where whole blood is drawn from the body, the plasma is separated from the red blood cells through a machine, and then the remaining blood cells are returned to your body. The plasma is gathered in a container attached to the machine and you are given some saline solution to help your body recover.

What Are The Requirements To Donate Plasma?

The requirements to donate plasma are quite simple, you need to –

Be between the age of 18 and 69.
Weigh more than 110 pounds.
Be in relatively good health.

You will also need to bring in a valid photo ID, proof of your current address, and proof of you social security number.

How Long Does It Take To Donate Plasma?

The first time will take around 2 to 3 hours to complete. After the first appointment, it usually takes about an hour for each plasma donation.

What To Expect The First Time Donating Plasma –

I scheduled my appointment online and showed up with the necessary documents to go through the process. The workers were all very respectful and genuinely nice. First thing I had to do was check my temperature and wash my hands. Then I showed my identification, proof of address, and my social security number.

I had to complete a brief medical history that focused on sexual interactions that could have led to a possible HIV or similar exposure, any piercings and tattoos I had ever received and, medications and allergies. Then my picture was taken as well as fingerprints for further identification. (They use a paperless medical charting system.) After getting that out of the way, I watched a short video about the donation process and then read through disclosure and policies related to donating plasma and what the process looks like. Then I had to take a long questionnaire (around 70 questions) about my sexual history, travel history, and general medical questions.

After the questionnaire, they took my current weight, blood pressure and temperature. Followed up by testing a small sample of my blood for HIV and other things. Then I had a short and simple physical, conducted by a supervisor who is either a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Paramedic credentialed worker.

We discussed my medical history in regard to the international travel, sexual interactions, and medications. They listened to my lungs, tested my reflexes, and reviewed the donation plasma process to ensure I understood and had all my questions answered. All in all, this initial appointment took about an hour and a half before I headed back into the donation room and started the plasma draw process.

The phlebotomist talked me through every step of the plasmapheresis process. They made sure I was fully situated at the station before starting. Before sticking you with the needle, they will lather your arm with iodine unless of course, you are are allergic. Once they inserted the needle and got the machine started, all I had to do was pump my fist during the draw cycle. The machine cycled three or four times and then my donation was complete!

They removed the needle, bandaged my arm up, and sent me on my way. The payment was already deposited in my account before the whole process was even finished. They gave me my own debt card at the appointment and I could use the funds as soon as I wanted to! The whole process took less than 3 hours and I earned my first $150 from donating plasma!

How Do You Get Paid For Donating Plasma?

Typically, you will receive a pre-paid debt card that works just like a regular debt card.

After each donation, the payment will be added to the account within about an hour. The card balance might max out at $15,000 so, you can allow the money to build up over time or you empty the account after every donation.

The local plasma center should have the current monthly donation rates posted in the facility. My first six donations were covered under the new donor rate. I received $150 and then $100 for each pair of donations I made, totaling $750! If I continue donating, I can expect to earn more than $400 every month as a returning donor!

How Often Can You Donate Plasma?

Federal Regulation allows two donations within seven calendar days as long as there is a gap of 48 hours between the donations. Meaning, you could donate on Monday and then again on Thursday of the same week.

Where Can You Donate Plasma?

DonatingPlasma.org is a great resource to find a donation center in your area! There are centers in almost every state! Simply click on the find a donor center on their website to find a center near you.