Has anyone donated plasma?

BunnyChii

I've noticed that some of my college friends have started to donate - er, sell - their plasma for a little extra cash. I never thought about doing this, but I was curious if anyone ever had? Is it just like donating blood or what? Just curiosity, I'm not planning on doing this myself.

ElleB87

I tried but the only place that accepts plasma donations seemed really shady.  According to the blood donation clinic (not affilated with plasma donation) women aren't allowed to donate plasma and in Canada you're not allowed to make money from the sale of body organs or fluids.  I wasn't sure which what to believe so I just said eff it (and as it turns out they don't take plasma from Epileptics either so...)

Mrs.B6302007

I've done it several times through the blood bank.  Never received money for it though.


ETA: It can be pretty uncomfortable.  I always get really, really cold to the point where they have to break those warming packs and put several of them on me under about 4 blankets.  I usually get a nasty headache afterwards, too.

libby2483

I did it several times in college to earn extra money - about $50 per week.  Biolife Plasma, the company that is in our area, was always very professional and the staff were well-trained.  It is very similar to giving blood, and it takes about an hour.  The main difference is that the parts of blood that are not plasma are pumped back in, and they also give you a saline solution at the end to keep you hydrated.  The saline makes you feel very cold for a few minutes, but it isn't bad. I'm actually considering starting to donate again to earn some extra spending money for the honeymoon.

erc08ohv12

Do you absolutely have to weigh at least 110? I'm a small statured person, but have been thinking of doing this for a while. Will they go off my height eeight ratio instead?

saharnshard

I've never donated plasma but I've donated eggs. You get a whole lot more money for that.

brookerich

I have a degree in phelbotomy (yeah, I'm that person with the needle) and I can tell you that yes, some of those plasma donation places are very shady.  They are full of vagrants and drug addicts because they do make money by selling their plasma.  And usually, its around $60 or so but if you have a rarer blood type then they can pay you up to $300 or $400.  In general I wouldn't recommend anyone go to one of these places, just because I'm a germ freak and honestly the ones I've saw don't really worry too much about germs or doing things the proper way.

However, if you aren't in it for the money there are lots or organizations that allow you to donate plasma, whole blood, double red blood cells and platelets (American Red Cross, Blood Assurance).  The process for everything except whole blood is called apheresis.  Its a little different in that the organization runs your blood thru a machine basically pulling out the parts they need, then cycle your own blood back to you.  Besides the needle prick there isn't any pain for these procedures, however usually people get reallllllly cold because their blood is cooler going back in than body temperature.  Without these organizations the blood supply needed on a daily basis nationwide would be near nothing.

jennipea382

I never realized some plasma places were so shady! Someone mentioned BioLife - that's where I "donated" a couple times. $20 each time and sometimes if you do it twice in one week they gave you $40 the second day. They did a quick physical before I could donate and had me fill a bunch of stuff out. Pretty similar to giving blood. They prick your finger and weigh you. The weight determines how much you can give.

Basically I just sat there and played with my iPod or phone. Took maybe about an hour, not even. They stick the needle in just like giving blood and you have to move your hand to keep it pumping and such. Basically the blood comes out, spins around to get the plasma, then gets returned to your body. It cycles like this until the bag is full. Then they give you some fluids. Not too bad IMO.

I did feel really sick after the first time though. My FI was driving me home and I was so close to having him pull over because I thought I was going to be sick. I think it was just the shock of it all, haha. But other than that no problems at all!

Mrs.B6302007

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_has-anyone-donated-plasma?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:421b5871-8268-4641-b57d-a2b76aa265a5Post:e8115408-1f95-420c-8ac3-bfdbced0ec0e">Re: Has anyone donated plasma?</a>:
[QUOTE]I've never donated plasma but I've donated eggs. You get a whole lot more money for that.
Posted by saharnshard[/QUOTE]


That's a whole different ball game.  You have to subject your body to all kinds of hormones and for quite a long time.  Plus (for some), there's the emotional aspect.  So, yeah, of course you get more money compared to sitting in a chair with a needle in your arm for 90 minutes.

algray05

I'm borderline Anemic, and donating blood makes me pass out. Plasma and RBC were my only two options for donating after the second time i fainted. They pull it out, centrifuge it, and put it back. Its much colder than when it went out, so if you can take a heated blanket, or at least some spares, I'd suggest that. You will get pretty cold otherwise. : )

TheBaney

I was going to sell my plasma in order to make some quick cash for the wedding. I got there, and yes, the clinic was filled with some interesting characters. But they came and checked my arms, and told me that I couldn't because my veins wouldn't hold up to the process.