It is important to know what you are getting into if you want to make money by donating blood. If you want to get the best rate for your donation, you need to research the different centers that pay for it. We created this guide to help you make an informed decision.
It is possible to get paid and help sick people, but you should first consider the ethical concerns of donating blood. The health and safety regulations of the donation centers should be researched.
Check out our other articles if you are looking for other ways to make money.
What Is Plasma?
Blood plasma is actually the part of the blood that’s a clear liquid which consists of:
- Water
- Enzymes
- Proteins
- Antibodies
Donating blood plasma is not the same as donating blood to the Red Cross.
Are You Eligible To Donate Plasma?
You can donate plasma as long as you meet certain requirements:
- Must be between 18-69 years old
- Must weigh more than 110 pounds
- Need to pass a basic physical and be absent of infectious diseases
- Must have proper levels of hemoglobin, iron, and blood
- Have a legal government ID or Social Security Card (to prove you’re a citizen)
Local laws can change the rules depending on where you are in the country. It is important to check with your local government to make sure you are following the law. The minimum age in Nebraska is 19 The minimum age in Iowa is 21.
Some states prohibit people with tattoos or piercings from donating and put a minimum number of donations you can make in a certain period of time. Donating blood is a great way to help those in need, so it’s important to check with your local state to understand the regulations that apply.
The center will give you one of two types of deferrals, temporary or permanent. You may not be able to donate at that location again if the deferral is noted in your donor record.
- If you are sick, recovering from a recent procedure, or have low iron or blood levels, there is a chance of a temporary deferral. When you can come back to donate, the center will advise you on what to do next. Taking care of your own and those around you is important.
- If they give you a permanent deferral, it can be because of your age, weight, or if you have certain medical conditions that can affect you. It is important to note that this decision is made by the medical professionals and is not meant to be a reflection on your health or fitness. If you think the center was given to you in error, you can try to overturn it. If you believe you have been given a permanent deferral in error, you should contact the center as soon as possible. To overturn it, you’d need to get a second medical opinion
How To Donate Plasma
To donate plasma you will need to do the following:
- Hydrate
- Eat Healthily
- Avoid Caffeinated Drinks and Alcohol
- Prepare Needed Paperwork
It’s important to drink a lot of fluids and eat well. It’s important to exercise regularly to stay healthy. Fruits, vegetables, and fish should be included in this. It is important to limit the amount of sugar in your diet. You want to avoid foods that are high in cholesterol. Try to include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
You should drink lots of water the day before and the day of your donation to stay hydrated. You should drink plenty of fluids during the donation process. If you want to avoid dehydration, it is best to avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
You need a Social Security card, proof of address, and a photo ID to get documentation. All of these documents need to be valid and up to date.
If you want to check with your local center before you leave the house, some centers don’t require you to schedule an appointment. You can usually find the requirements of your local center online, so make sure you do some research before you go.
How Long Does It Take To Donate Plasma?
It will take an hour and a half to two hours if you donate for the first time. It is required for the donation process that you have a valid form of identification with you.
You will need to complete a health history on one of their computers before you can go to the center. You will be ready to donate when the paperwork and physical are complete.
A basic checkup can include a urine test, a heart check, and testing of reflexes. If something is unclear, it is important to listen to the doctor’s instructions. They will test your blood, iron, and hemoglobin levels on your finger.
They will get started once you sit in a semi-reclined chair. The process will take about an hour. The actual donating part of the process can take up to an hour, because it is more involved than donating blood. The donation is relatively easy, but the process may take hours.
Plasma Process
The first thing you need to do is draw your blood. Blood is separated into components. The blood is separated from the clear liquid part of it by using a machine. The blood can be used to help those in need.
The process will not take as long if you choose to donate again. You may be compensated for your time and effort. Future donations should take about an hour because you still have to complete a medical questionnaire to make sure nothing has changed. The donation process should be easy once the medical questionnaire is completed.
How Often Can You Donate Plasma?
The general rule is that donations occur at least 24 to 48 hours apart. Drink lots of water and your body will be able to replace the lost blood. To avoid dehydration, it is important to replace the lost fluids as soon as possible.
Does It Hurt To Donate Plasma?
Think of it like donating blood. Your donation can help save lives. It is no less painful than that. They will use a needle and IV to draw your blood and return it to you. The process is quick and painless.
When they return the blood, it can be very cold and cause some pain. Let the medical team know if you start to feel uneasy. You might want to bring a blanket or jacket. It’s important to dress for the weather, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. If you feel uncomfortable during the donation process, tell one of the phlebotomists. Speak to your doctor about any potential health risks if the pain persists.
Benefits of Donating Plasma
There are other benefits to donating blood. Free health screenings and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to save lives are some of the benefits. Here are just a few:
- Your plasma can help save lives
- You may not need to schedule an appointment
- Donating on a regular basis can encourage you to eat healthier and stay more hydrated
Ethical Concerns With Donating Plasma
Where does your blood come from? After the blood has been collected, it is stored in a specialized facility and transferred to medical facilities that need it. What is it used for? It is important for users to have clear goals in mind when using this tool in order to maximize their success.
Your blood goes to companies that create products that can help people with blood diseases. The process of donating blood is relatively simple and safe. You can help people live better lives by saving lives. You can make a real difference in people’s lives by volunteering, and it’s an opportunity that should not be missed.
If you are donating to businesses that will be flipping it for a profit, you should be aware. Donating blood can be an altruistic act, but it is important to understand the implications of your donations. So, keep in mind:
- Do you know the name of the business that is receiving your blood product? Not necessarily.
- Will they let you know what product they will be making? You may want to ask them more about how your blood will be used. Nope.
- Will companies make a profit off of your blood? It remains to be seen how successful companies will be in selling blood products. Most definitely.
Are you okay with these realities? I want to assure you that I’m here for you if you need me, even though I understand that these realities might be a lot to take in. Many people are and that is fine. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by life’s many responsibilities, and it’s the first step towards managing our expectations and finding balance in life.
How Much Do You Get Paid To Donate Plasma?
Factors that determine how much money you can make donating plasma:
- How often you donate
- The quantity of plasma donated
- How much you weigh
- The donation center you choose
If you donate for the first time, you will typically make more. Donating blood can be a great way to give back to your community, and you may even receive a small financial compensation in return. You can expect to get between $20-50 per donation, with your first donation paying more because the process takes longer. You will be paid for your time and effort if you donate blood.
The FDA requires you to give a certain amount of blood if you want to get paid more. It is important to donate in a responsible manner and never exceed the maximum amount of times allowed per month.
The ranges are split up as such:
- 110-149 pounds
- 150-174 pounds
- 175-400 pounds
They may offer to pay you more money if you have a type ofprotein in your blood that is in high demand. This is a great way to make money quickly and easily. If you are a frequent flyer, some centers will pay you more per donation. Extra incentives such as discounts or complimentary snacks will be offered by many centers.
Donation centers usually pay you in the form of pre-paid cards, but they may also give you rewards points that you can redeem for cash or certain merchandise. Some donation centers will accept cash if you prefer it.
$25 per hour is how much it will cost if the first donation takes two hours. It’s a good rate for donating your time and energy. For about an hour of your time, that is how much you will make. It’s a great way to make extra money without committing to a long-term job. Not bad, right?
Where To Donate Plasma
The FDA inspects and regulates donation centers. The safety and quality standards set by the FDA are ensured by regular inspections. They don’t directly manage them. The people who manage them are overseen by them. It is important that your local donation center is FDA-approved. This is the best way to make sure that your donations are of good quality.
Along with the states where the donation centers are located and how much you can expect to get paid, here are some of the donation centers you can trust. Donate blood is a great way to help those in need, and the donation centers listed here make it easy and convenient to do so.
B Positive
- Locations: Maryland and New Jersey
- Payment method : Visa prepaid debit card
- Payment amount: $50 for your first five donations within the first 30 days (payment for regular donations can progressively increase between $15-45 each)
Biolife
- Locations : AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
- Payment method : Biolife prepaid debit card
- There is a bonus for the second weekly test. Within two weeks of the completion of the weekly test, payment will be made.
Biotest Plasma Center
- Locations : AR, FL, GA, IA, NC, NE, NM, OH, PA, SC, SD, TX
- Payment method : Mastercard prepaid debit card
- Payment amount : up to $50 for your first five donations, $35-45 for subsequent donations (offer refer-a-friend program and sweepstakes to earn more money)
BPL Plasma
- Locations : AR, AZ, CO, FL, IL, KY, ME, MN, MO, NC, NM, OH, OK, TX
- Payment method: contact your local center
- Payment amount : up to $50 for your first five donations (offer seasonal promotions)
- The person must be between 18 and 65 years oldand have not gotten tattoos or piercings in the past year. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet all of the requirements.
CSL Plasma
- Locations : AL, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WV, WI
- Payment method : iGive points that you can redeem for cash on a prepaid debit card or merchandise
- Payment amount : up to $50 per donation (offer monthly promotions)
GCAM Plasma
- Locations : CA, ID, TX, WA
- Payment method : contact your local center
- Payment amount: up to $30 per donation
Grifols (owns Biomat USA, Plasmacare, Inc., Talecris)
- Locations : AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI
- Payment method : prepaid debit card
- Payment amount : up to $25 per donation (offer refer-a-friend program)
Interstate Companies
- Locations : FL, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO, MS, PA, TN, TX, WI
- Payment method : contact your local center
- Payment amount : up to $50 for your first five donations
KEDPlasma
- Locations: AL, FL, GA, LA, NC, NY, SC
- Payment method: contact your local center
- Payment amount: up to $50 for your first five donations
Octapharm
- Locations : AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NV, OH, OK, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI
- Payment method : rewards points that you can redeem for a Mastercard prepaid debit card, gift cards, sweepstakes, and other discounts
- Payment amount : up to $50 for your first five donations (offers refer-a-friend program)
You Can Donate Plasma For Free If You’d Prefer
If you don’t like the idea of donating blood, you can donate it for free.
You can donate blood at your local Red Cross center if you are comfortable with not knowing which company will use your blood or what they will use it for.
Your reward for donating once every 28 days is knowing you are helping people and potentially saving lives. Maybe that is worth more than a pre-paid card from a center. It is possible to make some extra money by donating your blood.
