When strapped for cash, many people look to plasma donation and finding highest paying plasma donation centers near them.
You’ve probably considered it too, and asked, “How much do you get paid to donate plasma?”
I’ll answer that question — as well as other questions related to plasma — in this FAQ post.
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Donating Plasma FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about plasma donation and how you can donate plasma for money.
What is Plasma?
Plasma, sometimes called blood plasma, is a yellow-colored fluid element of blood.
It helps heal injuries, remove waste, and prevent infection by transporting nutrients and proteins throughout the body.
Plasma donations aid patients who suffer burns/trauma and those with conditions like immune deficiency, hemophilia, and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
And in return, you receive compensation, which is explained further in the next question.
How Much Do You Get Paid to Donate Plasma?
The answer and the amount you get for donating plasma depends on these factors:
- Monetary bonuses
- Weight
- Number of times you’re permitted to donate
- Height
Overall, it’s usually between $20 and $50+ per visit, though it varies from facility to facility.
How Do You Donate Plasma & How Long Does It Take?
Here’s how the process goes:
You arrive at your first appointment to undergo a medical screening and physical exam.
Then, a staff member will hook you up to a contraption called a plasmapheresis machine, which divides plasma, red blood cells, and other cellular materials using a saline solution before returning them to your body. (The whole process takes about a couple of hours.)
Afterward, you’ll have to return for a second donation appointment because the center has to save your first donation for testing purposes to make sure it’s safe to give to patients.
The second donation (and any future donations) typically takes about an hour or so.
How Often Can I Donate Plasma?
You can donate plasma twice a week, as long as you wait at least 48 hours between donations since it takes that long to regenerate itself.
What Are the Risks of Donating Plasma?
Though donating plasma is an overall safe procedure, it does have its risks, just like everything in life.
Some of them include:
- Bruising
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness/Dizziness
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Citrate reaction (A rare yet serious reaction to the temporary loss of calcium, which includes side effects like chills, shortness of breath, and numbness.
Fortunately, you can take measures to reduce these risks, like ensuring the center you visit is accredited and that you’re well-hydrated. (I’ll go deeper into hydration tips and locating donation facilities later in this article.)
Is It Painful to Donate Plasma?
Well, “painful” is relative since each person’s pain threshold is different.
Many medical professionals say that the feeling from a needle’s prick is no different than a bee sting.
However, if you possess a needle phobia—like yours truly—those aren’t very comforting words to hear. (Therefore, you can’t make money giving plasma and need to find another way to earn extra cash.)
All in all, you know your pain limits best, so assess your comfort level regarding needles before going forward with plasma donation.
What Can I Do to Recover After Donating Plasma?
When you donate plasma for money, you also get other sweet deals, and I mean it when I say sweet deals.
In other words, you get sugary snacks when you’re done.
After collecting your plasma, a staff member will allow you to rest in your chair for a few minutes before getting snacks like cookies and juice.
That’s because these foods boost your glucose levels, which protect you from dizziness.
When you go home for the day, continue to drink plenty of fluids (abstain from alcoholic beverages for eight hours), avoid lifting anything with the arm you used for donation for the next couple of hours, and eat protein-filled foods like meat, legumes, and cheese.
Can I Get Paid to Donate Blood, Too?
Most donation centers don’t pay people to donate blood, and it’s not due to legal issues.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t forbid facilities from offering payment for blood donations (the FDA only requires that facilities label blood collected from paid donors), many donation centers refuse to pay people to donate blood because of safety, ethical, and/or moral concerns.
However, there are two places I know of that pay you for blood donations:
Biological Specialty Company pays for blood donations, as well as plasma and bone marrow donations.
If you live in California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, or Tennessee, you can call (833) GO-4-Cure for payment information and any other questions you have.
Carter BloodCare serves those who reside in North and Central Texas.
It rewards you through its Dedicated Donor Rewards Program after you make your first donation.
Here’s how it works: You get points from your second and other future donations that you trade for e-gift cards and merchandise.
Carter BloodCare even accepts minors who are at least 16 and submit a signed consent form from a parent/guardian.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Donating Plasma?
Before you can donate plasma for money, there’s a basic criteria you need to meet.
Each facility has its own rules, but most of them require you to be 18 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health.
As mentioned earlier, I’ll tell you how to stay hydrated and other tips to follow before your first visit:
- Stick with caffeine-free beverages like fruit juice or water.
- Consume foods like chicken, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables for breakfast or lunch. (Don’t eat fried, fatty foods like donuts and onion rings because they give your plasma a milky appearance, which will disqualify you from donating that day, and you’ll need to reschedule your appointment.)
- On the night before your visit, get plenty of sleep. (Shoot for seven to nine hours.)
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes an hour before your appointment.
- Reschedule your appointment if you’re not feeling well.
How Do I Find a Plasma Donation Center?
Like any place you want to find, you can type something along the lines of “plasma donation near me,” and reach out to the facility closest to you.
But I’ll make your search easier by listing five well-known plasma donation centers.
1. Octopharma
- Pay per donation: $50 to $65
- Payment Method: Prepaid debit card
- Age limit: 18 to 70
There are over 180 Octopharma locations across the U.S.
As a new donor, you’ll get $50 during your first five visits.
Then, your pay will increase up to $65 per visit.
2. Grifols
- Pay per donation: $50 to $90
- Payment Method: Prepaid debit card
- Age limit: 18 to 69
Grifols has 400+ centers throughout North America, Europe, and Egypt.
You’ll receive $50 after your first donation and up to $90 during your subsequent visits.
You can even donate your earnings to charity if you wish.
3. CSL Plasma
- Pay per donation: $20 to $45
- Payment Method: Check; prepaid debit card
- Age limit: 18 to 74
CSL Plasma has more than 300 facilities across the U.S., Europe, and China.
New donors receive $20 per visit, and returning donors get up to $45.
This center will pay you via check should you lose your prepaid card.
4. BPL Plasma
- Pay per donation: Up to $75
- Payment Method: Prepaid card
- Age limit: 18 to 69
BPL Plasma has many locations across these states:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Kentucky
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Texas
This facility doesn’t require an appointment, so go ahead and enter the one nearest you.
5. BioLife Plasma Services
- Pay per donation: $20 to $60
- Payment Method: Prepaid MasterCard
- Age Limit: 18+
There are several BioLife centers in the U.S. and Europe.
You’ll receive $20 as a new donor, then $60 during future donations.
Closing Words: Earn Money Giving Plasma!
I hope I’ve answered all your questions regarding donating plasma.
As long as you don’t have a problem with needles, it’s much easier than getting a second job or applying for a loan.
Plus, you’ll help save lives in the process.
You no longer have to ask, “How much do you get paid to donate plasma?” since you can refer to this article as a guide and contact your nearest donation center if you have more questions.
