Donor Requirements:
- You must weigh at least 110 lbs.
- You must have 2 pieces of identification. Photo I.D. and proof of Social Security Number or IRS Number
- You must have proof of current local address within the last 60 days. We can mail you a postcard if you do not have a current rent receipt or utility bill.
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must be negative for HIV, and Hepatitis C
Donor FAQs:
Your first plasma donation:
- For your first appointment, plan on spending about 2 hours at the donor center.
- While you wait to donate, you will have your blood pressure checked as well as your pulse, temperature, and weight.
- You will meet with a health care provider who will explain how the plasmapherisis process works.
- You will meet with a doctor and be given a free physical examination.
- You will also be asked about your medical history.
- You may be given a urinalysis and other basic lab procedures.
- When it is time for you to donate, a nurse or a phlebotomist will direct you to a donor station where an IV will be placed in your arm to collect the needed plasma.
- You will be monitored throughout the whole donation process by a nurse who will ensure that all safety procedures are being met.
- After the donation you will be paid right there at the center (as much as $500 per donation).
- Further donations will then be scheduled.
Subsequent visits generally only take 45 minutes to an hour. You will not need to go through the paper work and the physical examination at your return visits. You will be paid at the center after each donation, and the recruiter will continue to schedule you for subsequent visits as long as your antibody levels stay high.
What is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis is a process similar to donating blood. The fluid portion, called plasma, is removed from the red blood cells using a sterile, disposable collection system. The red blood cells and platelets are returned to the donor while the plasma, which contains the antibodies, is retained. Due to the red blood cells and platelets being returned to the donor, plasmapheresis can be performed up to two times within a seven day period.
Plasma is the straw colored, liquid portion of the blood that is mainly composed of water. It contains the antibodies that are used to make positive controls in diagnostic test kits.
How are my donations regulated?
Plasma collections are one of the most highly regulated procedures in the American health industry. Today, there are over 400 FDA-licensed antibody collection facilities across the United States which perform approximately 13 million collection procedures a year, and provide 60 percent of the world’s needs for antibody-based products. The antibodies collected are tested, registered and approved before ever being released for therapeutic or diagnostic use.
How often can I donate plasma?
The body replaces the plasma removed during the donation process quickly; therefore, the FDA allows you to donate as often as twice in a seven-day period, with at least 24 hours between donations.
How much plasma do I donate?
The FDA is very strict about how much plasma can be collected. The amount of plasma you donate depends on your weight.
