How to Donate Plasma

Co-authored by Eric McClure | Medically reviewed by Shari Forschen, NP, MA

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Plasma donation, also known as plasmapheresis, is a great way to help people in need while earning a couple of bucks. Plasma is a component in your blood that helps promote clotting, but it also carries other parts of your blood, including platelets. Plasma is in high demand because it’s a key ingredient in medical research and pharmaceuticals. If donating your plasma sounds like something you may be interested in, read on to learn everything you need to know about what to expect when you book an appointment to donate your plasma.

Things You Should Know

Anyone can donate plasma so long as they’re an adult, they’re over 110 pounds (50 kg), and they’re healthy.
You can typically earn $50-100 for each plasma donation, and you can donate once every 28 days.
Donating plasma is relatively painless; most people compare it to a prolonged blood drawing.

1

Meet the qualifications for plasma donation.

You have to be 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg). Many plasma donation centers won’t allow you to donate if you’re over 65 years of age, but this requirement can vary from clinic to clinic. You also have to be generally fit and well, so you may be turned away if you’re chronically ill or obese.^{[1]
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- In some countries, you can donate starting at the age of 17. It’s 18 in the United States, though.
- You will have to wait to donate if you’re pregnant or if you recently gave birth. You will also need to wait if you recently got a tattoo, left the country, or are being tested for medical issues.
- You cannot donate if you have a transmittable disease, have had a blood transfusion after 1980, or you’ve had an organ transplant.

2

Make an appointment at a local donation center.

Look online to find a reputable, well-reviewed plasma center near you. Do a little bit of digging to find a clinic where other people have had good experiences. Reputable institutions, like the Red Cross, are generally well-liked. Call ahead to make an appointment or enroll online. Bring a valid ID with you to the appointment.^{[2]
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- You can search for an American Red Cross plasma donation center near you by searching online here.

3

Get rest and eat a healthy breakfast.

The day of your appointment, take it easy and drink plenty of fluids. Get plenty of sleep and wake up early enough to prepare a healthy breakfast. Drink plenty of water before you head out for your appointment to ensure that your body can handle the lost plasma without you getting lightheaded or feeling nauseous.^{[3]
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- Don’t drink any alcohol the night before the donation and avoid smoking. Alcohol and nicotine can mess with your blood’s plasma levels.

4

Fill out the donor questionnaire.

Complete the paperwork to provide the clinic with your info. The questionnaire will ask about current medications, recent surgeries, and any recent tattoos and piercings. They will also ask about your blood type. Fill out the donor history info accurately and honestly.^{[4]
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- Your blood type is relevant because plasma drawn from AB blood is universal, the same way O blood is universal . If you’ve got AB blood, you’re in high demand!
- Your first donation may take 2-3 hours depending on how busy the clinic is. It will be a lot faster the next time you go to donate plasma, though.

5

Pass a physical exam.

A physical exam will confirm if you’re fit enough to donate. Before you’re allowed to donate plasma, you must undergo a confidential pre-donation physical. This is usually conducted at the donation center and is designed to assure you're healthy and able to donate plasma.^{[5]
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- The physical is a basic exam, where your vitals are taken and you answer a series of questions regarding your medical history. You will also disclose to the doctor any medications you are currently taking and their dosage.^{[6]
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6

Take a blood test.

A blood test will confirm your blood type and check for diseases. The type of blood you have determines how your plasma can be used. The nurse or doctor will draw a little blood to check your protein, iron, and hemoglobin levels. This will determine if your plasma levels are adequate enough that you can safely donate.^{[7]
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- The blood test will also check for HIV, hepatitis B, and other conditions that can be transferred via blood.

7

Let the medical professional start the plasma donation.

Aside from the pinch of the needle, this shouldn’t hurt. Allow the nurse, doctor, or phlebotomist to clean your skin with antiseptic. Once your arm is sterilized, they’ll insert the needle into your vein. You may feel a pinch, similar to a light bee sting, but it shouldn’t be too painful.^{[8]
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- If you are scared of needles, tell the technician ahead of time and try to focus on something else while the needle is going in.

8

Wait for the plasma to be drawn.

It should take roughly 25 minutes for the plasma to be drawn. Your blood will be drawn out into a plasmapheresis machine (called a blood cell separator apheresis machine). This device will separate the plasma from your blood and return your blood to you. Pull out a book, scroll through your phone, or watch the clinic’s TV while you wait.^{[9]
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- The needle might pinch when it’s going in, but this part of the process shouldn’t hurt.
- Some plasma donation centers might let you bring a friend for support and entertainment during the process.

9

Expect some arm soreness.

Since plasma takes a while to extract, your arm may be especially sore. Talk to a doctor at the donation center to ask approximately what time you can remove the bandage. Typically, you’ll need to wait 5 hours. Wash around the injection site with soap and warm water whenever you finally take it off.^{[10]
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- Try to avoid lifting things while your arm is healing. It’s not dangerous, but you may find it deeply uncomfortable.

10

Get paid.

You will receive $50-100 in compensation for your plasma. Once the donation process is complete, you'll receive compensation for your time. Check out at the reception area when you're done giving plasma to receive your pay. They will either cut you a check or load up a debit card for you to use.^{[11]
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- You can usually donate plasma every 28 days (up to 13 times a year) if you want to keep making a few bucks.
- The vast majority of plasma donation centers will pay you for your plasma. Check each donation center’s website to find their pay scale.
- The going market rate for plasma is typically $50-75 per appointment. However, some centers will pay up to $100 per donation.
- Look for a clinic that offers a big bonus for first time donations. CSL Plasma, for example, will allow you to earn up to $1,100 for your first month.^{[12]
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11

Take it easy.

Care for yourself after the donation while your plasma replaces itself. After the donation, you may feel a little tired or spacey. Plasma is 90% water, so you replace your fluids by drinking plenty of water. Lie or sit down and avoid any physical activity for at least 5 hours.^{[13]
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- Eat a light healthy meal a few hours after donating. Stick to lean protein, fruits and veggies, and whole wheat or grains.
- Avoid smoking and don’t drink any alcohol after your donation to avoid becoming sick while your body is repairing itself.
- If your arm hurts or begins to bruise, apply a cold pack to the injection site.
- If you get sick within 1-3 days after giving plasma, contact the clinic to let them know. They may need to discard your plasma.