Donating Plasma

[Roupey03]

I am a 21 year old college kid. I have a part time job, but with graduation coming soon ( about 8 months) and the possibility of making my gf my wife not to far out. I need all the money I can get my hands on.

Have any of you guys ever donated plasma to make a little extra money? How much does it pay. Is it safe? Would you recomend it?

[neguy11]

Yes. I made good money the first 4 times (40,30,40,30) then after that only $15 a time. It took about 2 hours. It was safe. Did not really hurt much, but made my arm a little sore. I don't do it anymore. It's kind of uncomfortable and I got tird of doing it. If you are in need of some cash go for it. Oh yeah, it made me REALLY tired afterwards. I'd always have to go home and take a nap.

[Roupey03]

How often did you donate? How often can you donate? 40 bucks is not bad.

[neguy11]

Two times a week, I think 48 hours in between visits. But like I said only the first four visits paid well. After that it was only $15 per time. I thought it was supposed to be more but I never asked.

[Ima saver]

I would be too chicken!!!

[boefixepa]

I did it for a while while in college too. You have to have to answer all the same questions as if you were giving blood. You can't have given blood for a certain amount of time. It does take a while, but I studied/read while doing it. Ours payment was 10,15,10,25, but that was about 8 years ago. Again twice a week. If you mess up you had to start over on the payment schedule so that's why they held that 25 out there.
There was one time I was pretty light headed afterwards, but other than that it was okay. Not fun, not lots of $$, but it worked.

I know of one friend who couldn't do it because he was too muscular and they couldn't find a vein, another got her ear priced and was out for a year, a tatoo would do the same, but for longer.

[PrincessPerky]

I would if I had loads of spare time, maybe some school reading that needed done? But I can't see entertaining three kids for that long

[Roupey03]

I was just looking to make some extra cash and some had told me it was a good idea.

[cbmeeks]

I did it years ago because I literally had no money to eat with.

I think the most I made in a week was $85. But the price dropped a lot after a few times. I remember they had a sign that said something like "earn $240/month" (or maybe it was $200...can't remember).

It hurt. Not bad but it was uncomfortable. And because of my poor diet, it took three HOURS one time! And when they put the saline solution back into your body, I remember getting really cold and shivering.

Not fun.

If making $240 extra per month is your goal, you could probably do better flipping burgers part time.

[Roupey03]

See I already have a part time job. I am working anywhere from 15 - 20 hours at 11 an hour. I was just thinking donating plasma might be worth it to earn some extra cash. I don't really need it. It would probably go into savings.

[cbmeeks]

Well, it won't make you rich. You won't make a lot of money. But might be good for occaisonal cash.

Also you have to remember one thing. It HELPS other people out. So that alone might be enough for you.

Assume you will be there 2-3 hours and make $15 - $20. So if potentially saving a life and making $5/hour so you will have enough money for a pizza and a rental then by all means do it. :-)

[PRICEPLUS]

I'd do it to help folks but there are other ways for me to make money that are much better paying!

[poundwise]

I considered doing this myself. You can actually make pretty good money if you live near to a facility that pays well; prices/payment schedules vary between cities and companies.

However, I just didn't think it was worth taking up so much time in the day and going through discomfort for $25.

Also, be advised, while these companies will let you come week after week, month after month, the American Red Cross, which also accepts this type of donation (actual donation, no pay) restricts persons to a maximum of 12 sessions (I think that's a per year limit, not lifetime.)

One of the larger concerns over giving frequently is that the needle for the process is larger than for other blood donation and by repeatedly donating plasma, you can cause vein scarring.

If you do it, shop around for the best price. And my advice would be to follow the place's schedule to achieve the largest total payout, but to limit yourself to about a dozen times.

For me, where I live, that would mean going twice in a week, 2 different weeks per month, for 3 months.

As I said, I decided against it, but I leave the option open should I ever need a quick way to earn $50 or so.

[Thrifty Ray]

I have a friend who was a single mom. She donated for YEARS and used the money for her daughters extras (new binder, clothes, expenses) so that her daughter never felt 'poor' or different.

(My friends DH died after a long illness and left a ton of medical bills that she had to pay)

The daughter graduated 3.9 gpa and is now at West Point.

She often counsels folks in financial trouble and will suggest this as an option.

She does have a couple of 'pocket scars' on the arms from the needles...but other than that, she didnt have problems that I am aware of.

Good luck!

[Ima saver]

Sounds like a brave gal!! I drove to another state to get married so I did not have to have a blood test. Does that tell you I really don't like needles??

[poundwise]

Originally Posted by Thrifty Ray

I have a friend who was a single mom. She donated for YEARS and used the money for her daughters extras (new binder, clothes, expenses) so that her daughter never felt 'poor' or different.

(My friends DH died after a long illness and left a ton of medical bills that she had to pay)

The daughter graduated 3.9 gpa and is now at West Point.

She often counsels folks in financial trouble and will suggest this as an option.

She does have a couple of 'pocket scars' on the arms from the needles...but other than that, she didnt have problems that I am aware of.

Good luck!

I'm glad to hear that it worked so well for your friend.

I would like to point out, however, that the concern over scarring isn't the scarring of the flesh where the needle is inserted but the actual vein(s) itself. It is my understanding that is not a major risk and is only a concern at all if you overdo it, but I thought I'd mention it.

Having read this thread, I must admit that I've been reconsidering whether to do this or not. Even if I do it just 12 times total I can make about $300 here. I'll have to think it over some more. It's also nice to know that it does go to help someone else.

[Thrifty Ray]

Originally Posted by poundwise

I'm glad to hear that it worked so well for your friend.

I would like to point out, however, that the concern over scarring isn't the scarring of the flesh where the needle is inserted but the actual vein(s) itself. It is my understanding that is not a major risk and is only a concern at all if you overdo it, but I thought I'd mention it.

Having read this thread, I must admit that I've been reconsidering whether to do this or not. Even if I do it just 12 times total I can make about $300 here. I'll have to think it over some more. It's also nice to know that it does go to help someone else.

I know for a FACT that needles in the arms can and WILL cause scarring on the veins. So thank you for pointing out that oversite!
(My mom is on dialysis so 2 needles each visit- 3x per week or 6 pokes each week...and has scarring of the artery that they use)

That said, my friend still ws successful for years with this means of earning a little extra...

But you do have to consider all aspects...(notice I did not say "I" had done it.. besides needlephobia....I am using other means to make extra...but it is also an option I keep in the back of my mind)

[lrjohnson]

I was giving platelets, the reverse of plasma, for a while. It took 2 hours, and you could do it very frequently. I was doing it to volunteer my time without having to deal with a person. Comical, but true. Even though I don't like kids I managed to help a fair number with cancer. But I can't give since I went to Oaxaca....it's an "area of concern" if I remember right. Right when my old ban ends I go to Croatia, and I'm worried that might ban me for another year.

I'd consider doing this even for no money - giving blood, plasma, or platelets regularly. Especially those of us who think we do not have money available to give, and those, like me, who may not want to directly deal with people.

[lucasrd]

My brother needed a platelet infusion a few years back or he would have died...thanks for donating

[Granny Sharon]

I have been a life-long blood and platelet donor; so selling plasma was not a big deal for me. Your first appointment is lengthy as you have to take a physical and answer dozens of health questions. No recent tattoos or piercings are allowed. You must have very good vein selection or you will be turned away. Make sure you drink lots of water as the donation process dehydrates you. I am usually thirsty when I get done and maybe this is a coencedence but I feel tired the rest of the day.After the first donation it only takes about 45 minutes. The money is decent. I made $100.00 my first week, that was with two donations. I will tell you my tax accountant has informed me this is a taxable income. You may be able to take off your milage. Always call first as sometimes there is a promotion or coupon being offered. I found a $80.00 coupon for first time donors.