Has anyone ever donated plasma?

[ScrimpAndSave]

They pay $200 a month...is it difficult? Gross?

I'm squeamish.

[Wealthizfreedom]

If your not afraid of big needles..... I did this for a while and it leaves scar tissue on the inside of your arm where they stick the needle and tube. ??? I think they also paid more for rare blood types.

[cptacek]

I did it in college to pay my income taxes. It wasn't too bad...but I don't mind needles. Just took about 45 minutes (I think) out of my day. They had tvs set up, so you just watched the movie for that long.

[GoodBuyGirl]

The 1st time you go takes a while because you have to be screened and have your blood tested after that it isn't too bad. 1st they take your blood then they spin the plasma out and then return your blood. Sometimes they will make you wait a few minutes or drink some juice before they will let you leave because some people get light headed from donating. It's easy money if you are in a pinch.

[Reldon]

I have wanted to do it but my physical didn't pass so I couldn't donate my plasma.

[creditcardfree]

Nope...wouldn't be able to handle it. Wish I could just to help out.

[FrugalFish]

I knew a woman whose husband donated plasma when he was unemployed and they were desperate for money. Years later he said the scars were a constant reminder of their bad times and he wished he hadn't done it. If for whatever reason being left with the scars will bother you, think twice about doing it.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Oh YUCK!

Totally not doing that.

[DebbieL]

Here in Canada it is illegal to be paid for plasma/blood. Donation here is truly that - donation. I would do it. To me it is more important to save lives than a scar. I've donated blood.

[fruitbowlk]

I was thinking about doing it a year or so ago. My friend mother works for the blood bank so I ask her to ask her mother about donating and she said mostly crackheads donate. so I changed my miind.

[sounderella]

Originally Posted by fruitbowlk

I was thinking about doing it a year or so ago. My friend mother works for the blood bank so I ask her to ask her mother about donating and she said mostly crackheads donate. so I changed my miind.

Uhhh....so crackheads can pass the physical to donate? I find that a little concerning.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Haha...true dat!

[poundwise]

You are much more likely to find a room full of college students or military personnel than anything else. Most of these facilities are typically located near a college campus or military base.

More general info:

Go Ask Alice: Selling plasma

HealthForums.com: Plasma donation

[ScrimpAndSave]

Thank you very much for the information!

[Caoineag]

Originally Posted by poundwise

You are much more likely to find a room full of college students or military personnel than anything else. Most of these facilities are typically located near a college campus or military base.

Yup, I was a college student when I did it. Still have the little scars on my inner elbows to prove it (not that big a deal, much smaller than the accidental scars I have given myself over the years). They have very strict physical guidelines for the blood so anemics and anyone who isn't perfectly healthy need not apply (liver enzymes elevate beyond their allowable parameters when you are sick and two of those in a row disqualify you for forever).

I was always having to keep my protein levels up and couldn't drink pop during donating for hydration reasons. If anything, it was an excellent excuse for taking good care of myself.

I don't regret doing it at all but its not for everyone.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Why are you donating plasma? What do you need the money for?

[pearlieq]

Why do we call it donating? It's selling. I have no moral objection to it or anything, I just think it's a strange way to phrase it. I guess it's more palatable that way.

Even if you don't need money for selling plasma, I would encourage anyone to donate blood whenever you can. It's easy, relatively quick, and it gives life.

Blood that angels here on Earth donated saved my mom's life on a operating table and help her survive chemotherapy. They will always have my deepest gratitude.

Many thanks to all you donors out there! It's truly one of the greatest gifts you can give.

[poundwise]

Originally Posted by pearlieq

Why do we call it donating? It's selling. I have no moral objection to it or anything, I just think it's a strange way to phrase it. I guess it's more palatable that way.

In general, it is phrased that you are donating your plasma and that you are compensated for your time.

The whole plasma donation process, exam and collection, does take quite a bit longer than simple blood donation.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I would like to put more money in the bank to save...that is why I am considering it.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Um, how broke again are you? If I recall you are living at home, what do you need the money for? Get a second job.

Become a vegetarian. Teach more music classes.