What to Know Before Donating Plasma

Since coming to JMU, plenty of people I know have donated plasma for money. I was curious for a couple of years, and when I got really desperate a few weeks ago, I finally scheduled my first appointment. It has been a bit of a rocky experience, but if you know all the facts— you can make an educated guess for yourself. 

1. The first month deal is superb. Take advantage of it. 

When you first sign up to donate, you’ll be given an introductory deal. They sometimes differ month to month, but mine was this: 

Donate 8x this month and receive $500. 

$50 + $70 + $50 + $70 + $60 + $50 + $70 + $80

For reasons I’ll explain later, after this month I probably won’t be donating. But I’ve got my eyes set on the $500. So, even if you don’t like it, you can always take advantage of the first month. 

2. Come prepared for your appointment. 

For your first appointment, you’ll need a driver’s license, social security card and proof of address. From then on, you won’t need any identification other than your finger print! 

There is wifi, so feel free to bring your phone, laptop, tablet, etc. I like to watch an episode or movie from Netflix or Hulu, and that seems to really pass the time. You’ll also want a blanket or warm jacket to drape over you because you definitely will get cold. 

3. Here’s the process. 

Your first appointment will last around 2 hours for everything. First, you’ll come and set up your account with the identification you provide. Then, they’ll check your blood, blood pressure, weight and so on. As long as that is all good, they’ll send you over to complete a questionnaire regarding your medical history. A physician will then conduct a physical and ask you about any of the questions that you flagged or answered differently on the questionnaire. Now, it’s time to donate. 

If it’s not your first time, you’ll go straight to the computers, sign in and complete a short version of the questionnaire. They’ll check your vitals and then it’s time! 

The donation typically lasts 45 minutes, with 40 minutes of on and off pumping, and then the last 5 or so minutes, they give your blood back with saline. This is COLD. 

4. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more. 

The more hydrated you are before donating plasma, the faster and easier the process will be. Particularly if you have small veins or it typically takes longer for you to donate blood, the extra water will help. 

After you’re done donating, replenish! Plasma is mostly water, so you’ll need to drink more to catch up. (Plasma is also protein, so make sure that before and after you donate you’re eating lots of protein). In my experience, the more water and protein you intake, the less drained you’ll feel. 

If you’re someone who doesn’t drink a lot of water, maybe this isn’t for you. 

5. Know yourself, know your veins.

Now to explain the reason why I won’t be donating much after this month. I have small veins which makes it hard to find and stick just right. When it’s not perfect, it takes a long time to give blood, get the blood back, etc. 

Of the five times I have donated, three have been fine and successful. Two of my donations were painful, trying and unsuccessful (needing to stop ⅓ of the way through). The last time I donated, I got a hematoma (a puncture in the vein that causes a pool of blood, basically a bruise) halfway through donation. It sounds kinda scary, but it’s actually not that out of the ordinary. Still, doesn’t exactly make me want to continue donating. 

Some people aren’t built for plasma donation, and that’s okay. You have to assess the pros and cons of donating, and keep in mind that your health should come first. 

• blood