Anyone else sell plasma?

[Kycha]

I did when I lived in Allentown and in WV. The places I used only used one needle, the same one withdrew and gave back. Both places had movies or TV running and other than a wierd taste in my mouth it was a breeze. Sometimes my iron was too low to donate so I'd take a week off and take vitamins and get it up again.

The money was cash and I felt like I was doing something good at the same time! If there was a place here to do it I sure would!

Barbara

Do you remember the name of the company in Allentown? I have been trying to find a plasma donation center around here, but I can't find anything. Other than google, I wouldn't know where to look. I don't get the phone book anymore, so no yellow pages. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[mum4jenn]

Let me clarify a few things for those that believe we are discussing selling blood.:

Plasma is NOT blood. The plasma is removed from your blood and the blood is put back into your veins. The donation centers that pay are actually paying you for your time and you are "donating" the plasma but it is just easier to say "sell my plasma". It is a very safe process and if any of your vitals are tha least bit off (even by a point) they will NOT let you donate that day. They do a finger prick (actually to me the worst part of the whole experience) each time you go in to donate and then they check your blood for many different things to see if you can donate that day. They check your pulse, blood pressure, weight each time as well.

I have seen people from all walks of life doing this. When I used to do this I was often there the same time as other regulars which were anything from college students, to pastors, stay at home moms, medical personnel, construction workers...you name it.

This is from the Biolife website:


So, maybe you're a little nervous about coming in for your first plasma donation.
The best way to overcome your fear is to understand what happens during the donation process.
Plasma is collected through a process called "plasmapheresis." When you come in to donate, a needle is placed in your vein and your blood is pumped into a specialized spinning device that separates the plasma from the other whole blood components, such as red and white blood cells and platelets. While the plasma is collected, the other blood components are filtered into a reservoir. Once the reservoir is full, your red and white blood cells and platelets are returned to your body.
Throughout the process, the system automatically alternates between collection and replacement until the predetermined amount of plasma, based on your weight, is obtained.
The tubing and all other collection supplies that come in contact with your blood are discarded and replaced with new, sterile materials each time a donation procedure is performed.


You can do a google for donate plasma and find even more info.

 

[DisneyShannon]

I work at a hospital and they have blood donation and plasma donation, but they do not pay you. I always donate blood because it is fast and painless. I have never donated plasma. I wish everyone would donate blood. Even with the hospital having its own blood donor center many still do not donate.

 

[did2008]

I did it until I had a big bruise on my right arm that took a month to heal. Never again.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Obviously I would be a horrible candidate for this. I feel faint just reading about it...

ME TOO!!!!!

 

[gasperdam]

I'm the OP and I just came back from my appt. to donate plasma today. It wasn't bad at all! I made $35 today and I will make $40 if I schedule and appt. to go back within the next 2 weeks. I found out they give you an incentive because they cannot use your plasma until you have donated 2 times, they need that much to do anything with it. I feel if I don't go back now, my plasma will just go to waste.

Do you remember the name of the company in Allentown?

This is the place I went to. It's called BIOMAT. And they use 1 needle, which takes out the blood processes it through the machine, and then puts it back into your vein. I thought it was easier than donating blood, just a bit longer. Once I was in the chair it took an hour to complete.

Of course I would have to wait until I am done being pregnant and nursing, but may look into then!

I'm a nursing mom, and they will let you donate, they just require the baby to be at least 10 months old or older!

 

[andymattmom]

I just called about this last week...the place I would go in Indiana offers bonuses. The more times you go the higher the pay, etc. I think I might set up an appointment...go and then see if I bruise a lot. I do bruise easily. If it is bad I won't go back.

 

[mum4jenn]

I just called about this last week...the place I would go in Indiana offers bonuses. The more times you go the higher the pay, etc. I think I might set up an appointment...go and then see if I bruise a lot. I do bruise easily. If it is bad I won't go back.

The bruising has to do with the person putting the needle in you (phlebotomist). If they do it right you should never have bruising (this also includes Drs offices and hospitals) You have the right to ask for somone else if they have trouble finding a vein.

 

[Kycha]

The bruising has to do with the person putting the needle in you (phlebotomist). If they do it right you should never have bruising (this also includes Drs offices and hospitals) You have the right to ask for somone else if they have trouble finding a vein.

My veins are very deep and I have been tortured too many times by inexperienced plebotomists. When I donate blood, I make sure to request the one girl at my blood bank. She is the only one who can find my veins without a lot of fuss. She is very good.

 

[tchrchgo]

I donated blood once in college, and ended up passing out and they called me an ambulance- so I have never donated since. some people are just more physically equipped for it than others

 

[IDoDis]

I also sold my plasma with a friend twice a week on and off when I was in college (the donation place was a block from the university campus). I think we got $20 per donation (over 20 years ago), so I'm sure it's higher now. I remember sitting in these comfortable lounge chairs reading magazines during the process. They insert a needle and fill a bag (or two?) of your blood. Then, they remove the plasma and put the blood back inside you. I think that's how it worked, but that was over 20 years ago, so I'm not sure if my memory is correct. They label the bags and then show you the bag before they hook you back up so that they don't give you someone else's blood.

I only had one "incident" one time when I didn't meet the weight requirement. You had to weigh at least 100 pounds or they would turn you away. I had slipped under 100 pounds so I wore hiking boots to add extra weight. I was able to do the procedure, but right after that I had to go stand in line for 2 hours to buy my school books. This was in August when the temps were around 100 degrees. I had not eaten after donating, so while I was standing in line, I became dizzy and fell. I didn't pass out, but was really close. I was sweating profusely which didn't help, so I was pretty dehydrated, as well. Some nice person in line bought me a candy bar from a vending machine and after eating that, I was much better. Other than that, I never had a problem with the process.

 

[Mickeyherewecome123]

Has anyone gone to Biolife? What do they pay?
Just curious, there is one very close to my house and I thought I might try it to make some extra cash.

Thanks

 

[gasperdam]

I've been reading everyone's posts about bruising and also scarring. I did not bruise, but I am concerned about developing scars over time. This could become addictive as it was such easy money for me! I got to lay down in a comfy lounge chair and watch a movie for an hour! My dh jokes that this is my "spa" break; my little vacation from the kids!!

 

[pearlieq]

How safe is it? I think that's just compromising your health and you are asking for trouble.

So what, then, do you intend to do if you're even sick or injured and you need blood products? Is it OK for someone else to "compromise their health" to donate so they can be there when you or your loved ones need it?

I don't have any trouble at all with people who aren't interested in donating blood themselves. There's enough good deeds in the world to go around--we don't all have to do the same thing.

But I do have a bit of a problem with people perpetuating misinformation. Why would anyone try to talk someone out of donating?

Assuming the place is well run, which is pretty easy to tell with a quick look around, there is very, very little risk in donating if you follow the established guidelines. You're at more risk on the drive over!

Aside from extra cash and/or the very real mood boost most people get from altruistic acts, there are some nice health benefits from donating. Donating whole blood helps your heart by reducing iron levels in your blood stream. It also burns about 650 calories, though you can probably make that up with the juice and cookies!

 

[andymattmom]

I went to Bio Life for the first time today. The one thing I wish I had been told is BRING A SWEATSHIRT or BLANKET! I was freezing!!! It took 4 hours...yes that long for the first appointment (was told 3 1/2). They had overbooked newbies so it took a little longer to have the physical and the registration person was new. No biggie for me. It went fine- got $20 this time on a debit card. Next donation is $50- then $30 and then $50. I felt fine- whole donation was about 45 minutes. I was done with my book before I started donating so I was bored- next time IPOD or new book. I would do it again- appointment on Thursday.

 

[mum4jenn]

Oh yes...THe freezing part!! I forgot about that!!

 

[ADPiSpaz16]

I've been donating for two weeks now... ever since coming across this thread. I found a place in Indiana where I live by looking online. Grifols Biomat USA has places all over the country. I would look up their website. For me, the first time took about 5 hours. This place doesn't go by appointments so the waiting for the physical and all that took the longest. After the first appointment, the waits aren't that long. Now, from the minute I walk in until the minute I walk out with cash in had is about 2 - 2.5 hours. The first time is $35, second is $50, 3rd is $35, 4th is $45 and from then on it's $15 the first time in the week and $40 the second. Both me and DH are going now and it's pulling us out of a HUGE financial hole. It doesn't really hurt and it takes about 45 minutes for them to suck the blood putta me. It does go according to your weight. 110-145lbs is the lowest amount drawn, 146-174 the middle and 175-600lbs takes the most (803g... which unfortunately, I'm at... I'm friggin' 1lb away from the lower one, dangit!). I think it's totally worth it if you're not afraid of needles!

 

[Ms.Grumpy]

I have been wanting to go for the last two months!! I have stopped working because school is taking up alot of my time, I am graduating in May. I have always had my own money and this seems like an oppotunity for me to get some money in my pocket. Am I wrong to believe that the average is around $80 for twice a week?

 

[Kycha]

I've been donating for two weeks now... ever since coming across this thread. I found a place in Indiana where I live by looking online. Grifols Biomat USA has places all over the country. I would look up their website. For me, the first time took about 5 hours. This place doesn't go by appointments so the waiting for the physical and all that took the longest. After the first appointment, the waits aren't that long. Now, from the minute I walk in until the minute I walk out with cash in had is about 2 - 2.5 hours. The first time is $35, second is $50, 3rd is $35, 4th is $45 and from then on it's $15 the first time in the week and $40 the second. Both me and DH are going now and it's pulling us out of a HUGE financial hole. It doesn't really hurt and it takes about 45 minutes for them to suck the blood putta me. It does go according to your weight. 110-145lbs is the lowest amount drawn, 146-174 the middle and 175-600lbs takes the most (803g... which unfortunately, I'm at... I'm friggin' 1lb away from the lower one, dangit!). I think it's totally worth it if you're not afraid of needles!

Thank you for this info!! I googled Grifols and found their website. There are 2 facilities within 30 minutes of me. I may just send my DH over there as a guinea pig. I can't donate now anyway. I got a tattoo on Sept 30(my b-day) last year. So, I have to wait until at least a year since the tattoo before I can donate.

So, what does the physical entail? Is it like the physical you get when you donate blood(blood pressure, weight, temp, heart rate)? Or is it more involved than that? And do they only do the physical during the first appointment? And how often can you donate? Thanks for any information you can give!
Oh, and the link for anyone that is interested...

http://www.grifolsusa.com/donor.html

 

[andymattmom]

I had an interesting 3rd time donation. Easiest $30 ever! I went in and checked in and the machine leaked so they took the needle out and said I was done and have a good day. I don't understand why I couldn't be hooked up to another machine but I was credited $30 to my card right away. I have an appointment on Thursday.

I will have my $114 rental car paid for this week! and the money leftover for gas!