Donating Plasma – Receive By Giving
Earn Up To A Few Hundred Bucks Per Month By Donating Plasma
You’ve heard all the blood, sweat and tears stories of how your parents made it through college. Well now you can top their legacy by saying you also gave up your plasma.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is the clear, yellowish liquid portion of blood that remains after the cells and cellular components have been removed, which includes the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Plasma is about 90% water and makes up 55% of blood volume. It contains cells, nutrients, proteins, enzymes, hormones, salts and other materials. Its primary objective is to move and transport material throughout the body to areas in need.
Who Needs Plasma?
Everyone needs plasma. It’s got little white blood cells that help patch up the inside and the outside of your body whenever you get sick, or get cut. But some people need extra doses, like those patients getting heart surgery, organ transplants, and treating severe burns.
People with rare conditions like hemophilia, immune, respiratory and neurological disorders, and some more obscure things like von Willebrand disease do not produce enough of their own plasma. They would literally die without constantly supplementing their plasma with donations like yours.
What’s In It For Me?
Not only are you supporting patients by donating plasma, but you can also make some extra money on the side. Average pay varies by location and your body weight, but you can expect to make $20-$50 per donation. You can donate twice per week, and the second donation usually has an increased bounty.
You’re basically getting paid to lay back and listen to music, or study. Granted, they will stick a needle in your arm, but you also get the warm fuzzy feeling that you are literally saving someone’s life.
Wait, Don’t I Need My Plasma?
Donating plasma is a safe procedure with plenty of pre-screening to make sure you will remain perfectly healthy. Additionally, donating plasma on a regular basis can actually lower your predisposition to certain heart conditions (more so if you walk or bike there!)
But there are some downsides to donating plasma, and you should read over this list to consider if it’s right for you.
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- Donating plasma lowers your antibodies. So if you have any pre-existing conditions where you need your antibodies then don’t give them away! Plus, replenishing your stores can increase fatigue. If you’re already exhausted, then this may not be for you.
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- Donating plasma can decrease your calcium stores. Most collection centers use anticoagulants to separate your plasma from your blood, and this removes calcium from your blood as well. If you are a smoker or you avoid eating dark leafy greens or drink milk, then you might want to take the long term health of your bones into consideration.
- Donating plasma can leave you dehydrated, so drink extra water or something with electrolytes. If you’re already hung over, then giving away your precious bodily fluids is not a good idea.
Things They Might Not Mention
There may also be some hidden ‘costs’ to donating plasma that might not be mentioned when you go to a donation center.
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- Track marks in your arm could make for a painful conversation with mom and dad, as you try to explain that you are not a drug addict. But it could also be a deal breaker for new relationships or jobs.
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- Localized infection or inflammation can occur because you are creating new wounds in your body. If the area feels warm or painful to the touch, you should seek medical attention, and that may mitigate any profits from donating plasma.
- Scar tissue buildup from repeated usage of the same veins (in the inner elbow) can make it harder for medical professionals to access your veins if you need medical care in the future, such as if you are in an accident or contract an illness or disease that requires IV treatment.
So Is It Still Safe?
There is no body of research on long-term repercussions of plasma donation. So while the plasma donation centers claim it’s safe to donate twice per week, some medical professionals suggest donating no more than once per month.
People with auto-immune or inflammatory conditions should not donate plasma.
The choice is up to you, as it’s your body. But, as always, you should know the risks and rewards before trying something new.
I’m Sold! Where Can I Donate Plasma?
If you made it this far and you think donating plasma is right for you, then congratulations! Many people are still alive because of donations from people such as yourself. Click here to find the plasma donation center closest to you.
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