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Donating plasma for money: Is it healthy?

Calendar that shows plasma donation requirements and how often you can donate
Some plasma donation centers allow regular plasma donation. This begs the question: How often can you donate plasma and is it healthy?

Get a quick physical assessment, sit in a chair for approximately one hour and walk out with extra cash.

Plasma donation centers across the country compensate donors. Though donating plasma for money probably appeals to most anyone, centers may target populations, like college students, who are in need of extra cash.

This begs the question: Is donating plasma regularly healthy?

Here’s what you should know.

RELATED RESOURCE: Schedule appointment to talk to your Marshfield Clinic Health System doctor about donating plasma

Plasma center vs. blood center

“First, it’s important to realize there are two ways to donate plasma,” said Dr. Kathy Puca, senior medical director at Versiti and consulting pathologist for Marshfield Clinic Health System. “Plasma donation centers collect source plasma for large drug companies to produce certain medications. Blood centers ask volunteer donors to donate whole blood, or the fractions of whole blood – red cells, platelets and plasma – for transfusions to patients at community hospitals.”

You may have a different experience based on where you donate.

Plasma donation requirements

Plasma donation centers typically have requirements for donors. These typically require the donor to be at least 18 and weigh 110 pounds. At a plasma center you’ll undergo a health history questionnaire followed by a quick physical assessment including pulse, blood pressure and temperature.

Blood centers do a similar health screening and assessment. Age and weight requirements are similar, too, but individuals 16 and 17 may donate with guardian consent.

Where does my plasma go?

Plasma donation centers typically send plasma donations to pharmaceutical manufacturers. These companies batch collect plasma, further treat it to remove impurities and then convert it to medications like albumin.

The time from collection to when the therapy is ready for patient use can take seven to nine months.

In order for your plasma to be used in such manufacturing it will have to pass two separate health screenings and testing within six months.

Blood centers, after testing donations, freeze plasma. This plasma is sent to hospitals for use in a few days up to one year after collection. Plasma transfusions provide clotting factors for patients who are severely bleeding from major trauma or have large blood loss from a surgical procedure.

How often can I donate?

Plasma donation centers may advertise compensation for two donations in one week (seven days). There is no limit to the number of donations per year.

Blood centers generally allow no more than one plasma donation every four weeks (28 days) and up to 13 times per year.

“Individuals who donate more than once every four weeks should be monitored,” Puca said. “In those who donate frequently, immunoglobulin levels may drop over time, which may make it difficult for the donor to fight infections.”

What are side effects of donating plasma?

As mentioned above, there is risk of low immunoglobulin levels because it takes time for the levels to replenish.

Those who donate frequently and long term may also be at risk for anemia from incidental loss of red cells during donation.

After your donation, you may feel thirsty and tired.

“In any situation, donors should hydrate and eat a healthy, well-balanced meal with high protein to help replenish some protein lost during donation,” Puca said.

Should I donate plasma?

“We are always in need of donations, and I never want to scare away a potential donor,” Puca said. “However, the safety of the blood or plasma donor is important. Consider your health, lifestyle and associated risks. Then make the decision best for you.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates blood centers and also plasma donation centers that compensate donors.

Your primary care provider can help determine whether plasma donation will affect your health.

For questions about plasma donation, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

Schedule appointment Message your provider

100 responses to “Donating plasma for money: Is it healthy?”

  1. David I

    There are various medical risks including anemia, immune system impacts, routine small red blood cell loss and potentially a large red blood cells can not be returned (happens occasionally). Considering the risks, the compensation is insufficient. Donations centers try very hard to pay a pretty small amount per donation using various payment "tricks."

  2. Ron

    I am 63yo and I have been donating 2 x week for close to 4 years non stop. I have not had any problems healing or fighting off sickness. Perhaps I have been lucky, but I am watchful for all the items you mention in the article and have not experienced problems. Protein and Hematocrit levels are always checked in the screening at each donation and I have stayed steady at roughly 7% and 49% respectively. There have been occasional slight feelings of dizziness at the point of saline return, and I make a point of just being a couch potato after donations for rest. It generally takes about 2 hours total per donation and pay rate is averaging out to $120/week so it works out to $30/hour and I just watch youtube videos on my phone. I am not trying to sell anyone on it, but it has been working out for me these past 4 years.

    1. Donna Moore

      Thank you!! I just started donating and just checking pro n cons!!

    2. Theresa Carlson

      How does your vein heal up so fast? Do you alternate arms? Thinking of donating as I have O rh negative blood (not sure if that matters)

      1. Kirsten Suzanne Biondi

        Hi,
        I have O neg as well, and asked about that. Apparently with plasma your blood type doesn’t factor in like it does when you donate blood.

      2. Tammie Andrews

        I switch arms each time to give the vein not being used a break

  3. Kat

    Hi everyone I've donated plasma 21 times in the past 4 months (since June) and made exactly $1400 so far and I have no problems. I am 46 yrs old and weigh 200 so i ride my bike daily and eat not too healthy so I guess average and I feel fine. I have to admit I don't sleep the recommended hours of 6-8 but then again my sleeping pattern is not normal. I generally sleep less hours but occasionally take short naps during the day. I pretty much run my own program and love how my body looks and feels. I've referred my daughter of 24 and she on the other hand doesn't exercise and she says she doesn't feel any different than before she started donating. She's been donating for about 2 months now and we even go together. It takes her about 30 minutes and it takes me about 50 minutes. So drinking lots of water is important. We figure It's for a good cause and we get compensated at the same time. Besides, we only plan to do this temporary not for life. I guess it's not for everyone, but if it's affecting your health then you shouldn't donate. God bless.

  4. Marcus

    I think when you donate you should be paid more or the same amount it should be at least a 100.00 each time all the time for donating ..
    This is no job it's a trade
    Because all lives matter so why should I sicken my self …..

  5. Anthony L

    I’ve donates plasma for about a year twice a week. I haven’t struggle with anything I’ve read since my diet consist of high protein and I’m constantly active, few time I’ve felt dizziness days after donating plasma but maybe it was related to something else. I think I’ve taken a break for a couple of weeks throughout the year, but maybe everyone anatomy different. I do drinks lots of water and I workout regularly, consistently lifting weight. Since I donate plasma, I ensure to eat a good amount of healthy fats and protein. As I’ve mentioned, I’m so what fit so maybe that’s why I don’t experience the issues that some has mentioned.

  6. Blazing Proxies

    It’s nearly impossible to find experienced people for this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  7. Barbara

    Ive been donating for a few months, a couple days ago after a donation I stopped to do pick some stuff up at a big box store and fainted at the store. I was checked out by the EMTs ( protocol for the store to call an ambulance). Just wondering if anyone has experienced this and if I should give it up because of this.

  8. Richard Albert Pluim

    Hi, I have donated four times. I wish that I never donated at all because now I have Tinnitus. Im sure that it is related. I do not know if there are others that have had the same experience as me. I hope others come forward.

  9. Christina

    I’ve been donating plasma 2x a week for 4 months. I noticed about 3 weeks (6 donations) after I started, my ankles started to swell up and I was gaining weight, I changed my diet and started going to the gym 4x a day burning over 500 calories. The weight wasn’t moving, I ended up seeing my doctor for blood work and my protein levels were much lower then what the donation center was telling me. I averaged about a 6.6 there and my blood work said 5.5!! My albumin was Also low. Which explained the Edema. It’s been a week and my swelling is almost gone. I eat a high protein diet and always replenish after each donation. I don’t know if my body doesn’t regenerate the protein fast enough or what the issue is.

  10. Hope

    Hello fellow donor here, I had been donating plasma regularly for a few years b4 2016 at the time I was 27-29. Well I had my daughter June of 2016 and hadn't donated since. My daughter is in school now and was just looking for a safe way to help others while also getting paid. So I decided to start donating again.. Never did I have a bad experience until today. It was only my 3rd time in the past 3 weeks. I was perfectly fine when I went in.. They checked my vitals, iron and protein it was all good. But towards the end of my donation my whole body started to shut down. 1st it was shortness of breath then my vision started to blur It was like my nerves system was locking up and failing at the same time. My heart was pumping very slow. Breathing was very little, I couldn't even move my tongue. My hands fingers feet and toes we're all locking up and going numb. It was so scary. All I could think about were my kids and this couldn't be where I go. So I kept my eyes closed and just tried my best to keep Breathing while they were putting ice packs everywhere and rushing to get my blood back in my body. After about 7 to 10 mins of laying there trying to get feeling back in my limbs they let me go. I was still really Shaky so I sat in my car for a while b4 leaving. Came home ate a bit laid down and my muscles and nerves have been spasmodic all day. I don't get it. I drink A LOT of water and thought I was overall pretty healthy but all this Got me thinking. Maybe there is something deeper internally wrong that I didn't know. Anyway. Just wanted to share my recent experience. You all stay safe.

  11. Rebecca Aske

    I donated plasma twice a week for six weeks. I developed severe pitting edema in both legs. They were incredibly swollen and painful. I stopped donating to see if there was a correlation and sure enough after one week without donating my legs returned to normal. I was terrified thinking I had lymphedema or something until I realized it had started shortly after I began donating. And legs completely normal now. Any ideas as to why the edema occurred? The 100 bucks for every donation was awesome but I don't want the edema.

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Rebecca,

      We reached out to our expert to get her thoughts on your questions. Here is what she said:

      'When a person donates plasma frequently, not only is the fluid (plasma) removed but protein and albumin are also removed. Albumin is the main protein that maintains oncotic pressure in the blood vessels; which means albumin pulls fluid from the tissues into the capillaries and blood vessels. A lower amount of albumin in the blood vessels could decrease the flow of water and fluid into the blood vessels. This may lead to edema in the soft tissue, especially dependent areas like the ankles.

      During the collection procedure, saline is given to the donor to replace the volume donated. When an individual donates quite regularly as mentioned in the blog post, i.e. 1 to 2 times per week for several weeks, the depletion of albumin can become cumulative over time.

      If the swelling continues, it is recommended that you see your healthcare provider. It is also important to replenish the protein lost during plasma donations. A high-protein diet helps to replace the proteins and albumin lost during the donation.'

      Thank you and hope that helps,
      Jake

  12. Hannah

    I got a cold sore the morning after I donated plasma for the first time, should I be worried?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Hannah,

      Thank you for reaching out. We recommend talking about this directly with your provider. Since they are aware of your medical history and past conditions, they can best advise you.

      Thank you,
      Jake

  13. Diana

    Hi I donated twice and the 3rd&4th time I tried was rejected because my iron levels were down. Since the last time I donated, I became sick like with a cold by the end of that last day, following recovering 2 days later only about 75%. Then the following week was when I was rejected twice for having low iron, I still don't feel 100% and am extremely tired and feel drained to the point I can't do anything. I went to the gym to work out and got home feeling like if I wanted to pass out. What can I do to replenish other then meat and potatoes.

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hi Diana,

      We recommend talking directly with your provider about the symptoms you are experiencing. They can best advise you due to their knowledge of your medical history and past conditions.

      Thanks,
      Jake

  14. Jim

    After reading comments, in short, do not donate blood until you talk to your health care provider about it. Because the blood donation center will not advise you if you are having any problems or warn you about problems you could have. If you are one of the 20% of Americans that doesn't have healthcare currently, donating might be too risky.

    1. Donna Moore

      I donate plasma and the facility does explain in detail. Maybe where you go does not. But pick your place observe ask questions.

  15. Justin

    I've been donating 2 times a week for a few months now. Since I've started donating I've lost 35 lbs.
    Is this normal? Is there a chance they relate to each other.

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hi Justin,

      Thank you for reaching out. We recommend you discuss this directly with your provider. Due to their knowledge of your medical history, they can best advise you.

      -Jake

  16. Jake

    My brother got a very bad infection from donating blood plasma, it was a very serious infection that could have been fatal if it was not treated.

  17. Chelsea

    I'm curious to know. After I donate plasma I feel the urge to over eat. Is that normal?

    1. Hi Chelsea, Our registered dietitian said low blood sugar levels could results in feeling hungry. She also mentioned donating plasma can be taxing on the body, and some people respond to the need to refuel and replenish the body with hunger. Hope this helps. – Kayla

  18. Abby W

    I’m 19 years old and female and I’ve donated plasma 4 times total in my life (all within the last month). Recently I’ve noticed my hair is drastically thinning. I used to have very nice thick hair and I could not even wrap my hand around it all. Now my hair has decreased in thickness and I only only have 40-50% left. Why is this happening? I’m very worried and I know losing hair is part of aging sometimes but I’m a female and I’m 19 years old so I don’t understand why I’ve lost over half of my hair within a month. It makes me very sad and I’m less confident. Someone please help!

    1. Hi Abby, we encourage you to make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your hair loss. Your providers knows your health history and can make a proper diagnosis. If you are in our service area, you can request an appointment online at marshfieldclinic.org. – Kayla

    2. Cheryl Morse

      Alopecia.. common age for diagnosis..

  19. KJ

    Can you exercise the day after you give plasma?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello KJ,

      Thank you for reaching out.

      As an additional resource, you may find this link helpful:
      https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-you-workout-after-giving-blood

      It includes information from the American Red Cross and World Health Organization on the topic.

      Thank you,
      Jake

  20. Greg

    I am over 50 and have been donating over 3 years, the very first time my are bruised from the needle and could not donate for 2 weeks, I go now 7-8 times a month and have not had any problems since.

  21. Josephina Alvarado

    I have donated blood for over 30 years, I started because my 2 year old at the time was very sick & doctors thought it might be Leukemia, the next 3 weeks until the tests came back were hell, her results were negative & she has given birth to 3 beautiful healthy children, My drive at that time became heartfelt for the Parents who's child tests positive for leukemia. On the bone marrow registry & blood donor as are all my 4 adult children. I have never donated plasma, however I am so healthy by god's grace, I have to do my part in blessing those who are not so fortunate. Thank you for allowing me to share & give back.

  22. Brenda A

    My daughter just tried to donate plasma. She said it started burning really bad. She asked if it was supposed to burn so bad and they said no! The needle had fallen out of her vein and she got a huge hematoma and now her FOOT is starting to BRUISE even though the needle was in her arm. Could it be a blood clot or an air pocket?? I'm SO NERVOUS!

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hi Brenda,

      We strongly recommend talking to your daughter's doctor directly about this as soon as you can. They can best advise you due to their knowledge of your daughter's past medical conditions and history.

      Thanks,
      Jake

  23. David P.

    I'm 63 and in good health. You've had no problems donating while in your 60s?

  24. Clinton M

    Did you read the article? They literally said you can donate twice in a 7 day period just to monitor yourself and the Immunoglobulin levels may be low. There is no limit to number of donations per year.

  25. Paige F.

    Can donating plasma twice a week cause hair thinning or loss?

  26. Sonia

    I just gave my first plasma donation this past Monday. I did fine until the very end when I started to get my red blood cells with saline returned to me. I started to feel like I was going to pass out, I started to shuffle around a bit, and I am not sure how to explain it but started to feel hot. The phlebotomist put an ice pack on my chest and when I was done (before she removed the needle) I felt better. What could this been a reaction to? If I keep donating will I continue to have this reaction? I'd this serious?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Sonia,

      We strongly recommend talking directly with your provider about what you experienced. They can best advise you due to their knowledge of your medical history and past conditions.

      Thank you,
      Jake

  27. Muluken mituku

    Goodness is like giving to oneself

  28. Ed Goddard

    I donated plasma 380 times. I was cut-off when I turned 69 years old. Seems to me, if there is a big need, the age limits could be raised for healthy donors. There must be some government agency that can change the age restriction

    1. Mike

      Thank you, i admire you!

    2. Jibiath Monroy

      Have you experience any health issues during all the time you donated?

  29. Star

    If you think you had COVID in the past but weren't allowed to be tested and still can't get an antibodies test because of lack of tests available in your state, can the plasma donation center check to see if you qualify for the special COVID program at their site?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Star,

      Thank you for reaching out. We recommend discussing this with your primary care provider and contacting your local plasma donation center to learn more. Unfortunately, we are limited in the advice we can provide on this platform and do not have enough information on location and medical history to answer adequately.

      Thanks,
      Jake

    2. Diana

      From my experience with NY blood center, no.
      In order to be considered for convalescent plasma donation, you are required to provide proof of previous infection, be it positive PCR test or antibodies.

  30. Leigh

    I just donated plasma today and had my worst experience to date. They adjusted the needle part way through and the machine started pumping the blood back into my arm under my skin and it burned really bad. As a result I wasn’t able to have the red blood cells returned to me or the saline injected. I was wondering how long should it hurt for and how much blood loss I may have had since I have been having dizzy spells all day since then.

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hi Leigh,

      We recommend contacting your doctor and phlebotomy care team as soon as you can. They can best advise you about the pain and dizzy spells you are experiencing since they are most aware of your past medical history and conditions.

      Thanks,
      Jake

  31. Guy with a question

    What happens if someone donates more than twice in a 7 day period? There are 2 donation locations in my area, only 1 monitors for regular donations… Hypothetically you could donate at both locations in 1 week…
    It's it harmful to do this for a month or so?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hi Guy – thanks for reaching out.

      In the article, Dr. Puca notes that for individuals who donate frequently, immunoglobulin levels may drop, making it difficult to fight infections. The FDA recommends donating plasma no more than twice a week. This gives the body needed time to recover. If you'd like to read more on donating plasma, you can click here: https://www.healthline.com/health/donating-plasma-side-effects#tips

      Thanks,
      Jake

    2. A mf j

      NEGATIVE!!!! It don’t matter if it one or two or two different ones there all connected to a National site when they’ll know and when they find out you can’t donate ever you’ll be a red flag in the system

    3. Jason

      In my area…Auburn Alabama to be exact, these donation centers are monitored by the CDC in Atlanta Georgia…I know this to be a fact because I tried changing to a donation center because it paid more..as soon as my name was put into the system the CDC put a flag on my name stopping me from being eligible to donate until a certain number of days had passed.

    4. Reuben

      You might donate more than twice in one week because those conditions,but they will check your protein and iron levels,so,if to low,you can't donate and they will take you out of the donators list for like 2 weeks or more

  32. Aaron Johnson

    Hi, I am a routine donor and have been for almost two years. I have routinely donated twice a week for this period and have experienced no visible side effects, is there a way to check and see if I am seeing any long term side effects?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Aaron,

      Thank you for reaching out. We recommend talking to your health care provider regarding your question. They can answer your questions best, because they know your health history best.

      –Jake

  33. Thomas Russell

    I’ve been donating plasma for the past month but the last 2 times were the worst but today was the worst I donated at 7 am and after I couldn’t stop throwing up and I have been sick all day what to do?????? Some one please give good advice

    1. Paul

      It sounds like your dehydrated. I’d recommend making sure you drink a minimum of three liters of water the day before you donate, and drink lots of water throughout the day after donating.

  34. Jennifer

    Will donating regularly make my menstrual cycle late?

  35. Chris

    I do Cage Fighting, and heard that donating plasma reduces bone density, is this true? And if so, is it temporary, or permanent, and would it affect my career as a mixed martial artist? Thank you, and have a wonderful day!

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Chris,

      Thank you for reading Shine365 and reaching out. We recommend talking to your health care provider regarding your question. They can answer your questions best, because they know your health history best.

      –Jake

    2. Peregrin Cartwright

      Chris, if the plasma donation center uses a citrate product as an anticoagulant as most do, then the citrate can reduce ionized calcium levels in the blood which, if not balanced by appropriate vitamin regiments, can lead to bone density issues as well as nerve irritation and muscle spasms.

  36. Julie Duncan

    If I spent the day before sailing & sick throwing up can I donate my plasma?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Julie,

      Thank you for reaching out. We recommend talking to your health care provider regarding plasma donation – they can answer your questions best, because they know your health history.

      –Jake

      1. Tessa Garcia

        I have high blood pressure can I donate

      2. Jacob Zipperer

        Hello Tessa,

        Thank you for reaching out. We recommend talking to your health care provider if you have any questions about donating plasma. They know your medical history and can best advise you. We also found this link that offers added information on donating with high blood pressure: https://www.sharecare.com/health/high-blood-pressure/can-i-donate-blood-if-i-have-high-blood-pressure

        Hope that helps,
        Jake

  37. Jennifer Banks

    So, I just donated plasma. Normally, I just feel sick about an hour and a half after donating then I nap and feel better but… Today is different. An hour and half later I feel extremely dizzy and light headed with anything I do. And feel like I am going to faint and it’s like five hours gone by now and I still feel this way. Should I not donate?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Jennifer,

      Thank you for reaching out. We recommend talking to your health care provider as soon as you can if you are experiencing any changes after donating plasma – they can answer your questions the best, because they know your health history.

      –Jake

      1. Danielle

        Just stop replying to people as if you’re going to be helpful!

      2. Hi Danielle,

        I understand your frustration with our reply to contact health care teams. Because we are unfamiliar with each person and their medical history, we are unable to provide medical advice in the comments section. Some questions can be answered by the experts sourced in Shine365. Each comment is reviewed before a response is given. Thank you. – Kayla

    2. Steve Morse

      Steve Morse

  38. juan

    Can I donate if I'm 17?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hello Juan,

      Thank you for reaching out. Plasma donation centers typically require donors to be at least 18 years of age. At blood centers, individuals who are 16 or 17 may be able to donate, but they would need guardian consent.

      Hope that helps!
      Jake

      1. Jaelynn

        Do you know of any specific places that will let a 17 year old donate with a parent? I live in Fridley MN

      2. Jacob Zipperer

        Hello,

        We were able to find the following link to plasma donation centers in the Twin Cities: https://www.grifolsplasma.com/en/locations/donation-center-search-results?zipcode=55421

        We recommend contacting the donation center directly with your question and to learn more about whether it is a right fit for you.

        Thanks,
        Jake

  39. Tai

    Is it a good idea for me to sell my plasma if I'm a vegetarian?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Tai,

      Thank you for reading Shine365 and thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we are unable to provide medical advice on this platform. I found an article that includes information on donating plasma as a vegetarian: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/here-s-what-you-need-know-about-donating-blood-ncna1017326 — but we recommend talking to your health care provider first since they know your medical history.

      Thanks and I hope that helps,
      Jake

      1. Tai

        Thank you

      2. Steve

        Hello,prior to my last plasma,the needle went too far in,which left a nickle size blotch on the surrounding skin,later on.
        Today, after the machine couldn't function properly,from this same arm,they drew from the other.
        Now,about 2 hours later the arm they could not draw blood from,hurts,and I wonder as to how long I need to wait for this vein to heal.

      3. Jacob Zipperer

        Hello Steve – thank you for contacting us,

        We strongly recommend discussing the pain you are experiencing with your primary care provider and phlebotomy care team. Due to their knowledge of your previous medical and donating history, they can best advise you.

        Thanks,
        Jake

  40. Rena

    I donate normally twice a week but here the last few times I have donated I feel very sick I'm am active person an I work an cook a healthy meal for me an my husband everyday. But today after donating plasma I came home running a fever an throwing up what I had eaten before donating is this something I should be concerned about.

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Rena,

      Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide medical advice on this platform. We recommend talking to your primary care provider as soon as you are able. If you are a Marshfield Clinic Health System patient, you can message your doctor on My Marshfield Clinic: http://marshfieldclinic.org/mymarshfieldclinic

  41. Christy

    I have just started donating plasma twice a week. I'm over 50, no major health issues. 5'8, Weighs over 200lbs. First time was slight reaction, didn't eat & hydrate well enough b4 going. Done two weeks already, no problems again ever since. Is it too much if no signs of any problems?

    1. Jacob Zipperer

      Hi Christy,

      We appreciate you reaching out. We recommend talking to your health care provider – they can answer your questions the best, because they know your health history.

      –Jake

    2. Danielle

      If you feel comfortable, you’re likely to be fine. Maintain regular checkups with your healthcare provider. You know your body better than your provider so if you feel like something is off, go in for an extra visit.

  42. Amber

    My husband donated twice and less than 28 days and he almost died. He's a very healthy man he works out every day he eats right. He rides his bike 60 MI every weekend. We went to donate and his blood pressure bottomed out it was normal when we started but it got dangerously low and his heart almost stopped. They had to call an ambulance and he was taken to the nearest hospital. 3 days later he still feeling weak and sick from the whole ordeal.

    1. Stacey

      Where did he go? Did machine keep stopping or any diff with pull of the blood? Did he drink enough water prior? Allergy to sodium citrate? What did they say caused his reaction?

    2. Danielle

      Being that your husband is an athlete he probably has a very low resting heart rate. When you lose blood your heart rate can drop below your baseline. With his being low already, then dropping lower it may have caused his blood pressure to bottom out. Many donor sites have prescreening perimeters to check BP and HR prior to donation, ensuring a healthy level because it’s almost guaranteed it will drop during donation. I hope he’s doing well now (11 months later).

  43. Favian

    Hi, I have a question about the effects of donating on the body, for the past 8 months I've been losing weight by dieting and going to the gym, making me lose almost 50 lbs, so I am down to 178, near my goal weight of 160. I stand at 5'8 by the way. The type of workout I do is anaerobic high intensity exercise meant to build muscle, and I plan to donate plasma in 2 months once I turn 18, while also continuing the exercise and maintaining a decent diet. what I'm wondering is, If I do donate plasma, will there be any deterioration of muscle/lack of ability to gain muscle? Should I take a break from going to the gym, and if so, for how long? Concerning diet, will foods like avocados, nuts, and eggs be bad to eat before going to get the plasma drawn?

    1. Jordan Simonson

      Hi Favian – to learn more about donating plasma and to find answers to your questions, we recommend talking with your health care provider. – Jordan

  44. Aaron Solt

    Dogs given specific amino acids were measured to regenerate plasma 20x as fast as they could when fed normal food.

    The return saline should have phylloquinone (vitamin K1) in it too. Someone forward this to FDA!

  45. Aaron Solt

    Plasma donation gives 60 grams of protein, with a very different amino acid profile from food. Leucine is the most prevelant, about 10 grams worth. You would need 200 grams of normal food to get that much leucine back. It is an essential amino acid; our bodies can't make it. So, it likely is taken from our muscles, especially if we donate twice per week.

    They should put 10 grams of leucine and 3 grams of lysine in the return saline.

  46. Ryan

    Will my body heal less efficiently/slower after donating plasma? I’m pretty active and clumsy and will end up with cuts/deep stretches weekly from playing sport.

    1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

      Hey, Ryan. Thank you for the great question.

      I apologize for the delay in our response. Dr. Puca said,

      "For generating new skin to heal minor scrapes and scratches, the body requires a multitude of factors including proteins, enzymes and electrolytes. The body has an excellent reserve capacity and after a single plasma donation there is generally sufficient amount of these factors for healing. Since it takes about 24-48 hours to replenish the plasma donated, some individuals may become dizzy and lightheaded leading to a risk of falls especially when participating in strenuous sports soon after donating. So remember, drink plenty of water (6 to 8 , 12-oz glasses) before, around the time of your donation and after. Wait about 24 hours before playing any strenuous sports after donating, especially on a hot day. Also, if you donate frequently at a plasma donation center, more than every 4 weeks, you may want to get periodic checkups with your primary care provider to make certain you remain healthy to keep donating."

      I hope that helps, and thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie

  47. LEAH

    How often can you donate platelets? I used to do whole blood with the Community Blood Center and now I have gone to platelets. I too did not know that is what the plasma centers do with the draws.

    1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

      Hi, Leah. According to Versiti, you can donate platelets once a week up to 24 times a year.

      Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie

  48. Linda

    Thank you for this article. So many people are under the impression when they donate plasma and get paid for it, it is going to patients. The plasma center is very deceiving.

  49. Jeff

    Great post on an issue I was not aware of. I have regularly donated whole blood every 8 weeks for the past few years. I would like to know if there are any adverse health issues I should be considering. Also, is there any data regarding what type of donation is safer long term for the donor long term if done every minimum waiting period, whole blood, plasma, or platelets?

    1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

      Hi, Jeff. Great questions. Dr. Puca provided responses:

      “Donating whole blood (WB) every 8 weeks is generally safe. However it depends on your age, lifestyle, diet and whether or not you are being treated for medical conditions. While it takes about 24-48 hours for your plasma to replenish and 4-6 weeks to restore your red cells after a WB donation, repeated donations can reduce the body’s iron stores. Iron is needed to make new red blood cells to replace those lost from donation. It is important for individuals who donate WB frequently, like yourself, to take iron supplements. Recent studies have shown that small doses, such as the amount in multivitamins (but check the label – not all multivitamins have iron), is sufficient to replace iron lost from donating. Though, as always, check with your primary care provider before starting any medication, even over-the-counter medication. Your provider can help you decide type, dose and duration of iron supplement."

      Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie

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