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Did you know that you can make money donating plasma to help others in need?
Many people have started donating plasma regularly not only to earn some extra money on the side but also to help those who need the plasma.
While the payouts will vary depending on location and other factors, you can potentially earn a significant amount of money every month just by donating your plasma.
Whether you’re looking to make a positive impact, earn some additional money on the side, or both, donating plasma is something positive for everyone involved.
Here’s our guide to donating plasma for money and what it means to donate.
Table of Contents
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is a clear liquid in blood where fat cells, water, salts, enzymes, and proteins are stored.
Plasma Accounts for 55% of Your Blood
While that’s a very broad explanation of plasma, it’s an important part of the human body and accounts for 55% of the components that make up blood.
There are many diseases and disorders that require extra plasma, which is why donating is so important.
Donating Plasma Helps Those with Clotting Issues
Those with clotting disorders need plasma to help stimulate blood clotting.
Otherwise, bleeding can become hard to control, which can lead to serious complications.
Donating Plasma Helps Find Cures
Plasma is also used to create treatments for autoimmune disorders, rabies, burns, tetanus, and so much more.
Donating plasma is a great way to give back to those in need and can earn you extra cash on the side for your time.
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Plasma Donation
As we mentioned, plasma can help with a lot of diseases and disorders, from helping organ transplant patients to helping with autoimmune diseases.
The number of people you can help is a great reason to donate plasma.
In addition to helping others, you can be compensated for your donation every time you donate, with some payouts as much as $50.
Everybody likes earning extra money, and earning with plasma donations gets you some cash while helping a great cause.
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Who Uses Plasma Donations?
When you donate plasma, you’re actually donating to companies that are either developing products or cures using plasma, or you’re donating to a company that provides plasma to other companies, which is why you are being compensated for your donation.
There are tons of businesses and organizations that need and use plasma, from hospitals to research labs and everything in between.
Patients with blood diseases and disorders need clean plasma to help manage conditions and fight infections.
Since blood is 55% plasma, if someone has a disease or disorder that impacts blood, replacing plasma with plasma donations can make a big impact.
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How Does Donating Plasma Work?
Donating plasma is more involved than donating blood, so it does take more time.
Average donation sessions take about an hour to an hour and a half, which is also why companies compensate you for your donation.
When you donate plasma, your blood is drawn and the plasma is separated from the rest of your blood in a special machine.
After the plasma is successfully separated and collected, your blood is actually put back in your body.
The plasma is then securely stored and sent to companies and hospitals that need it, where it will be used to create new products and assist with medical procedures.
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Does Donating Plasma Hurt?
There are some mild potential side effects to donating plasma and there may be some discomfort while you are donating.
Since plasma is being withdrawn from your body, a needle does need to be inserted in your arm to withdraw your blood.
You may feel a slight prick and some discomfort as the needle enters, but those working at the collection site will ensure that you’re comfortable during the entire process.
Depending on your pain tolerance and sensitivity, the pain from the needle can last varying lengths.
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How Much Can You Make Donating Plasma?
If you donate plasma regularly, the earnings can start to add up quickly.
There are some plasma donation requirements that need to be followed in order for you to be eligible.
Generally speaking, you need to be at least 18 years old and 110 pounds in order to donate plasma.
Check with local and state laws around donating plasma to make sure you’re eligible.
The pay can vary depending on quite a few factors.
Where You Live Affects Much You Make
Geography is one factor that can certainly impact the amount that you make donating plasma, with different plasma collection centers even offering different payouts within the same city.
We will show you how to find donation centers later in the article so you can compare payouts and pick the best one for you.
Your Weight Can Affect Your Pay
Your weight can restrict how much you earn as well.
Federal guidelines state how much someone can donate based on their weight.
The more you weigh, the more you can donate, which means the more you can make with each donation.
When you donate plasma, you’re able to donate up to two times as much plasma than what would be taken in a single blood donation, meaning you’ll make a big impact on those who need plasma.
Look Out for Promotions and First-Time Donor Coupons
Plasma collection centers may also have special promotions where you can earn more for donating a certain amount or if you have a specific antibody in your plasma.
There may also be first-time donor coupons that are available in your area.
These coupons can vary from company to company but can add significantly to your earnings.
For example, you might get a bonus on your second or third visit to help encourage repeat donations.
$10 – $50 Per Donation Is Average
Plasma donation pay ranges between $10 to $50 on average depending on where you are, how much you weight, how much you donate, and if there are any special promotions going on at the time of your donation.
After each session, you’ll typically be paid with a prepaid debit card, but you can speak with your specific plasma donation center to see if other payment options are available.
If you’re at the high end of that range, $50 for an hour to an hour and a half of your time is significant earnings.
With some centers allowing more frequent donations, that means you can earn $200+ per month donating plasma.
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How Often Can You Donate Plasma?
The frequency at which you’re allowed to donate plasma is entirely up to the plasma collection center.
In fact, the FDA has no specific language limiting the frequency of donations.
The FDA’s Guidelines Are Vague
Instead, they simply state that ‘donation frequency must be consistent with protecting the health of the donor.’
This language in the FDA regulations leaves it up to plasma collection centers to set their own frequency guidelines.
No More than Once per Week or Every Two Weeks
Most centers have a limit of no more than once per week or once every two weeks to ensure the safety of donors.
While there are no major side effects of donating plasma, it’s always important to follow guidelines and know when to slow down if necessary.
There may be centers that don’t have a strict limit to the number of times you can donate.
While it can certainly be tempting to donate as much as you can, especially if the payout is on the upper end of the plasma donation pay range, you should always put your health and safety first.
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Is Donating Plasma Safe?
Like we mentioned, there are no major side effects of donating plasma.
Minor Side Effects
You may experience mild side effects during the donation, such as dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, and bruising around the area where the blood is being drawn.
There are some donors who report being lightheaded after donating, much like some experience when donating blood.
No Long-Term Side Effects
However, there are no long-term side effects of donating plasma.
So as long as you’re not experiencing frequent side effects of donating, you can donate frequently and make a decent amount of money on the side through your donations.
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Plasma Donation Near You: Finding a Donation Center
With so many plasma collection centers out there, it can be difficult to find all of them in your area so you can compare.
Fortunately, there are a few great resources out there that you can use to locate and compare local plasma donation centers near you.
DonatingPlasma.org
Check out Donating Plasma at donatingplasma.org.
It is the number one database for finding plasma donation centers in your area.
The database has information on countless plasma donation centers across the United States.
Simply type in your address, your city, or your zip code, and you’ll see a list of plasma donation centers in your area.
The list will display the name of the donation center near you, the address, the phone number, and will even allow you to link out to their website, meaning you can compare times, payout rates, and any promotions that they may be running.
GRIFOLS and CSL
GRIFOLS and CSL are two of the nation’s leading plasma collection companies, so if you simply search on Google for either company, you should be able to see if there are any donation centers in your area.
Don’t Forget About Google
Finally, searching Google Maps is a great way to get an overview of the donation centers in your area.
You’ll be able to see where the buildings are on the map, view information about the business, and even read verified Google reviews.
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Preparing For Your Plasma Donation
After you’ve found the right collection center that’s offering you the payout you’re looking for, there are a few things you need to know in order to prepare for your plasma donation.
There’s a common misconception that you can’t eat or drink before donating blood or plasma.
Eat and Drink As Usual
You will want to eat and drink regularly, as not eating or drinking can increase the likelihood of having mild side effects such as dizziness or fatigue.
When you book an appointment online, you’ll be required to enter your personal information.
Bring your I.D.
Your identity will need to be verified when you show up at the donation center, so be sure to bring your driver’s license or photo identification, as well as your social security card.
If you are missing any documentation, you won’t be able to donate plasma.
Expect a Blood Test
Prior to beginning your donation, your blood will be tested to make sure it is safe to donate and to ensure it has what the collection center is looking for.
For example, if you are low on specific minerals, enzymes, or antibodies, you may be turned away.
Be prepared to have that initial blood test before donating, and understand that you may not be able to donate after the test.
In addition to the test, plasma donations do take time, so be sure to schedule enough time in your day to complete the plasma donation.
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Plasma Donation: Conclusion
No matter why you’re donating plasma, donating is one of the best things you can do in your spare time.
When you donate your plasma, you’re donating something crucial to those in need.
There is a constant need for plasma, meaning you can continually help those in need while also earning money for your donation.
There are very few side opportunities that offer consistent payouts like you’ll see with donating plasma.
Whether you go once a week or once a month, there are always donation centers who are in need of plasma donations.
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Author:
Logan is a practicing CPA and founder of Choice Tax Relief and Money Done Right. After spending nearly a decade in the corporate world helping big businesses save money, he launched his blog with the goal of helping everyday Americans earn, save, and invest more money. Learn more about Logan.
