FAQs

Do you still have doubts about plasma donation? Our FAQs section will hopefully clear them up. Remember that our medical team and staff are always there to answer all your questions in person.

FAQs

Do you still have doubts about plasma donation? Our FAQs section will hopefully clear them up. Remember that our medical team and staff are always there to answer all your questions in person.

Donation

Curious to know more about how the plasma donation process works? Find the answers to our users’ most frequently asked questions about donation.

Why is plasma donation needed?

Human plasma is unique and invaluable. Most of the plasma components used in these therapies cannot be obtained anywhere else; nor can they be replicated in a laboratory. A single plasma donation could save the lives of many babies. It might provide vital treatment for burn and shock victims, cancer patients, organ donor recipients and others with compromised immune systems. Clotting factors derived from donated plasma allow people with bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) to live more normal lives.

Who can donate and what do I need to bring on my first visit?

  • Weigh at least 110 pounds
  • Be in good general health
  • Provide a valid and current government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license)
  • Provide proof of a Social Security Number Proof of residency (for example, a piece of mail addressed to you, like a utility bill, with a visible postmark from the previous 30 days, showing your current address)
  • How do I find the nearest center?

    Please visit our website to find a center nearest you. You can search by state or city!

    Are you compensated for donating plasma?

    Yes! Each center has a slightly different compensation schedule; check with your local center for their current compensation. Our KEDREWARDS program offers additional compensation in the form of point rewards for donations and referrals via a Wirecard Prepaid Card. In addition, it rewards loyalty and provides an opportunity to engage with our community and give your much-needed feedback on how we can continue to improve and enhance the donor experience.

    How long does it take to donate?

    On your first visit, plan on spending approximately 2 hours. You will be given a physical exam by our medical staff and asked some questions to help us ensure that donating is safe for you and for the people who will receive the gift of your donation. Subsequent visits will take a little over an hour from check-in through completion of donation.

    How often can I donate plasma?

    Your body replaces the plasma you donate in a relatively short time (unlike whole blood donation which takes four to six weeks), you may donate as often as two times in a seven-day period (twice per week). You must wait 48 hours between donations.

    Is donating safe?

    Yes. Plasma donation is performed and monitored in a highly controlled, medical environment by professionally trained staff. All plasma collection equipment is sterile and used only once to eliminate the possibility of transmitting viral infections. Your body replenishes your donated plasma within 24-48 hours.

    What happens to the plasma after I donate?

    After collection, your plasma is quickly frozen at the collection center and stored there until all your test results are returned indicating that your plasma is safe for further processing. After the plasma has been determined to meet our strict requirements, the plasma is transported to a cold storage facility to await shipment to a Kedrion plant in Melville, New York or in Bolognana, Italy. In a process called fractionation, the plasma is separated into its various components (mostly proteins) that are further refined and processed to create a range of plasma-derived therapies, based on clotting factors, albumin and immunoglobulins. These therapies are distributed worldwide, including in your local community, city and state, for people suffering from serious and rare conditions like hemophilia and immune deficiency disorders.

    Who can donate to the Anti-D Program?

    If you have an Rh-negative blood type, you are among a select group of people. As a member of this rare blood group, you may be able to help prevent Hemolytic Disease of the newborn or HDN. Your plasma contains a specific antibody that can be used as a treatment for this terrible disease and save babies’ lives. Rh-negative men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 are eligible for this program. If you’re a woman you need to be either post-menopausal or surgically sterile by tubal ligation or hysterectomy to participate and meet all other criteria for donating plasma.

    What’s the difference between donating blood and plasma?

    Plasma donation is a safe process that takes a little longer than a blood donation. During the donation process, the liquid portion of your blood gets separated from its cells. Your blood passes through a special machine that collects and stores your plasma and returns your blood along with some saline. Plasma replenishes in the body within 24 to 48 hours. Unlike a blood donation, giving plasma can be done safely twice in a 7 day period as long as there are 48 hours between donations. Imagine how many people you can help with such frequent donations!

    Requirements

    Not sure if you are eligible to donate plasma? Find the answers to our users’ most frequently asked questions about requirements.

    How old do I have to be to donate plasma?

    You have to be between 18 and 65 years old to donate plasma.

    Can you donate plasma while pregnant?

    You can’t donate plasma while pregnant.

    Can you donate plasma after covid?

    If you have recovered from covid-19 and are interested in donating plasma, please contact us. Our staff will inform you of the most recent CDC guidelines.

    Can you donate plasma after the covid vaccine?

    You can as long as you are not experiencing any symptoms on the day of your donation.

    Can you donate plasma if you smoke weed?

    Yes, but you can’t donate while under the influence of Marijuana.

    Can you donate if you have a health condition or take medication?

    During your first visit, you will be given a physical exam by one of our physicians. Based on your blood sample and medical history, our trained staff will establish if you can donate safely.

    Side effects

    Nervous about potential side effects? Find the answers to our users’ most frequently asked questions about donation side effects and aftercare.

    What are the side effects of donating plasma?

    The plasma donation process is perfectly safe but can have minor side effects like dizziness or slight discomfort at the venipuncture site. If you happen to feel dizzy, lie down or sit down with your head down. If any symptoms or discomfort persist, please contact your plasma donation center or your doctor.

    Does donating plasma hurt?

    It does not hurt but there is the possibility that the phlebotomist could miss the vein and cause an infiltration or blood to seep under the skin and cause the appearance of a bruise.

    Can you work out after donating plasma?

    Yes, but it is recommended that you wait 2-4 hours and drink plenty of water after your donation.