How to Donate Plasma
When you donate plasma and platelets, our skilled team will guide you through the donation process step-by-step.
how long Does it Take?
Giving plasma and platelets is easy and rewarding. From check-in to recovery, first-time donors should plan to be at PlasmaSource for about two hours. Once you’ve completed a few onboarding requirements, your next visit should take less time (approx. 1-1.5 hours).
Approximately
1 – 1.5 Hours
Our plasma Donation Process Quick Reference Guide
1.
Learn about donating plasma, the process, and payment
Keep reading to learn about our donation process.
2.
Schedule an appointment
Our online booking system makes scheduling a snap.
3.
Prepare for your appointment
Get hydrated, eat a healthy meal, and gather all your medical information.
4.
Check in for your appointment
Don’t worry, you can do this online, and we’ll always send a reminder.
5.
Complete a preliminary health screening
Meet with a trained staff member for a quick physical exam and to review your health history.
6.
Get comfortable
Sit back and relax while we prepare materials and equipment.
7.
Donate
Once you are prepped and ready to donate, enjoy a book or podcast while you wait. Donations take approximately 1-1.5 hours.
8.
Replenish
Enjoy a healthy snack and beverage to replenish fluids and nutrients before you go.
Schedule a donation today, earn money, and make a positive impact in your community.
Tips for the Most Comfortable Experience
We want you to have a safe and comfortable donation experience.
Now that you know how to donate plasma, here are a few tips and tricks to help you donate plasma faster.
Food
- Enjoy a healthy, iron-rich, and protein-
rich meal approximately three hours
before your appointment. - Avoid high cholesterol and fatty foods (e.g., hamburgers, potato chips, and pizza) beginning the night before your appointment. These products increase fats in your blood, making it difficult to separate plasma and red blood cells.
Drink
- Drink 12-24 ounces of water or a sugar-free sports drink approximately 30-60 minutes before your appointment.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, and soda) and dairy products the day of your donation, as these products reduce iron absorption in your blood (which is essential for maintaining strength and energy).
- Avoid alcoholic beverages approximately 24 hours before your appointment, as they promote dehydration.
Tobacco
Avoid smoking and other tobacco products for at least 30 minutes before (and after) your appointment. These products can elevate your heart rate and blood pressure values and make you ineligible to donate.
Sleep
Get a full night’s rest (7-9 hours) the night before your appointment, as it will allow for a faster recovery and larger donation.
Clothes
Dress comfortably for all plasma donation appointments. PlasmaSource recommends wearing short sleeves or sleeves that can be easily rolled above the elbow. We also recommend bringing a small lap blanket if you get cold easily.
Supplies
Bring something to help pass the time: a book, smartphone or tablet, or crossword puzzles. Use our wi-fi with your personal media or we can provide you a tablet to use your preferred streaming service at each donor station.
When you donate plasma and platelets, our skilled team will guide you through the donation process step-by-step.
Ready to Get Started?
Are you interested in becoming a plasma and platelet donor? Contact our our plasma donation center in Aurora, IL to schedule an appointment today.
