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At Interstate Blood Bank Chicago | Blood Donation, located in Chicago, IL, we provide the opportunity for you to earn compensation for the donation of plasma while helping others. You will receive exceptionally caring service from our professional staff in a sterile facility when you choose to donate. Through this delicate process there are certain guidelines you, as a donor, will have to meet to insure quality samples.

The first donation takes two and a half to three hours, but after that it only takes about one and a half to two hours. A whole blood donation is much quicker than a plasma donation since, in a plasma donation, your blood is run through a machine, and then all components that are not donated are returned back to you.

Of course tubing and all other collection supplies that come in contact with your blood are discarded and replaced with new, sterile materials each time a donation procedure is performed, so there is no chance of contamination. Because of this, it is completely safe to donate your plasma.

If you’re interested in donating plasma, here’s everything you need to know about the process.

Step 1: Medical History

The first step in the plasma donation process is a medical history screening. This involves answering a series of questions about your health history, including any medications you’re currently taking, recent illnesses, and any medical conditions you may have. The goal of this screening is to ensure that you’re healthy enough to donate and that the plasma you donate will be safe for use.

Step 2: Pre-Donation Screening

Once you’ve passed the medical history screening, you’ll undergo a pre-donation screening. This involves checking your vital signs, such as your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. You’ll also have a small amount of blood taken from your finger to measure your hematocrit level. This is the percentage of your blood volume that is made up of red blood cells, and it helps to determine if you’re eligible to donate.

Step 3: The Donation Process

Once you’ve passed the pre-donation screening, you’re ready to donate. The donation process typically takes about an hour, during which time you’ll be comfortably seated in a chair. Your arm will be cleaned, and a sterile needle will be inserted into your vein. Blood will be drawn from your arm and collected in a special bag.

During the donation process, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. After your donation is complete, you’ll be given a snack to help you recover.

Step 4: Compensation

After you’ve donated plasma, you’ll be compensated for your time. The amount of compensation varies depending on where you donate, but it typically ranges from $20 to $50 per donation. Some donation centers may also offer additional incentives, such as bonuses for frequent donors.

Step 5: Plan Your Next Visit

Before you leave the donation center, you’ll be reminded when you’re eligible to donate again. In most cases, you can donate plasma once every 28 days. It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by the donation center to ensure that you stay healthy and that your plasma donations are safe for use.

Get More Information

To learn more about how you can benefit from donating your plasma, take a look at our Compensation page.