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5 Plasma Donation Centers
Grifols
Grifols has more than one hundred locations throughout the United States. However, the company operates under myriad names. This includes:
- Grifols
- Plasma Biological Resources
- Interstate Blood Bank
- Biomat USA
- Talecris Plasma Resources.
The name of the Grifols center will depend on your location in the U.S.
Grifols pays for selling plasma with a prepaid debit card.
BioLife Plasma Services
BioLife has centers in over 30 states. Each Biolife center has its own local promotions. At select centers, new donors can earn as much as $600 in the first month.
Your earnings from selling plasma are loaded on a BioLife debit card. This can be used at more than 900,000 ATMs and any merchant who accepts Mastercard.
Octapharma Plasma
Octapharma has locations across the United States. The company has more than one hundred centers. You can find the locations on the Octapharma website. Just be aware that you need to click “more info” to view the operating hours and a location map.
The company offers occasional bonuses, such as new donor bonuses or frequency bonuses. In addition to payments, you can also win prizes during special promotions throughout the year. Bear in mind that bonuses vary from location to location. So, it is a good idea to check what promotions are in place in your area.
Typically donor promotions are higher when there is a higher demand for plasma, but few donors. For example, during COVID, Octapharma offered additional bonuses with the potential to earn $700 in a month.
Octapharma will pay you for selling plasma using a prepaid debit card. All payments for your future donations will be made with your card.
KEDPlasma
KEDPlasma has donation centers in 11 states. You can contact individual locations for details on payments. All compensation is loaded on to a Wirecard prepaid debit card. However, what makes KEDPlasma different is that you can enroll in Kedrewards. This is a loyalty rewards program offering additional bonus opportunities.
Additionally, the company offers lapse bonus coupons. If there is a delay since your last full donation, you could qualify for a $20 bonus.
DonatingPlasma.org
DonatingPlasma is not a plasma donation company itself. Instead it is a site set up by the industry to help inform and educate potential donors. The site features a search tool to help you find your local plasma donation centers.
It can help you to compare earnings and bonuses at the centers in your area, so you can get the best price.
What is Plasma?
When considering selling plasma, your first question may be what is plasma? In fact, this is the clear liquid of the blood. Plasma not only contains water, but some antibodies, proteins and enzymes.
The process of plasma donation is a little more involved than a standard blood donation. Your blood is drawn, but the plasma is then separated before the blood is returned to your body.
How Much Can You Earn Selling Plasma?
Your earning potential for selling plasma will depend on a variety of factors. You can expect $20 to $50 per donation. The specific amount will depend on the volume of plasma you are permitted to donate each time.
The FDA sets guidelines for plasma donation. It is based on your body weight. So, the more you weigh, the more plasma you can donate.
There are three weight ranges for selling plasma.
- 110-149 pounds
- 150-174 pounds
- 175 -400 pounds
It is also worth bearing in mind that most donation centers do not pay in cash. They typically pay using a debit card.
Special Deals
If you want to maximize your earnings from selling plasma, look for special deals. Bear in mind that blood plasma is not limited to charities, it is a highly competitive business. You may be able to get higher payouts by comparing multiple nearby donation centers.
Many centers will also give a bonus for first time donors. This typically increases your earnings for the first few donations. So, instead of earning $50 for your first 6 donations, you may be able to earn $100 each. For example, Octapharma Plasma has offers to encourage repeat visits.
Plasma donation centers may also have promotions where you can earn more for more frequent donations. For example, you may earn an additional $5 for your fourth donation. You can also earn more if you have special antibodies in your plasma.
While it may seem a little weird to see promotions and coupons on donation sites, this is how selling plasma works.
Taxation
Remember that if you turn selling plasma into a regular gig, you will need to consider taxation. Plasma donation centers typically provide a prepaid debit card and may not provide you with a tax form reporting your income. However, not getting a 1099-MISC IRS form will not let you off your tax burden. The IRS requires everyone to file a tax return in the case where earnings are over $400 from gig work. Bear in mind that selling plasma does count as gig work.
You have the responsibility to report your income from selling plasma when you file your taxes. So, it is a good idea to put a few dollars from each payment aside for taxes. Include this in your calculations when you’re assessing how much you are earning.
How Often Can I Donate Plasma?
While you may want to rush out and earn as much as possible, there are limitations on how many times you can donate. Generally, blood centers allow donors to sell plasma at least every four weeks. This adds up to 13 times per year.
Some donations centers will allow more frequent donations, but you will be carefully monitored.
What are the Requirements for Selling Plasma?
There are some specific requirements in place for selling plasma. These include:
- You need to be 18 to 69 years old
- Weigh over 110 pounds
However, state and local laws may override these requirements. For example, Nebraska requires donors to be at least 19 years old. Some centers also have a maximum age limit for donors of 65 years old.
Each donation company has its own requirements. These may dictate weight, age and general health to qualify as a donor. So, you’ll need to check the website of specific centers to check you qualify.
Generally, if you are in good health and meet the above requirements, you’re likely to qualify. The eligibility rules are similar to donating red blood. So, if you’ve had a tattoo or piercing in the last 12 months, you may not be able to sell your plasma. Additionally, it is not permitted to donate plasma when pregnant. You will have to wait until six to twelve months after you have your baby to start donating.
How Long Does Selling Plasma Take?
Your first visit for selling plasma will take longer than your future visits. Typically a first donation takes approximately two hours. This is because you will need to complete paperwork. Your subsequent visits will take around 90 minutes.
However, if you weigh more and can therefore donate more plasma, the process may take a little longer. But, you will be paid more for your donation.
Bear in mind that plasma donation does require two visits. You will need to wait at least one day between your two donations. So, you could donate on Wednesday and again on Friday. But, the maximum interval between your two donations is 14 days. After this, the plasma center will dispose of your first donation and you will forfeit your payment.
You won’t earn money selling plasma if you only visit once. Most centers will only issue your payment after your second part donation. Some centers may hold your first donation for longer. It is important to check the requirements at your donation center, so you don’t miss out.
Most donation centers do offer free WiFi. This allows you to bring a device and stream or surf the internet. You can also bring a book to pass the time.
How Painful is it to Donate Plasma?
If you’re considering selling plasma, you may have concerns about whether it will hurt. The simple answer is there is minimal pain involved. Some donors feel mild discomfort, like a pin prick, but many donors find it manageable.
You can make your plasma donation more comfortable with preparation:
- Drink lots of water before donating
- Squeeze your hand
- Try to relax
- Distract yourself reading a book or using your mobile device.
The more you donate, the more you’ll get used to the sensation. Many donors report after multiple donations, the pain disappears. So, try not to worry about donating.