sell plasma: There are numerous ways to earn money aside from a traditional 9-to-5 job. Donating plasma is one option you may not have considered. If you are not afraid of needles or blood and have a few extra hours, you could earn extra money while also helping others by donating plasma. Here’s what you should know.
Why Should I Make a Plasma Donation?
Plasma is the most abundant single component of human blood, accounting for approximately 55% of total blood volume. It is what remains after the removal of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and it contains antibodies, enzymes, other proteins, water, and salt.
Because plasma cannot be produced synthetically, donated plasma is the only source for those in need. Donated plasma is used to create therapies for people suffering from a variety of critical diseases and disorders, including haemophilia and primary immunodeficiency, as well as to treat shock, burns, and trauma. Plasma from recovered patients is currently being used to treat people who have severe COVID-19 and are hospitalised.
How Do I Make a Plasma Donation?
Before you go to donate plasma, you should do the following:
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
- Before donating, abstain from alcohol for 24 hours.
- On donation day, eat a meal but avoid caffeine.
- Drink 4-6 glasses of water, juice, or other caffeine-free liquid in the hours leading up to your appointment.
- Here’s what to expect when you visit the donation centre.
What You Can Expect
Please check in. You must check in and show identification. If this is your first donation, you may be required to fill out forms, and some organisations may require you to watch a video about plasma donation.
Respond to the screening questions. You will be asked questions about your health, recent travel, and even your sexual history. All of these questions are designed to ensure that people can safely receive your plasma. You will provide a small blood sample via finger stick, which will be tested on-site.
A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm, and blood will be drawn through a tube. The plasma will be separated from the other components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These additional components will be returned to your body via the same needle. This is known as plasmapheresis.
You will be reclining in a chair with your feet up during the donation. You should not move the arm with the needle in it, but you can watch TV or read a book or magazine if you can do so one-handed.
It takes a little longer than a whole blood donation because the blood must be separated and returned to your body. Expect your first donation to take approximately two hours, and subsequent donations to take approximately one and a half hours.
After you’ve donated, get a drink and a snack, and stay at the donation centre until you’re sure you’re not dizzy or faint. Drink plenty of fluids and rest for the next 24 hours after your donation. Avoid lifting anything heavy and engaging in strenuous exercise. If you are not feeling well, please contact your doctor or a donation centre.
Because your initial donation cannot be used, plasma donation centres are looking for people who can donate on a regular basis. You may donate again two days after your initial donation, but only twice in a seven-day period.
How Much Can I Earn Donating Plasma?
While the Red Cross does not compensate plasma donors, there are several private companies that do. The amount you can earn varies depending on the number of donations you make, your blood type, the center’s location, and other factors.
You are compensated for each donation, so the more you donate, the more money you can make.
Who Is Eligible to Donate Plasma?
You must be at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds to donate plasma. To ensure that your plasma is safe to give to others, you will need to pass a medical history screening.
AB positive blood is the universal plasma donor, which means that anyone can accept plasma from an AB+ donor. As a result, AB+ plasma donors are in high demand.
If you have recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to donate convalescent plasma, which is used to treat patients suffering from severe COVID-19.
Where Can I Make a Plasma Donation?
Plasma donations are collected by some hospitals and biomedical companies. Plasma donations are also collected by the American Red Cross. Visit DonatingPlasma.org and search for a location near you to find a plasma donation centre that pays for donations.
Online scheduling is available. Pay attention to what you need to bring to your first appointment — different places require different types of identification.
Is it worthwhile?
Only you can decide whether or not plasma donation is right for you. Given that you could earn some decent money in the time you would otherwise spend watching TV and help a patient in desperate need, it is not a bad option. Oh, and most donation centres allow you to watch TV while you donate, so you can catch up on your favourite show.
