Plasma Donation

Generally speaking, you shouldn't do that... especially if you're on the thinner side and have a heavy flow...
I wouldn't say I'm particularly thin or dealing with a heavy cycle, so I usually just go during the week when it's winding down

And please, be careful with your weight; you don't want to pass out... there's actually a reason why 120 lbs is the minimum...😉

I know—that’s exactly why I’m planning to pack on a few extra pounds first. I was donating blood until just six months ago, and honestly, I never felt even a little bit lightheaded—I guess I've just got nerves of steel. :P

Since we're talking about veins...
I actually heard someone mention that during a donation, they turned a girl away because her veins were just too thin. Apparently, since the needles used for this process are a bit thicker, they need more substantial access... The staff even suggested she do some push-ups for a few weeks to help strengthen the veins in her arms.
I'm not entirely sure what kind of needles they use for blood donations, but it wouldn't surprise me if the ones for plasma collection are a little larger. And since thinner women often have smaller veins, maybe it's worth considering that factor... 😉

I'm crossing my fingers that they'll accept new donors again... I have a few friends who are interested in joining in... 😁
I really need to check in with them once I'm back this week and my allergies finally settle down...

Thanks for the advice 🙂
Also, if you don't mind—could you let me know when they actually take people in? Do they run tests and do full physicals every single day—like, a constant rotation—or is it just restricted to certain specific days?

It used to be that they only accepted new donors on Mondays... but now, as far as I know, they take people in every business day, except maybe Friday since they tend to close early then...

They aren't actually taking on any new donors at the moment. As for the weight thing—I'm pretty sure they only weigh you during that first visit and then that's it. I mean, unless you start feeling a bit lightheaded after the donation and they get suspicious about how you're looking, then maybe they’ll give you another weigh-in 😁. From what I know, they only run the iron tests once a year. Anyway, here is their direct line if you want to call and grill them about whatever you need: 6414-209

So, I headed out today to make my third attempt at voluntary blood donation here in the States, but when I showed up, they told me my O+ type wasn't actually what they needed right now since they were running low on it. Instead, they asked if I’d be willing to donate plasma. I agreed, of course, but I have to admit, I'm a little fuzzy on the details—what exactly is all that plasma being used for? Also, they mentioned I should swing back by in just 14 days to donate again. Is it actually possible for the body to regenerate that quickly? Thanks!

Has anyone else out there who does plasma donations ever had a nerve get nicked, bumped, or just totally messed up during the needle stick? It happened to me last time. It’s been about a week now, but I’m still dealing with this weird issue whenever I try to straighten my arm—there's this constant burning sensation deeper down in my forearm. Right when they poked me, it felt like a sharp, stinging burn in the lower half of my inner forearm. The nurse mentioned she probably hit or touched a nerve running through there, or maybe just nicked it, or whatever... I can't quite remember her exact wording. But man, it definitely isn't pleasant. And it's going to be even worse if this takes forever to heal, which, fingers crossed, it won't.

briskpilot87 said:So, I headed out today to make my third attempt at voluntary blood donation here in the States, but when I showed up, they told me my O+ type wasn't actually what they needed right now since they were running low on it. Instead, they asked if I’d be willing to donate plasma. I agreed, of course, but I have to admit, I'm a little fuzzy on the details—what exactly is all that plasma being used for? Also, they mentioned I should swing back by in just 14 days to donate again. Is it actually possible for the body to regenerate that quickly? Thanks!

Plasma replenishes in about 2 to 3 days. In our area, there's a limit on donating plasma once a week, but in the US, you can actually do it twice—though likely with that same 2 to 3-day gap rather than two days in a row...

Charles Campbell8 said:Has anyone else out there who does plasma donations ever had a nerve get nicked, bumped, or just totally messed up during the needle stick? It happened to me last time. It’s been about a week now, but I’m still dealing with this weird issue whenever I try to straighten my arm—there's this constant burning sensation deeper down in my forearm. Right when they poked me, it felt like a sharp, stinging burn in the lower half of my inner forearm. The nurse mentioned she probably hit or touched a nerve running through there, or maybe just nicked it, or whatever... I can't quite remember her exact wording. But man, it definitely isn't pleasant. And it's going to be even worse if this takes forever to heal, which, fingers crossed, it won't.

I've been donating plasma for over three years now and this has never happened to me, nor have I heard of it happening to any other donors I know. The worst thing that happened to me was a young nurse missing a vein or having poor flow, so they had to switch to my other arm. And that only happened three times in those three years...

I would suggest avoiding that arm altogether and using the other one if the vein there looks good. Only use the one causing nerve issues if you absolutely have to, or if they need to switch arms or give the vein a rest...

Sen fra my Ideos

Do you always get paid for plasma donation?

Samuel Ruiz81 said:Do you always get paid for plasma donation?

Nah, but you can definitely get paid if you trade in a kidney instead 🙂🙂🙂

Seriously, just read the thread title again😁BLOOD PLASMA ARRIVAL...

crimsonowl7 said:Nah, but you can definitely get paid if you trade in a kidney instead 🙂🙂🙂

Seriously, just read the thread title again😁BLOOD PLASMA ARRIVAL...

Fine, the title is one thing, but people here are claiming they actually receive it; just read the previous posts.
Besides, if you're forced to lose at least 60 to 90 minutes of your time, it’s only reasonable that there's some form of compensation.

Unfortunately, they’ve shut us down at the Institute of Immunology in Washington, D.C. Plasma donations have completely stopped... 😢

Apparently, their department's funding was denied.
It seems some bigwigs in the American medical establishment decided the math just didn't add up.

I honestly cannot wrap my head around how that's possible!?
Donors were only getting tiny little stipends for their plasma, they have about ten plasma extraction machines that are in great shape and don't require much upkeep, and the only recurring costs should have been the collection kits, storage bags, and needles.
They already have the storage facilities, the staff, and a highly trained, organized team in place...
I just don't get it.

And yet, plasma is used to create incredibly expensive medications and treatments.

If they had just invested more to expand the department, there could have been significant revenue generated, leaving everyone happy—the donors, the staff, and even the Department of Health and Human Services...

It doesn't make any financial sense. If they're paying 17€ in Germany, why wouldn't they? I've done it about ten times myself, and from what I hear, they pay even more in Austria—around 25€

Does anyone know if plasma donation is still available in Washington, D.C., and if there's any kind of cash compensation involved?
Thanks.

Same question here. Does anyone actually know if you can go back for more plasma after you've already done it?

The Institute of Immunology keeps some frozen plasma on hand. They used to collect it more regularly back in the day. As far as I know, at the facility on Rockefeller, they only offer free blood donations.

You can donate things there besides just whole blood and plasma. They actually separate the plasma from whole blood donations too, along with several other blood components...

Is there any plasma donation happening over in San Francisco? 🙂