Donating Plasma

I've been considering donating too. A few months ago there was a blood drive at my school and i did that. I wasn't the BEST experience, but it wasn't too horrible. I asked about donating plasma but they said that it takes a lot longer and more needles and blood and that kind of scared me away. I did find out that I have a fairly rare blood type though so I kind of feel like i SHOULD donate more. Well good luck in your decision!

I've been donating plasma for over 10 years. I only donate out of one arm because the veins in the other arm are too small. It's true that over time the repeated needle punctures leave a scar but it's a small scar in one spot. It doesn't make you look like a junkie with tracks all up and down your arm. If you have good veins in both arms you can alternate arms you donate from. Donating is safe and it saves lives just as donating blood does but of course you can donate more often (twice a week) and you get paid for your time. Plasma contains proteins that are used to treat a wide range of diseases. Bring a book and be prepared to wait. At my center they play movies but often I've seen them already or I can't hear them well so don't bother to watch. A book, or chatting with the other donors helps pass the time. How long it takes of course depends a lot on your plasma center. At mine it's generally between 2 to 3 hours from sign in to getting paid and leaving with about an hour for the actually plasma collection time. The first time takes the longest. That's when they verify your identity, start a chart on you, go over the procedures with you, and do a health exam. Once a year after that you have another health exam. My experience has always been good but then I'm the patient type. I know it's going to take 2-3 hours of my day so I don't sweat it. I have seen people get upset though at how long it takes and make a scene which to me is silly. It's not like they promise to have you in and out in an hour. If you can't take the time don't donate. But donation is a good thing that helps a lot of people and therefore worth the while.

Make sure if you donate that the clinic you go to is clean and that they don't take anyone off the street. Look at the people working there, it they seem lazy or whatever, don't donate there. You just never know what you might catch. Just ask my sister.......