Solid advice for new plasma donors! A plasma education. Informing new plasma donors.

Kyle James Lee May 14, 2024Last Updated: July 3, 2024

4 minutes read

Offer expired after June 30, 2024, but may continue at a later date which we will update here. The current referrral offer is for $5, and don’t let anyone tell you any different at this time.

CSL Plasma: Get 5,000 iGive Rewards® points ($50) after five donations for new donors! (Plus new donor bonus money that’s usually around $500 with $100 for each of your first five donations) Using the CSL Plasma app! Referral Code: ZULMHXXVCB Solid advice for new plasma donors included! Thank you!

Link to download app and enter code: https://rewards.cslplasma.com/referral/referral-unique-code/eyJkb25vcklEIjoiMDBEMjNEVSIsImNvZGUiOiJaVUxNSFhYVkNCIn0

CSL Plasma donation center locator: https://www.cslplasma.com/find-a-donation-center

We want new plasma donors to be more informed and become safer donors. I have solid advice for new plasma donors who may be considering to try it out and earn extra money:

Plasma is 92% water and the rest is mostly protein elements.
The plasma is separated from your blood and your red blood cells are returned to you in cycles.
Per FDA regulations, you’re only allowed to donate plasma twice in a 7 day period, with a 48 hour wait inbetween those two times. Don’t risk your health by hopping around to different plasma donation centers to circumvent these regulations, and you may get caught if you do.

Eat a meal high in protein 2-3 hours before donating, but your plasma protein levels depend on what you ate the day before.
Drink plenty of water and/or non-caffeinated juice before donating to stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hyrdrated at least the day before, and the day of your donation.
Avoid caffeine such as in coffee or soda before donating or you may get nauseous and vomit or faint during your donation.
No alcohol 24 hours before, and for a little while after donating.
No exercising for at least 6 hours after donating as it can put too much stress on the vein.
Some people get away with smoking or vaping nicotine before and after donating, but it’s recommended not to for 2 hours before and after. The nicotine can raise your heart’s pulse rate.
If your pulse rate is 100 or above, you’ll be able to do a vitals retake after a 15 minute wait. But if it’s 100 or higher again you’ll be deferred for the day. If your pulse rate is an issue, listen to “Pink Noise” or “Green Noise” at a low volume before donating which may help reduce your pulse rate, along with its effect on lowering your blood pressure.
There is a risk of getting a blown vein if the worker is having a hard time finding your vein when they’re sticking you with the needle or if you have small veins. You may get deferred until your vein heals if that happens. But it’s ok, your body is able to regenerate your veins with a process called Angiogenesis.
There is a risk of blood clots, but when your blood is constantly moving through the machine it prevents that from happening.
You may be subject to drug screening. The drug screening tests for methamphetamines, cocaine, and heroin. Certain pharma prescription meds may show up as a false positive so you’ll want to let the plasma center know what meds you’re taking. Testing positive for these drugs can result in a permanent deferral from donating plasma.
A sample of your blood will be drawn periodically to test for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A positive test will result in either a temporary or permanent deferral from donating plasma. If you’ve ever been diagnosed or received treatment for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B (HBV) or Hepatitis C (HCV) you will be permanently deferred from donating plasma.

Wait a few hours before taking the bandage wrap off of your arm after donating.
It’s recommended to use Vitamin E oil/Mineral oil on the needle site for the puncture area to heal better. A Q-tip can be used to apply it easier. I simply dip the Q-Tip in the bottle, but never dip the used cotton back into the bottle.
Frequently donating over a prolonged period of time may lead to your body having decreased vitamin D levels.

Red meats are particularly high in the protein vitamins and minerals found in plasma.
Personally, I take a Now brand Vitamin D supplement that contains vitamin D3, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc. But I only take a half a dose, 1 gel capsule instead of 2, since I get these from eating meats and other foods as well. It’s bad for your health if you take too much of these vitamins and minerals over time. I also take an Iron supplement. I also drink a protein shake before donating. Just to be safe.

Donating Plasma with Managed Diabetes

Individuals with well-controlled diabetes can contribute to plasma donation, but certain criteria need to be met:

Absence of Complications: This means no existing diabetic complications affecting your kidneys, heart, blood vessels, or eyes.

Insulin Independence: If you rely on insulin for diabetes management, a three-month waiting period is required after using needles for non-prescribed medications. Additionally, you must be free of symptoms or treatment needs related to blood sugar fluctuations (high or low) for the past three months.

Healthy Feet: Active foot ulcers requiring medical attention will disqualify you from donation.
Steady Balance: You shouldn’t experience dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing.
Type 1 Consideration: For Type 1 diabetics, eating within two hours of donation is mandatory.

Link to download app and enter code: https://rewards.cslplasma.com/referral/referral-unique-code/eyJkb25vcklEIjoiMDBEMjNEVSIsImNvZGUiOiJaVUxNSFhYVkNCIn0

CSL Plasma donation center locator: https://www.cslplasma.com/find-a-donation-center

Code: ZULMHXXVCB

Disclaimer: We are not endorsed or employed by CSL Plasma, but one of our employees is an active donor. We may receive a commission fee from completed referrals.