How to Donate Plasma in West Michigan

There are several plasma centers in Western Michigan that accept plasma donations. Many West Michigan plasma donation centers pay between $10 and $25 for plasma donations. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, all donors must sign a form giving their consent and accepting responsibility for all risks involved in plasma donation. Plasma is taken from a donor through a process called apheresis, and in Michigan, those undergoing apheresis must be at least 16 years old.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment to donate plasma at a Western Michigan plasma center. In some cases, an appointment will not be necessary. However, most Western Michigan plasma centers, including the Michigan Red Cross, require 48 hours' notice.

• 2

  Avoid ingesting aspirin, illicit drugs or alcohol for 24 hours before donating plasma. These things can compromise the quality of your plasma and may render it unfit for use.

• 3

  Arrive at the plasma donation center at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment to ensure you have the time to fill out necessary paperwork.

• 4

  Ask the nurse or physician's assistant handling your donation any questions you may have.

• 5

  Allow the attendant handling your donation to sterilize the location from which plasma will be drawn. Your attendant will insert a hollow needle in your arm to perform apheresis. Plasma will be carried through a hollow plastic tube to a sterile plastic bag. When you have finished donating plasma, your attendant will remove the needle and bandage the area to prevent infection.

• 6

  Check out at the plasma center's front desk. If you are being paid for plasma donation, the receptionist will give you the appropriate payment.