Most people are familiar with donating blood but don’t know they can actually sell their blood plasma for cash. This is a money making idea that can add supplemental income easily in a small amount of time.
Selling plasma has two benefits. It allows you to make some extra money, and it saves lives. If you aren’t interested in getting paid, you just want to save lives, you can donate plasma without getting paid, and of course, you can donate blood as well if your able.
What is Blood Plasma and What is it Used for?
Blood plasma makes up about 55% of blood volume. It is a yellow liquid in which whole blood cells are suspended. It is mostly water with dissolved proteins and salts. Blood plasma is often use for hemophiliacs, burn victims, and other patients. Plasma can be donated more often than whole blood because gathering plasma does not involve taking whole blood cells.
Where to Sell Plasma
There are several different for-profit places that will buy plasma. You can look in your local yellow pages to find a location. Check the BioLife website to find a BioLife location, just one organization that can help you.
If you’re worried about the facilities that collect plasma being clean, rest assured. I haven’t heard of anyone having problems with an unclean facility. Also, not everyone is able to give plasma as they all have to get a physical. If anything comes up, they may be denied when going through the screening. Be prepared to be their longer for your first visit to take care of the screening.
If you go to a plasma center that doesn’t look clean to you, move on. You aren’t required to cell plasma, so don’t do anything anywhere you feel uncomfortable.
Preparing for your Donation
Before you go, be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid greasy foods and foods with lots of fat. Eat healthy meals and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking. Be well-hydrated so that the donation goes smoothly.
Your first visit will take longer. Typically a donation will take 45 minutes to an hour, but the first donation can take 2 to 3 hours. Bring government-issued ID, your social security card and proof of residence such as a utility bill or bank statement.
You’ll have to answer screening questions, have basic routine checks (weight, blood pressure, temperature, etc.) and then the actual extraction of the plasma. A fairly large needle is used, so there is some discomfort. If you don’t like needles, this probably isn’t the best thing for you.
How much Money can you Make?
The amount you can make varies depending on where you go. Typically payment ranges from $20 to $25 per visit, and sometimes they pay more for the second visit. You can give plasma up to twice a week allowing you to make from $50 to $80 a week, depending on the facility.
Precautions with Selling Blood Plasma
Frequently selling plasma is an easy way to make money and it may help others, but it’s not all good. It is possible to have vein scarring or iron depletion and other complications may occur.
It is important to ask a lot of questions to make sure you are a good candidate and you are prepared. Selling plasma is done at your own risk, and I am not liable for anything that may happen. This is why it’s so important to do your research first.
If you aren’t in dire need of the cash you would get from selling plasma, I highly recommend choosing to donate plasma or blood instead. It saves lives and money to donate.