Mark Luigi Dacumos
Nothing beats participating in a good cause and getting paid at the same time. This is why donating blood plasma is so popular.
If you’re unfamiliar with what plasma is and how you can get paid for giving yours to others, keep reading, as we’ll give you the lowdown on this great side gig in the healthcare field.
What Is Blood Plasma?
Not all of your blood is red, as some of it is clear. This clear part is the plasma, and it’s incredibly useful because it can be used to make products for people that suffer from blood clot issues and other diseases.
Plasma is loaded with proteins, antibodies, enzymes, and water. To get it, blood is drawn first. The plasma gets separated, and the rest of your blood gets returned to your body. This entire process takes about 90 minutes, on average.
How Much Can You Make Donating Plasma?
The amount of money you can make by donating your blood plasma will depend on several factors, but you can expect to earn around $20-50 per donation.
Your weight plays a big part in how much you can earn. The more you weigh, the more plasma the FDA allows you to donate, which can equal bigger payouts than someone lighter.
Don’t be shocked if you don’t make any cash when starting to donate your plasma. Many places require two donations to kickstart the process. Once those are out of the way, they can begin using your plasma, and you can get paid.
To maximize your payouts, search for competing blood plasma donation centers in your area. Some may offer higher payouts than others, which can boost your bottom line. Also, be sure to look for centers that offer a first-time plasma donor bonus. It’s worth noting that you could earn more if you have “Anti-D,” which is a unique antibody.
You may not receive cash for your donations. Some plasma centers may send your payments to a prepaid debit card, which you can use almost anywhere.
Although COVID-19 has been anything but good news, it can positively impact your earnings when donating blood plasma. Out of safety concerns, fewer people are donating plasma nowadays. With a shorter supply, some plasma centers are increasing their payouts.
Are You Eligible To Donate Plasma?
Your mileage may vary when it comes to eligibility for plasma donations, but the standard usually requires that you weigh over 110 pounds and are between 18 and 69 years old.
If you’ve ever donated red blood in the past, the requirements for plasma are similar. So, if you’ve had a tattoo or piercing in the last year, you may not be eligible. Also, you won’t be able to donate if you’re pregnant. Once your baby is born, you can begin donating plasma in six months to a year.
You’ll need a photo ID, proof of address, and proof of your Social Security number to begin donating, so be sure you have all of those in order before you start.
