How to Donate Plasma in MD

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. It consists of more than 90 percent water and antibodies that aid in the treatment of hemophilia and severe burns. In Maryland, plasma donation centers are located in most major cities.

Instructions

• 1

  Review plasma donation eligibility requirements. No one younger than 18 or older than 65 may donate. No one with new tattoos or piercings, pregnant women or women with infants younger than six months, and no one suffering from any disease is eligible to donate. You must weigh at least 110 pounds.

• 2

  Contact the plasma donation center. Schedule an appointment for a physical examination. Have your blood tested for disease. Provide the doctor with your complete medical history.

• 3

  Provide the donation center with your photo identification and proof of citizenship. Birth certificates, driver's licenses, state-issued ID cards and passports are accepted.

• 4

  Return to the donation center once you receive a call informing you that you are cleared to donate. The first donation takes two hours. A machine extracts your blood and returns it to your body once the plasma has been removed.

• 5

  Receive monetary compensation from the donation center.