How to Donate Plasma in Dakota County, Minnesota

Dakota County residents can donate plasma in surrounding cities and counties such as St. Paul or Minneapolis; plasma donation centers accept plasma donations for area hospitals. Your plasma donation is used to improve the quality of life of patients who are suffering from blood disorders, undergoing surgical procedures or have been the victim of severe burns. Plasma, the liquid portion of your blood, contains hundreds of antibodies used to treat these conditions. To become a plasma donor, you have to first contact a plasma donation center near Dakota County to find out if you are eligible.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine your donation eligibility. You must be between 18 and 65 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds, and you cannot have gotten any piercings or tattoos within the last 12 months. Women who are pregnant or nursing are not eligible for donation.

• 2

  Visit the plasma donation center of your choice to undergo a complete physical exam and blood work. You must present your photo identification, proof of your Social Security number and proof of your residency. You may present a driver's license, state identification card, military or government ID card, Social Security card, birth certificate, W-2 or income tax return, or a utility bill or any other household bill stating your name and your Dakota County address.

• 3

  Provide the plasma donation center with your complete medical history. Once your physical exam is done, you are ready to have your plasma extracted. You will be connected to a machine that draws your blood, separates the plasma and returns the blood to your body. If your blood work comes back healthy, your plasma will be donated.