How do I Donate Plasma in Orem, Utah?

According to Gary Crandall, owner of the BioMedics plasma donation center, Orem, Utah, is a prime location for plasma donation centers because of its proximity to Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. Young people who are attending college, especially young married couples, can often use the extra cash that comes from donating plasma. In addition to the extra cash, donors know they are helping others who need the plasma because of hemophilia, impaired immune systems or blood loss resulting from an accident. Orem residents who want to donate plasma will find several locations near home.

Things You'll Need

• An official document listing your Social Security Number or a Visa Border Crossing Card
• A valid picture ID (such as a driver's license or a student or military ID)
• Proof of current address

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Instructions

• 1

  Verify you meet qualifications to donate. You must be 18 years old, at least 100 lb. and in good general health.

• 2

  Eat and drink healthily the day before and day of donation. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water, if not more, the day before you donate plasma and the day you donate plasma. Eat a healthy, well balanced meal before donating plasma. Do not drink alcohol or caffeine the day you donate. Avoid fatty foods, like cheese and hot dogs, the day before you donate and the day you donate. Ensure your regular diet includes adequate iron and protein.

• 3

  Determine at which plasma donation center you would like to donate (see Resources). Travel to the plasma donation center.

• 4

  Check in at the front reception desk. Give the receptionist your official document listing your Social Security number or your Visa Border Crossing Card, your photo ID and your proof of current address.

• 5

  Fill out the questionnaire you will be given. Be as truthful and accurate as possible. This questionnaire will help the plasma center determine if there is any reason why you should not be donating plasma at this time.

• 6

  Allow the receptionist to take a photo of you for your file.

• 7

  Submit to a medical screening where the plasma center will confirm you are in good general health. You will be weighed and your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and a blood sample will be taken.

• 8

  Submit to a medical examination, which will be repeated yearly as long as you donate plasma. A complete hands-on physical examination will be administered and your medical history will be discussed, including recent medications taken, your surgical history, recent travels, recent illnesses and any other activities that may put you at risk for exposure to infectious diseases. If you are found to be in good general health and not at risk for infectious disease, you will be allowed to donate plasma.

• 9

  Sit down in the special chair to undergo plasmapheresis, the process of donating plasma.

• 10

  Allow the medical technician to insert a needle into a vein in your arm.

• 11

  Relax for one to two hours as the machine removes blood from your body, removes the plasma from the blood and returns the blood to your body via the needle inserted in your arm. You are free to read, study, listen to music, visit with other donors or watch television, if one is available.

• 12

  Relax for about five minutes after the needle has been removed from your arm to ensure you're not lightheaded.

• 13

  Visit the payment counter to receive any payment you will receive from donating plasma.

• 14

  Schedule a second donation appointment. The plasma center needs at least two plasma donations to prepare the medication made from plasma.

• 15

  Eat after you leave the donation site. Drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the day and the following day.