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About Plasma Donation Centers in Houston

Plasma is the colorless liquid portion of the blood, consisting mainly of water with a small amount of proteins, in which blood cells are suspended. Individuals who give plasma are compensated financially and will know that their donation is being used to help someone in need. Plasma proteins are used to create life-saving medications for individuals suffering from a variety of conditions including bleeding disorders, immune system deficiencies, tetanus, burns, hepatitis and shock. Houston residents can take advantage of one of the many blood plasma donation centers in the city.

  1. Locations

    • Individuals looking to donate plasma in Houston can do so one of Biomat USA's six locations, including West Bellfort Street, North York Street, West Little York Street, Gulf Freeway, West 43rd Street and Woodforest Boulevard. (See Resources.)

    Eligibility

    • In order to donate plasma, an individual must be over the age of 18, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. New donors must present a valid picture ID, along with a Social Security card or visa and proof of current residence. Prior to donating plasma, the donor must pass a medical screening process and physical examination.

    Prepare

    • The day before donating, individuals should drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced, healthy meals void of fatty, high cholesterol foods.

    Process

    • The process of donating plasma, called plasmapheresis, takes approximately one to two hours. During that time, the donor will be seated in a comfortable reclining chair. A needle is placed into the vein of the arm and whole blood is extracted from the body and collected in a pooling bottle. The plasma is separated from the red blood cells, and those cells are then returned to the donor. The total amount of plasma a person can donate is dependent on weight.

    Complete

    • After the donation is complete, donors are asked to stay seated for at least five minutes to make sure the body has enough time to adjust to the change in blood volume. Some donors experience mild light-headedness after the process is complete.

    Frequency

    • At Houston's BioMat USA, individuals may donate two times within any seven-day period, with at least one full day between donations.

    Compensation

    • Because of the time commitment, individuals are compensated for donating plasma. Interested donors can call the local BioMat USA center to inquire about specific monetary compensation, as the rates vary from location to location throughout the city.

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