How to Donate Plasma in Omaha, Nebraska

Plasma is the liquid left in the blood after the red and white blood cells and platelets are removed. According to the Donating Plasma website, plasma is the source of proteins and antibodies that make up the starting material for plasma therapies. Plasma protein therapies are used to treat rare, chronic and usually life threatening diseases. These therapies would not be possible without human plasma. Donating plasma is in many ways similar to donating blood. You must meet specific health and eligibility criteria in order to donate. Your first visit will include a medical exam, in-depth medical history and a screening for transmissible viruses.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of residency

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit the CSL Plasma Donation Center, one of the Octapharma Plasma Donation Centers or the ZLB Plasma Service. Bring proof of identification, Social Security card and proof of residency, such as a piece of mail addressed to you.

• 2

  Check in at the front desk. On your first visit, you usually will fill out a short questionnaire to help determine your eligibility.

• 3

  Give your complete medical history to the staff. Questions will be about your weight, age, medications, surgeries, substance abuse and recent body modifications.

• 4

  Complete the brief physical examination preformed by a medical professional.

• 5

  Sit back and try to relax as you are connected to the Plasmapheresis machine. If you are accepted as a donor your blood will be drawn and the plasma will be separated and collected. The red and white blood cells are then re-infused into your body.

• 6

  Go to the front desk to be compensated for your time and donation. Every center has its own rates, but pay usually ranges from $20 to $30 per donation. Some centers offer special incentives for first-time and long-time donors.

• 7

  Schedule your next donation. Your first donation will be screened for safety and usability. It will not be used until you have made a second donation. Scheduling and keeping your second appointment is the only way to ensure your donation is put to life-saving use.