How to Donate Plasma in Billings, Montana

Donating plasma is one way to make a little extra cash each month. Plasma is the clear fluid in the blood that contains white blood cells. Plasma donation centers extract the plasma from the donor's blood and use it to treat burn victims and patients with life-threatening conditions such as hemophilia and immune system disorders. Because it cannot be reproduced synthetically in a lab, plasma donors are a vital part of the medicine industry.

Things You'll Need

• Driver's license
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence

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Instructions

• 1

  Call to schedule an appointment. To qualify as a donor you must be at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be healthy. You will need to bring a driver's license or ID card, Social Security card and proof of residence, such as a rent receipt or utility bill. All donors are given a physical and health screening, including blood tests and a urinalysis.

  Biolife Plasma Service

  2300 Grant Rd

  Billings, Montana 59102-7402

  406-655-1786

• 2

  Eat a good meal prior to the appointment. The whole process can take up to a few hours and the medication used to keep the blood from clotting can make some donors sick on an empty stomach. Also be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

• 3

  Arrive a few minutes before your appointment. Sign in and let the receptionist know you are a new donor. The staff will provide you with material explaining the process and give you consent forms to sign. When you are ready, the machine will withdraw some of your blood through the needle placed in your arm and spin it to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. This process is called plasmapheresis and the red blood cells are returned to you along with a portion of saline to replace the fluid loss.

• 4

  Collect your payment. At the end of the process, the technician will give you instructions for collecting your payment and information on what to do if you feel sick after donating. You are allowed to donate twice a week as long as the protein and iron levels in your blood meet the requirements for donation. Compensation changes periodically, but a donor can expect to make at least $50 a week, divided into two payments.