How to Donate Plasma in St. Paul, Minnesota

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Blood is made of the plasma and the cellular portion that contains the whole blood cells. To donate plasma you donate blood which then goes through a centrifuge to separate out the two portions. Donating blood is a great way of giving back to your community to ensure health options for those in need. St. Paul, Minnesota has several blood donation options.

Instructions

• 1

  Call the CSL Plasma Donation Center to schedule an appointment to donate plasma. The clinic is open Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on weekends between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• 2

  Adhere to a healthy diet the day before donation and do not drink alcoholic beverages within 24 hours of the scheduled donation appointment. Tell the clinician when you go to the clinic about any medical conditions or medications you take. Be honest. Do not leave out details for fear of embarrassment as it may endanger donor recipients.

• 3

  Go to the CSL donation center. Have a friend or relative drive you to the clinic as you may be lightheaded or dizzy after the donation and in no shape to drive home. Bring orange juice or a cookie -- it will help boost your blood sugar levels after you donate.