How to Donate Plasma in Indianapolis, Indiana

Plasmapheresis is the process of removing plasma from blood. To donate plasma in Indianapolis and other communities, a donor is hooked to an automated plasmapheresis machine. The plasmapheresis machine removes whole blood, mixes the whole blood with an anticoagulant solution, separates the plasma into a container, then re-infuses the red blood cells back into the donor's body. The process takes about 45 minutes. A sterile kit is used and your blood never leaves the system.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine your eligibility to be a plasma donor. Eligible donors will be between the ages of 18 and 65, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, have valid picture IDs and have documents with their Social Security numbers on them.

• 2

  Locate a plasma donation center in Indianapolis. Some centers in Indianapolis are CSL Plasma, PlasmaCare and Talecris Plasma. Telephone the donation center to set up an initial appointment.

• 3

  The day before your appointment, drink plenty of water, eat a well-balanced meal and avoid caffeine.

• 4

  Go to your appointment and check in at the reception desk. Present a valid form of identification, proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number.

• 5

  Undergo a health screening that will include answering questions to verify your eligibility as a donor, checking your vital signs, checking the level of red blood cells and plasma proteins in your blood, and taking your medical history.

• 6

  Get and remain connected to a plasmapheresis machine for donation. After 45 minutes, be disconnected from the plasmapheresis machine.

• 7

  If the donation center reimburses donors for their time, receive reimbursement. If interested, schedule another appointment before leaving the donation center.