Frequently Asked Questions

CSL Plasma donors will receive a payment as part of the donation process. At the conclusion of your donation, the payment will be loaded directly onto a reloadable card and is immediately ready for use. While fees vary by location, eligible, qualified donors can receive up to $1,000* their first month for donating life-saving plasma. Check with your preferred CSL Plasma collection center to see if they are participating in any other special promotions.

Donors may also opt to join the iGive Rewards^® donor loyalty program, which earns you points for every completed donation. You can redeem the points anytime for Fast Cash or special Deal of the Day merchandise when available. The more you donate plasma, the more points you receive, and the rewards get better as you acquire higher status: Bronze, Silver, Gold or the exclusive Platinum level.

Plasma is a component of blood. Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, all of which are suspended in plasma. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood and makes up about 55% of it. Plasma is typically a clear, yellowish color, though the color may vary between samples. For instance, blood plasma may appear more red, orange, or green depending on the donor. Reddish-orange plasma is often seen in smokers and greenish plasma may be more apparent for those who are pregnant, on certain birth-control medication, have rheumatoid arthritis, or are on other medications. 

The most common type of blood donation is called a whole blood donation. When you make a whole blood donation, you typically donate roughly one pint of blood. It can then be transfused in its original form or separated into its components, including plasma and red blood cells. Eligible donors age 19 and older can donate whole blood every 56 days. 

When you donate plasma, blood is drawn from the arm and sent through a machine that automatically separates the plasma from the other blood components through a processes called plasmapheresis. Then, the rest of your blood is returned back to you. 

Plasma serves several important functions:

• Maintains blood pressure and volume
• Supplies proteins for blood clotting
• Carries electrolytes throughout the body to muscles
• Supports cell function by maintaining proper pH balance

When you donate plasma, it is a valuable resource to treat a variety of health problems. It is often used in treatments to save those suffering from medical emergencies including burns, shock, and trauma. Because plasma can increase blood volume and helps aid clotting, it is also provided to those with severe liver disease or clotting deficiencies. Plasma is also used by pharmaceutical companies as a component in certain medications.

Yes, plasma will regenerate in about 48 hours after donation. This is much faster than it takes for whole blood to fully replenish, which takes about one to two months. The plasma in your blood is formed from water and salts absorbed through the digestive track. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous physical activity after donating plasma while it continues to replenish.

To find out if there is a CSL Plasma near you or if there is a new center coming soon in your area, please click here. Most CSL Plasma locations are open Monday through Sunday in order to better serve you. Please contact your local CSL Plasma center to find out more information.

Marketing radius:

The marketing radius is determined by each center location. To find out if you live in a center’s marketing radius, please contact your local CSL Plasma center.

Any questions about donation eligibility, including medications, medical conditions or medical procedures should be directed to a Medical Staff Associate and/or the Center Manager. Therefore, please contact your local CSL Plasma center.

Please learn about our efforts to accommodate individuals with various disabilities.

You may experience mild discomfort when donating plasma, similarly to when donating blood or having blood drawn. Donors often compare the feeling of the needle to a slight pinch or bee sting. 

CSL Plasma will monitor how you are feeling during and after the plasma donation process to check for side effects or other discomforts. To lessen the potential side effects of plasma donation such as fatigue or dehydration, aim to drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids and get substantial rest beforehand and be sure to rehydrate and avoid strenuous activity afterward.

If you experience lasting symptoms or persistent discomfort, call your CSL Plasma center or speak with your healthcare provider.

For healthy adults who meet the donation eligibility requirements, donating plasma is generally a safe medical procedure, however you may face mild immediate side effects. Short-term plasma donation side effects include:

• Dehydration. Because plasma contains water, removing it may cause donors to experience mild dehydration after donation. 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness. Donating plasma may cause mild electrolyte imbalances because plasma contains a lot of salts, vitamins, and minerals (electrolytes) that help your body’s functions. 
• Fatigue. If you experience dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, you may also experience tiredness after donating plasma. 
• Bruising or discomfort. Bruising may occur at the site of the needle insertion, and you could experience some discomfort during the donation process. If you’re uncomfortable, you can speak with a clinician.
• Infection or inflammation. Donating plasma comes with a slight risk of infection. Signs of infection include pain, swelling, or feeling of warmth at the site of the needle insertion. If you experience these, contact the CSL Plasma center
  
   

For healthy adults who follow the FDA guidelines for plasma donation frequency (once with two days apart and no more than twice in a seven-day period), donating plasma has very minimal long-term impacts on your overall wellbeing. 

CSL Plasma will assess your iron levels prior to donation.

People who donate frequently or for an extended amount of time may have an increased risk for depleting immunoglobulin levels. This can lower the ability to fight off infections, so check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your immunoglobulin levels if you donate plasma often.

Generally, anyone in good health, between the ages of 18-75, who weighs at least 110 pounds, has no tattoos or piercings within the last 4 months, meets eligibility and screening requirements, and has valid identification and a permanent address can donate plasma. 

If you have AIDS, have tested positive for HIV, or have done something in the past four months that puts you at risk of contracting HIV, you should not donate plasma. That includes:

• Anyone who has injected drugs, steroids, or other substances not prescribed by a doctor in the last four months.
• Anyone who has engaged in sex for money or drugs in the last four months. 
• Men who have had sexual contact with other men in the last four months.
  
   

A deferral is a determination by the center staff that an individual is not eligible to donate on a particular day. An individual may be deferred temporarily (for a limited period) or permanently.

In order to be eligible to donate, you must have certain types of identification. You must have a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of a social security number. Proof of residency would include, but is not limited to, a piece of mail postmarked in the past 60 days with your name and address clearly written on the envelope, current lease, etc. Please contact your local CSL Plasma center to find out more.

If you are eligible to donate plasma, a little preparation can make the process go even smoother. The night before your donation, get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water before your donation and avoid caffeinated beverages to boost hydration. Eat a healthy meal beforehand and skip high-fat foods. 

Be sure to bring all the proper identification with you to the donation center as well as wear a shirt with short sleeves or sleeve that can easily be rolled up. 

Plasma donation usually takes about 90 minutes to two hours. If you have a preference for which arm is used, you can share it. You will have a cuff or tourniquet placed around your upper arm to increase the blood in your veins and the skin on the inside of your elbow will be cleaned. A sterile needle will be inserted into your vein. Whole blood will be collected and then run through a machine to separate the plasma from the other components. Once the plasma has been collected, a final return of white and red blood cells will be completed followed by an infusion of  a saline solution.