Things to Remember Before Donating Plasma in Fort Collins
Tim Postilion
A great way for CSU students and residents in Fort Collins to both help those in need and make a bit of extra money is donating plasma. While many are familiar with the procedure of donating blood, plasma donation is slightly different in that it only requires that specific component. The procedure involves separating the plasma compound in your blood from the red blood cells and platelets after it has been extracted through a needle in your arm. Plasma therapy is used to help medical patients around the world. Residents can go to centers all over the country to donate, but CSL Plasma is located closest to Colorado State on West Elizabeth Street and City Park Avenue. Before going in for a first donation, however, there are a few things to keep in mind.
(View the interactive infographic here: https://magic.piktochart.com/output/8382262-plasma-donation)
- Bring Proper Documentation
Donation centers across the country require that new donors bring government issued identification, proof of a social security number, and proof of local residency. Be sure to have all the necessary paperwork before coming down, as the process of signing up can take up to several hours.
2. Eat and Drink a lot, and healthily
Centers will ask you before your donation about your diet and what you’ve had to eat that day. Donors are expected to participate in a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids before and after the process. Because, you know, they’re taking some out of you. Eating and drinking before donation is important because of dehydration’s close association with common side effects, such as dizziness, weakness, and even scarring of the veins. There is a system of compensation for donors based on their weight, because the heavier the individual is, the more they can safely donate in a single session.
3. Donating once means coming back.
Centers will strongly encourage donors to return for a follow up visit. It’s all about test results. The goal is assurance that the donor is safe and reliable. Donations are required to be 24–48 hours apart to give your body time to refill on those fluids. But if you don’t quite feel like coming back, just remember: They’re paying you A LOT to sit down for an hour or two and browse on your phone.
4. There are certain restrictions for donors.
Two important requirements that exist across the country at donation centers are these: You must be 18 years of age or older, and you must weigh over 110 pounds. Things like recent tattoos, body piercings, significant medical conditions, recent alcohol or caffeine use, and even too much time spent in Europe are also no-no’s which could potentially send would-be donors packing. There are a lot of rules involved with getting paid for your plasma. Make sure you meet the basic requirements before heading down.
5. Dress code
You don’t necessarily have to donate plasma wearing a collared shirt and tie, but many donation centers across the country respectfully request that donors entering their facilities wear publicly appropriate attire and are “well groomed”. Medical professionals are handling all the work, so it seems reasonable that they shouldn’t have to avert their eyes or smell the donors too.
There you have it. Keep these important facts with you when heading down to your local plasma donation center, as well as a phone, tablet, or book to keep busy with. You’ll be getting started in no time.
Sources
http://biotestplasma.com/donation-process/donation-eligibility/
http://www.grifolsplasma.com/en/web/plasma/plasma-donor/how-to-donate/how-to-donate
http://www.livestrong.com/article/23696-rules-donating-plasma/
