- 1). Look up the location of the nearest plasma collection center near you. You can look this up in the yellow pages of your phone book, under the words "blood" or "plasma." Alternately, you can use the internet to search for the nearest facility by putting the words "plasma donation" followed by your city and state into your search engine of choice.
- 2). Call to make an appointment. Although this isn't necessary at all blood plasma donation centers --as most of them take walkins-- it will streamline your process, since you'll be ushered in ahead of the walk-ins who have no appointment.
- 3). Prepare ahead of time. Drink plenty of fluids in the hours before your appointment. This will help prevent you from being dehydrated after your donation.
- 4). Arrive to your appointment ten to fifteen minutes early. Arriving early will allow you to fill out necessary paper work before the actual time of your appointment. Take a bottle of water, juice, or Gatorade with you. Hold onto this, as you'll need to drink it after you've donated your blood plasma.
- 5). Be prepared for your first blood plasma donation visit to last over an hour. You will receive a full physical exam, and will have a small sample of your blood tested.
- 6). Relax when the needle is introduced to your arm. It's not large, and does not hurt. It feels like a small pinch if you feel anything at all. Most people make this sensation worse by mentally building up this procedure in their mind. If you just relax and do deep breathing, the moment will pass quickly and painlessly.
- 7). Take your time when getting up out of the donation chair. Some people who are prone to being lightheaded might get a little dizzy if they get up too fast.
- 8). On your way out, collect your money and make your appointment for your next visit. In most areas, the blood plasma donation center will pay more for your second visit in the same week. Donating twice a week in large cities can earn a person over $400 per month.
- 9). Drink your water, juice, or Gatorade that you've brought with you, to replace the fluids you've just lost. Avoid any strenuous activity for the next several hours.
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