We will be happy to help you with any request by email: info@fordonate.com
Valid at select locations. New donors must present the coupon prior to the initial donation. Donation fees will be paid in the following order $100, $130, $110, $110, $130, $95, $95 and $130. Initial donation must be completed by 08.07.22 and subsequent donations within 30 days. Coupon redeemable only upon completing successful donations. May not be combined with any other offer.
Each donor, regardless of how long he or she has been donating, must pass a pre-donation screening at every appointment. We ask all donors to complete an electronic questionnaire regarding your health and medical history. This ensures that the donation is safe for you and for the patient who receives treatment made from your plasma.
As a first-time donor, and annually thereafter, you will receive a brief physical examination. This is administered by our on-site medical staff and used to make sure you are eligible to donate, based on your health and medical history.
After we prepare the automated plasma collection device with a new, sterile kit, we connect you to the machine and start the plasma collection process. The tubing and all other pieces of the collection device that come in contact with your blood are discarded and replaced with new, sterile materials each time a donation is performed. Your blood never enters the machine.
Thank you for considering plasma donation at Grifols. Your help is essential in creating life-saving medicines for patients around the world. Join the thousands of people who donate plasma safely each week and receive compensation for your commitment. Check with your Grifols plasma center for current compensation levels.
Your personal safety and the safety of each plasma donation is our top priority. Our plasmapheresis centers are FDA-approved and have licensed medical professionals on-site. These professionals will be with you throughout each of your visits. Center team members will greet you, medical team members will make sure it´s safe for you, and a phlebotomist will answer your questions and help you feel comfortable.
This can include the information printed on your photo ID, W-2 form, or paycheck stub if your current address is listed. You can also use a utility bill from the previous 30 days that lists your name and address, or bring a copy of your current lease.
Volunteering your time to those in need is a good thing…getting paid to help those in need is a GREAT thing. You can earn hundreds of dollars every month by spending a few hours each week donating plasma. The more you donate, the more you earn!
Octapharma pays for your time with extremely competitive donor payments, bonuses, and other loyalty rewards. Our goal is to make life-saving medications affordable, as well as fairly compensate our donors for their generosity.
As an OctaRewards member, you earn points to qualify for tiered rewards including Express Passes, e-gift cards and sweepstakes prizes! It’s one of our ways of saying “thank you” for your donations and for making a difference in the lives of others.
Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood, the largest part, which contains antibodies to fight off infection. It’s full of proteins that are used to develop medicines for life-threatening diseases, but it's in short supply. It can take anywhere from 130 to 1,300 donations to make enough medicine to treat just one patient for one year, says Vlasta Hakes, director of corporate affairs at Grifols, a pharmaceutical company that makes blood plasma-based products.
How much money you make depends on where you're located and how much you weigh. (Typically, the more a donor weighs, the more plasma can be collected and the longer an appointment takes.) But at most donation centers, compensation is around $50 to $75 per appointment.
At the end of each appointment, payments are added to a reloaded debit card, and can be used immediately, says Rhonda Sciarra, the director of communications at CSL Plasma. This payment method is typical for plasma donation centers.
You can donate plasma more frequently than you can donate whole blood because you get some of your blood back after it's drawn and the plasma is separated from other components like red blood cells, says Amy Efantis, president and CEO of Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), which works with companies that make medicines with blood plasma.
The American Red Cross says donors can give plasma every 28 days and up to 13 times a year, but many private companies follow the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) regulation, which allows people to donate plasma once every two days, or twice in a seven-day period.
No matter the location, you'll need to complete an extensive medical history screening and pass a medical examination before you're allowed to donate plasma. A screening will take place each time you donate to ensure you’re meeting the weight requirement, and that your blood pressure and iron level enable are in a safe range. At donation centers that work with PPTA, a more extensive medical exam is conducted before your first donation, and once a year after that, Efantis says. Donors will also need to get negative tests for transmissible viruses like hepatitis and HIV and have their protein and hemoglobin levels evaluated.
When you check in for your appointment, a clinic staffer will ask you some routine personal health questions, take your vitals — weight, pulse and blood pressure — and check your blood levels with a finger prick. While you're donating, you can read, watch TV, catch up on work or just veg out.
If it’s your first time donating plasma, the visit will last around two hours, since you'll need to provide your health history and do a more comprehensive physical exam. Return visits usually take closer to an hour.
Wait times vary by location, and since donation centers are taking pandemic precautions like physical distancing, enhanced cleaning processes and temperature checks, your wait time might be longer than usual.
To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we've combed through decades of our print magazines to find hidden gems, fascinating stories and vintage personal finance tips that have withstood the test of time. Dive into the archives with us.
The blood plasma industry is steeped in controversy. Over the last several years, critics have called out donation facilities for targeting the poorest Americans, and for paying them far less than their donations are worth (as The Atlantic pointed out in 2018, plasma donors help sustain a multibillion-dollar global pharmaceutical industry).
Before you head to your appointment, make sure you’ve drunk plenty of fluids. Always let the screener know if you've had any recent surgeries or medical conditions, are taking any medications or have gotten a tattoo or piercing in the last year, since all of these activities can lead to medical complications.
Many people are familiar with the benefits and the process of blood donation; however, few people understand the importance of plasma donation. Plasma is the pale, yellow portion of the blood. Nearly 50% of blood is made up of plasma , which itself contains water, proteins and salts. Plasma plays the critical role of maintaining a healthy blood pressure, blood volume and a proper pH balance. Without plasma, our body would not be supplied with many of the proteins that are necessary to support blood clotting and our immune system responses. In addition, plasma carries many of the electrolytes that our muscles need to function properly and support our activities of daily living.
Blood plasma donations are used for slightly more specific purposes than a general blood donation. The most common uses of plasma donations include individuals who have experienced a severe trauma, burn or shock, adults or children with cancer, and people with liver or clotting factor disorders. Donated plasma can be frozen and stored for up to one year. Nearly 10,000 units of plasma are needed every day in the United States, and plasma transfusions are often lifesaving.
Individuals who experience a severe trauma, burn or shock often lose a significant amount of blood volume, and are depleted of many necessary electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that help to balance the amount of water, nutrients and pH level inside the body. In this situation, a plasma transfusion can provide the lifesaving blood volume needed to restore their blood pressure and volume status, as well as restore electrolyte levels.
In addition, people with liver disease or clotting factor deficiencies may not have the proper substances in their blood to allow their blood to clot normally. Whenever an individual has a cut or injury, these clotting factors ensure that they do not lose too much blood. Plasma donations ensure that these individuals can receive a plasma transfusion to supplement their body’s clotting ability and stop excessive bleeding from occurring. Finally, children and adults with cancer sometimes experience complications in which their body has used up all of their natural clotting factors. In cases of this disorder, called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), transfusions of fresh frozen plasma may be critical.
There are a few differences between normal blood donation and plasma donation, but the process only takes a few extra minutes. During a normal blood donation, blood is removed from the patient and sent to a laboratory, where it is then separated into its primary parts (red blood cell, plasma and platelets) for separate transfusion. Most plasma that goes to patients comes from this process.
During a plasma donation, blood is removed from the donor’s arm and run through an automated process that removes the plasma portion from the blood. The remaining red blood cells and platelets are then returned to the donor’s arm with a small amount of saline to maintain the overall volume. This all occurs while the donor is in the donation chair and allows a donor to give more plasma than they would during a regular blood donation – enough plasma for up to three patients from a single plasma donation. The process itself is safe, and ultimately is very similar to a general blood donation visit.
The ideal blood type for plasma donations are AB+ and AB-. AB is the universal blood type for plasma donations and can be given to patients with any blood type. It’s critical in trauma care, where there’s often not enough time to test blood type prior to transfusion. Since only 4% of the population is type AB, more type AB plasma is needed than there are often donors available to give it. A plasma donation by type AB donors helps ensure one donor can give even more plasma to help trauma patients. Individuals can donate plasma as often as every 28 days, and the average donation takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Do you want to donate plasma, either to earn a little extra money or to help your community? Although it’s a fairly common practice, it’s a little more complicated than donating blood. If you’re thinking of doing this for the first time, you might be uncertain what to expect. Read on for our guide to frequently asked questions about the requirements for donating plasma and the process overall.
For many chronic diseases, plasma therapy is one of the primary treatments. For example, people with clotting disorders such as hemophilia or bleeding disorders may need scheduled plasma transfusions. Other uses for plasma include emergency medical treatment, such as for burn victims or those who have contracted rabies, and transfusions for dialysis patients or organ donation recipients.
Plasma is also used in labs to create medications to treat certain kinds of diseases, such as immune deficiency diseases and certain pulmonary illnesses like hereditary emphysema. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers plasma an essential part of medication.
If you’re interested in donating plasma, requirements exist for a rigorous screening as part of the plasma donation process. Part of the reason that the screening process exists is to protect those receiving the donations, many of whom have compromised health. It also ensures that the donors themselves are in good enough physical health to avoid the side effects of donating plasma.
The requirements for donating plasma are fairly consistent. You must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 110 pounds, and have a valid ID. Do they drug test you before donating plasma? Not generally — people who take certain prescription drugs, show signs of injectable drug use, or are visibly intoxicated are not allowed to donate plasma.
Certain health conditions also prevent you from donating, such as pregnancy or recent childbirth. If you’ve had dental work in the past 72 hours, you’ll be deferred. Also, if you’ve received the MMR vaccine or had chickenpox in the past month or taken antibiotics orally in the past 24–48 hours or by injection in the past 72 hours, you’re also deferred.
Ever having had viral hepatitis A, B, or C disqualifies a person from donating, as do certain chronic diseases like hemophilia or other bleeding disorders. People can’t donate if they have or had tuberculosis, heart disease (and currently taking medication for it), sickle cell anemia, certain types of cancer, or malaria (contracted in the past three years or travelled to an endemic area in the past year). People who are HIV positive or who may have placed themselves at risk for contracting the virus also cannot donate plasma.
What medications disqualify you from donating plasma? People who have taken Accutane, oral Retin-A, or finasteride in the past month can’t donate. Anyone who has ever taken etretinate is not allowed to donate plasma. People who are currently taking medication for treating TB or malaria also can’t donate. Finally, if you’ve gotten a body piercing or tattoo in the past 12 months, you’re ineligible. The only exception to the tattoo rule is if the tattoo is from a licensed facility in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, or Mississippi, in which case there’s only a one-month wait.
Donating plasma can have side effects that are typically minor, but if it’s your first time donating, you may wish to have a ride home, just in case. Bruising and nerve irritation are among the most common, usually around the injection site. It may have mild swelling, which can be treated with cold packs. Nerve irritation causes immediate, intense pain at the injection site and can cause shooting pain down the arm and into the hand. If this happens, alert the technician — they’ll immediately remove the needle. This should eliminate the stabbing pain, although some mild discomfort may remain for a day or two afterward.
These symptoms may lead to fainting but can be minimized by reclining in the donation chair and elevating the feet while applying a cool compress. Luckily, the techs at plasma centers are trained to anticipate and treat this. However, if you vomit or faint, the donation process will be halted. On extremely rare occasions, a seizure due to a prolonged loss of consciousness may occur, although long-term effects of donating plasma are rare.
Citrate reaction may occur if you’re sensitive to the chemical citrate, which is added to the separated blood to prevent clotting. When the remnants of your donation are returned, you may experience tingling around your mouth, face, hands, or feet. More severe reactions include cramping of the hands or feet and sudden weakness. Muscle spasms, chills and shaking, nausea or vomiting, and numbness around the mouth may occur.
If a mild reaction occurs, the donation is typically paused, calcium may be given to you to eliminate these side effects of donating plasma. However, with a severe citrate reaction, the donation process is halted. You may need emergency attention.
Whether the process is painful for you depends on your pain threshold. For some people, donating feels no worse than a pinprick, while others may feel more pain. If the nurse misses the vein or you experience plasma donation side effects, it’s possible you’ll experience more pain, but overall, most people report nothing more than mild discomfort.
Expect the plasma donation process to take 1 to 2 hours. If it’s your first time at the donation center, the initial paperwork and health screening may take longer. Depending on how fast the blood draw occurs, the actual donation part takes roughly an hour.
To donate, make an appointment at a reputable plasma donation center. If you aren’t sure where to go, check with your doctor or a local hospital for recommendations. Currently, there are more than 700 licensed and certified plasma collection centers in the US and Europe Licensing means that your donation will be executed by a trained medical professional in a highly controlled, sterile environment.
Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced, healthy diet is always a good choice, but it’s even more important on the days leading up to plasma donation. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the day of your donation. Drink about 6 to 8 cups of water the day before and day of donating, and eat a protein- and iron-rich meal within 3 hours of donation.
High-protein foods include beans and legumes, beef, chicken, shrimp, cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), and seeds and nuts. Broccoli, beef, beans, iron-enriched breakfast cereals, chicken, ham, dark leafy greens, raisins, and watermelon are all high in iron.
Avoid fatty foods like French fries and other fried foods, pizza, or sweets the day you donate, and don’t drink alcohol the night before. These can affect your blood tests and prevent you from donating.
Plasma donations help save lives and can put a little extra cash in your wallet. While many people experience very mild side effects, there are a few to consider, and you should consult with your doctor before your initial donation for their recommendation. Follow the proper health guidelines to ensure that you’re a good plasma donor candidate, and don’t worry if you’re turned away the first time. Many people can donate again after not being cleared the first time. Remember, your contribution can have a great impact on the health of others in your community.
Aside from having a little extra cash in your pocket (and believe us, the incentives are great.) there are many reasons people choose to donate their precious blood plasma. For instance, plasma donations are used to treat medical conditions, unlike whole blood donations which are mostly used in transfusions. Individuals with life-threatening conditions depend on plasma donors for their very existence.
Keep in mind that your first plasma donation is usually held and tested for quality and safety. It is only after your second donation that your plasma can be verified for medical use. This is another reason why donation centers in Atlanta and beyond are looking to enroll healthy donors who will consistently donate regularly.
Most plasma centers in Atlanta have websites that can provide you with a wealth of information. Check out major blood plasma donation companies online and navigate your way to information about their Atlanta location. They might even have a way for you to schedule your first appointment on their website.
Blood plasma donation centers in Atlanta, GA want you and your valuable plasma and are willing to pay a top dollar and possibly even bonuses for your recurring donations. Asking by word of mouth or digging through the internet for the perfect Atlanta donation location can be tiring and time-consuming.
You should consider using DoNotPay's Plasma Donation product because it's fast, it's easy, and it successfully provides you the answers you need. Interested in getting help with other issues in your life? Whether you're in Atlanta, in Anaheim, or anywhere in between, DoNotPay offers a huge array of other services designed to take the hassle out of everyday problems. Take a look.
Plasma is the clear, straw-colored liquid portion of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components are removed. It is the single largest component of human blood, comprising about 55 percent, and contains water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins.
Source plasma is plasma that is collected from healthy, voluntary donors through a process called plasmapheresis and is used exclusively for further manufacturing into final therapies (fractionation). Source plasma donors may be compensated for their time and effort.
Only a small number of people living in the U.S. who are eligible to donate blood or source plasma actually donate. What's important is that we encourage all forms of donation from those who are eligible, so that they may contribute life-saving blood and source plasma to those in need.
The plasma protein therapeutics industry supports volunteerism donation in all of its forms. Source plasma donation and blood donation are critically important activities that contribute to saving lives. Source plasma and recovered plasma are used to produce therapies that treat people with rare, chronic diseases and disorders such as primary immunodeficiency, hemophilia and a genetic lung disease, as well as in the treatment of trauma, burns and shock. Whole blood donations most often are used locally in hospitals for transfusions required during surgery or other medical treatment. Find a donation center near you!
Plasma donation requires a commitment both in the amount of time for each donation and frequency of donation. Typically it takes between one and three hours to donate source plasma, and plasma can be donated twice within a seven day period. Whole blood donation takes less time—under 30 minutes—and donors donate less frequently—no more than once in eight weeks. The programs may fit into a donor's life differently at various times in the donor's life, and are equally important in helping to fulfill a vital medical need.
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We’re glad you’re here! We collect your plasma using a special process called plasmapheresis that separates the plasma from the blood and collects it in a bottle. We use a sophisticated high-tech machine that safely collects the plasma and returns the other parts of the blood back to you, all while you read a book or catch up with friends on social media. Although wait times may vary at each location, the collection process takes approximately 90 minutes.
Whether you are becoming an expert in your niche, moving across, or upward in the organization, we believe our people can enjoy Promising FUTURES where they fulfill their individual career aspirations and are inspired by our purpose-driven company and values-based culture. At CSL we are still hiring during the pandemic and completing essential work across the globe.
CSL Plasma is one of the world’s largest collectors of human plasma and we are committed to excellence and innovation in everything we do. Our work helps ensure that tens of thousands of people with rare and serious diseases are able to live normal, healthy lives. We are committed to our work because people’s lives depend on us.
CSL does not ask for personal information in any other manner, and also does not conduct interviews through email, instant messaging or like forms of unsecured electronic communications. In addition, CSL does not charge any fees as part of the recruitment process.
All center hours are current. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have instituted temperature readings, are practicing social and physical distancing, and have enhanced disinfecting procedures to ensure the safety of our donors and staff.
"This center isn't even that busy. But the wait time is always longer than a hour to actually begin the donation. This staff is not bad at all they just dont have that sense of urgency you look for in a place like this where you want to be in and out in a decent amount of time"
"The staff have been very polite, caring and trained. When they put the needle in you hardly feel it and it doesn't leave a bruise. They are all appreciative, thankful and make you feel special for donating!"
NAPC specializes in comprehensive primary care medicine. We offer several patient resources for your convenience including, same-day appointments, daily walk-in hours, virtual appointments, and referral coordination. NAPC has 16…
At Clinica de la Salud Smyrna, our desire is to provide quality, comprehensive medical care in a warm, caring environment. Our physicians and Nurse practitioners specialize in Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Gynecology. To meet our…
Donated platelets for the very first time here. The entire experience was great! I called ahead of time to make an appointment and the receptionist, Nancy, was very patient and friendly, asking me several times if I had any additional questions.
As a first-time platelet donor, I was pretty nervous about the process, but upon walking in and being enthusiastically greeted by a friendly face at the front desk to seeing all the bright, clean decor, I was instantly put at ease. After reading a short form and going through a private evaluation, I was directed to their open space where a nurse again reassured me the experience would be fine and stayed by my side to monitor my vitals almost the entire time. On my way out, every staff member thanked me with a smile. I can't stress enough how great the staff is here. Definitely an A++ from a first-time platelet donor!
Donating platelets has easily become my favorite way to honor my mom and to give someone else a fighting chance at life. It takes a little time to donate, but I know how meaningful each donation is for people and their loved ones. I feel so grateful for the people who donated the platelets that helped my mom. And it's also cool to get free snacks, t-shirts, thank you notes, and Braves tickets over repeat donor visits. Whether you are a first-time donor or you're looking for a new community blood service center to support, Atlanta Blood Services has been nothing but amazing in my experience.
Right at Home North Atlanta opened with the goal of providing the best in-home care for seniors in North Atlanta and surrounding areas. Rob and Susan Brown opened their office in March of 2010 and today are still innovating, finding…
Biomat USA is owned and operated by Grifols. Grifols prides itself on donor safety, the safety of our plasma, and the difference we make together--in the lives of patients around the world, in our communities, and in the industry.…
No Appointments Needed for Same Day Testing! We offer Nasal Swab COVID Test or Salvia COVID test with rapid results returned to you in 12 - 24 hours. Come see why we are the fastest and most efficient lab in Atlanta.
"My adult daughter was transferred to Ridgewood from a local hospital after experiencing a psychotic episode earlier this month. She remained there for 8 days. The staff and medical team was very attentive to her needs. They kept her…"
Has the privilege to cost this facility with my class. It's a large facility that conducts a battery of functions for the region and the US. Until my visit, I had somewhat of a negative view of the Red Cross (they kept calling me). After my visit my perspective changed to somewhat of a positive one. Information is key, and I'm glad to know that the Red Cross and its staff have chosen to make Douglasville their home. Very impressed with all the work that they do. We often take for granted their hard work, even though they continue to push forward without many people noticing their true value. What an amazing organization. Your blood is always needed and very seldom goes to waste. Many of my misconceptions were answered and now I'm an advocate for what you guys do. Thank you!
"I've been interviewed by two more writers this year about the horrible treatment and lack of care of people / human beings in need of real help by real professionals who can help those in need. I'm hoping these writers have struck…"
Staff is always super nice and welcoming at this location. One time they were running about 10 minutes behind schedule and were extremely apologetic about it. The whole process for donating whole blood takes less than an hour (as long as they don't have problems finding a vein, etc.). The chairs are comfy and there is free wi-fi. Just look for the signs posted around the building for the login information. When you're done giving blood there are a few tables with plenty of seating for you to sit down for at least 15 minutes to make sure all is well. There are always plenty of snack options and drinks. They keep a fridge if you want a cold soda instead of bottled water. Snack options range from Welch's fruit snacks to NutterButter cookies, and pretzels. Sometimes they'll have t-shirts and other goodies to take home. Overall a great experience.
Please help save a life and give blood!
By the time we got here, we had already attempted to donate blood...twice. The first time, up in Chicago, they went through the entire questionnaire, finger poke, and reference materials that look like my dog ate them, only to tell us that we couldn't donate because we had gone on our honeymoon to the Bahamas seven months before. You couldn't have asked that first?!?!
After many months of trying to convince my husband to go again, we came to this location. We came on a Saturday afternoon WITH appointments and they TURNED US AWAY. They said they were just too busy and too short staffed and yadda yadda yadda... Needless to say, getting my husband back in here was a miracle in itself.
So, we finally came one day after work. When we entered, we were greeted by a nice, somewhat frazzled receptionist. We had to read an informational pamphlet that look like it had gone through the washer and dryer and then proceeded in to get stolen by the leprechaun who lives in there..
Anyhow...I was taken into the consultation room first. I was asked numerous questions about my health and travel history. (I couldn't help but giggle when he asked me if I wanted to be referred to as a female...) Finally he led me to a huge medical chair where...my husband was already giving blood...
WTF?!? What did the guy to do keep my in that little room longer than my husband when I went in first! After sitting there for another 5ish or so minutes while my husband was already draining, I finally got started. Three minutes later...BAM...I was done. Grand Champion of blood donating here! (Meanwhile my husband is staring at his bag wondering why its taken him 15+ minutes...)
Neither of us fainted. In fact we both had cookies and received free (Large, which I so am not...but he is...) long-sleeve T-Shirts.
All in all I wouldn't mind going back to donate blood again, I just wish it was closer. Google says 17 mins...but in Atlanta time we all know that equals at least 45...
I generally have an awesome experience here, and as of late, have. I do warn that if you make an appointment on the same day at 800-GIVE-LIFE, oftentimes this center does not get that information, so they may not have that time reserved. I have only encountered a couple of rude or impersonal people here, and I am not sure they are still there. One even was saying that since I was approaching 28, I better have a baby before it is too late, and what was I waiting for? Wow, not that it was any of his business, and I was already sensitive about that topic anyway, but needless to say, it made me uncomfortable.
Other than that, the facility is nice, and accommodates platelet and whole and double blood donors, and has a nice clean bathroom and TVs, as well as fully stocked snacks.
I stumble past this place as I am leaving Wild Wing almost every week. Considering I didn't go to church on Easter Sunday and instead broke in my new rabbit toy and was singing my own praises while taking the Lords name in vain, I figured blood donation would take away the guilt.
I arrive at the center and was greeted by a Red Cross worker, filled out some paperwork and within 2 minutes I was laying on a table with a tube in my arm. I don't know if I started tripping when the tube was put in but I was having an amazing out of body experience. With each blink, I felt like I was weightless, floating above my body. I must have looked pale considering one of the nurses came over and told me to stop looking at the bag being filled with my blood. I looked around the room, started to feel dizzy and oddly giggly, a classic Liz move.
The donation was over as fast as it started and I was given a cute band-aid and told there was a table with juice and cookies in the corner. I took a deep breath upon standing up and that is the last thing I remember. I opened my eyes, realized I was lying on the ground and I was surrounded by a priest and 2 nurses wearing all white. Was I dead? Is this heaven?
In the end, I ended up eating half a box of animal crackers and one too many tiny thimbles of orange juice but within 30 minutes I was on my way. The guilt was gone! I made my donation, passed out, was revived by a priest and made it home safely that evening to my rabbit. I can't wait to donate again!
I have been give platelets and plasma here for year now and have nothing but good things to say about this place. The staff super friendly and are really appreciative of you give and the facility is very clean and safe during these times. I highly recommend you giving through them.
My daughter received 4 lifesaving blood transfusions. I'm a committed blood donor with a rare type. It really pains me to give a bad review but the personnel in the blood mobile forgot to tag my donation and had to throw it out. Originally they lied about what happened but persistence paid off and they finally admitted what occurred. Sure am glad they are not giving transfusions. I'll keep giving blood because I know first hand how important it is. Just not with LifeSouth.
I haven't donated blood in a while but I wanted to again. I donated to LifeSouth back in 2012 when the blood mobile came by my job. I was already in the system so I figured it wouldn't take me long to donate again....and it wasn't.
Honestly, I had some time to chill and kill before meeting up with girl friends for dinner so I thought why not donate blood? I called in advance to see if I could just walk and in and I was able to. Even if I wasn't in the system, I would be able to just walk in. The paperwork processes would take longer but that's it.
Like all blood donation processes, they ask you some questions and prick your finger to check the blood's iron before donating. That process takes no longer than 10 minutes. I sat right away to get ready to donate. From the beginning to end of donating blood, it took no longer than 20 minutes. They constantly asked me if I wanted anything to drink or eat. I even got a cute t-shirt.
Overall, fast and friendly service. I am considering donating platelets next time. The process will be longer but I want to help saves. I am not able to donate any blood or even platelets until 8 weeks since I just donated blood.
My sisters and I came here to donate blood and platelets as part of Six Flags' Fright Fest Blood Drive. I had called ahead and made an appointment for 3 pm on a Thursday. They were offering 1 Six Flags ticket for each whole blood donation, and 2 Six Flags tickets for each donation of platelets through a process called apheresis (lifesouth.org/index.php?…).
I had previously donated whole blood to one of LifeSouth's blood mobiles, but this was my first time donating platelets. We arrived at the blood center about 10 minutes early and checked in, but we had to wait around 40 minutes to actually get our blood tested and actually start the donation process. -___-
If you have never donated blood before, what the phlebotomist initially does is have you fill out some paperwork, interview you (personal health questions and what countries you have traveled to, etc.), and prick your finger to test your blood. Once you pass the initial screening, you are taken to a comfy chair to begin the actual donation.
The staff had warned me that it would take about 91 minutes for me to donate platelets because of my size. It takes less time for people who are taller/larger - maybe about an hour or so.
One of the phlebotomists informed me that the needle would be smaller for the platelet donation than a whole blood donation, but I felt like it was bigger. I have a high tolerance for pain (whole blood donations barely hurt at all), but the platelet donation was kind of painful. I had to squeeze a ball (well, mine was in the shape of a hamburger - haha) every few seconds to help the blood flow, and I could feel the needle every time. Ow... And this really did take an hour and a half...
Fortunately, the seat is pretty comfortable, and you get your own TV and remote to occupy your time. The phlebotomist even brought me and my sister some ice cream because our lips started to get numb and tingly, which apparently is normal and caused by the saline solution that is pumped back into our bodies along with the rest of our blood (minus the platelets).
Overall, this LifeSouth Community Blood Center gets 4 stars - minus 1 star for the long wait to even get started (I was late to meet a friend afterwards) when there were only 2 people ahead of us and we had made appointments ahead of time. But the staff was very friendly (they even took some pics for us!) and welcoming.
Along with the free Six Flags tickets, they gave us free "Bleed for Your Football Team" T-shirts (they had a choice between UGA and GA Tech - I chose the GA Tech one because it was cuter). They really need more platelet donations, so I will definitely be back... Just hope it doesn't take as long next time! The whole process (from our appointment time to when I walked out the door) took about 2.5 hours!!! O_o
I went there the same day ... but wasn't able to donate blood or platelets. They told me my blood was no good because I recently got a tattoo. My friend called Lifesouth before the made her appointment and asked on my behalf to see if it was okay if I could give blood even if I recently got a tattoo. They told her that it was okay because I had gotten it in Miami, Florida.
But sadly ... I get there on my scheduled appointment time ... they go through the procedures. They pricked my finger and asked me a series of questions.
Then the big question ... have you gotten a tattoo within the year ... and I replied ... Yes. Then they look through the their paper works and ... see that I am not qualified.
I was sad because I wasn't able to support the vampires with their source of nutrients ... lol. But overall this Lifesouth facility is great to come by to donate. Because of their overall friendliness.
I've only been to this Life South.. I know that there are other Life South Community Blood Centers in Georgia.. but this was the only one my sibs and I have ever been to. And the staff working here are all so friendly!!
My sister, Angela H. made an appointment for 11 am to donate platelets and THIS TIME we didn't have to wait for a long time. We were on schedule.. I guess you could say that. My little sister (a young adult.. not a little girl) donated her plasma AND her platelets. How very generous of her! It took me about 83 minutes!! It was all right, though. I didn't feel sick at all! The only thing I felt was my mouth and face getting all numb and tingly.. that was normal, though (I read the information on donating platelets). Platelets look so yellow.. they sort of remind me of really light colored mustard!!! Ha ha ha!!
The nurse (I forgot her name.. but she helped me last time I donated platelets) gave us refreshments and snacks even after we finished donating platelets. Ohh and we got a shirt, too! They didn't have our size, though... but still.. I got my shirt!!! WHOO HOO!!!!
I heard of this blood and platelets giving thing from my sister. So my sisters and I went here to donate some platelets. It was my little sister's first time to give blood and it was my sister and my first to give platelets. I didn't know what platelets were until I read about it on a brochure that was in front of the front desk at Life South. The front desk woman was friendly, but we had to wait for a LONG TIME!! So I didn't like that, because my sister made an appointment at 3 pm. I'm pretty sure it took more than 15 minutes or so for us to get ourselves processed.
At first, the nurse that was suppose to take care of me seemed a little unfriendly, but once I asked her about the process of how the platelets were withdrawn from my body.. she was smiling and explaining to me how it was done.. and that's how she became friendly... weird, right? Well at least she was nice about it.
Later, my nurse gave me a rubber burger toy to squeeze on, but I guess my hands were just too small and weak to squeeze the darn thing! SO I asked her if I could get a softer ball. She gave me a red ball with a white star on it (it was much easier to squeeze.. and it reminded me of the ball from that children's movie called Coraline).
I was half-way through giving my platelets. My little sister was already done giving her blood, so she was accompanying my sister and me. My sister was next to me. It took me around 73 minutes for me to donate my platelets!!! Wow!!! And the nurse came and asked me if I wanted to drink or eat anything!! How sweet!! I got a nice cold bottle of water, some tum-tums and Blue Bell South vanilla bean ice cream!!!
During my platelets giving process, one of the staff members working there gave me 2 free tickets to Six Flags Over Georgia and also a t-shirt!!
There was also a elderly gentleman sitting across from me (diagonally) and after he was done the nurse asked him if he wanted 2 free tickets, too, but he declined the offer. He also declined her offer for a free t-shirt!! How generous of him!!!
Pleasant experience every time I go here. You get a free cholesterol screening and they even send you an email of what hospital your blood went to (local) if it is used. I love the entire atmosphere the phlebotomists are extremely professional. I'm a hard stick but I trust they don't do more than they have to. This time they were having a BBQ and giving away bags/shirts to the donors. Will definitely be back in 8 weeks.
Giving the "right" type of blood donation - based on your blood type and patient needs - helps ensure the best use of your valuable contribution. Here are some things to consider when determining how you can have the most impact.
Whole blood is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets. Learn more about whole blood donations.
During a Power Red donation, you give a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of your blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns your plasma and platelets to you.
In a platelet donation, an apheresis machine collects your platelets along with some plasma, returning your red cells and most of the plasma back to you. A single donation of platelets can yield several transfusable units, whereas it takes about five whole blood donations to make up a single transfusable unit of platelets.
During an AB Elite donation, you give plasma, a part of your blood used to treat patients in emergency situations. AB plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type. Plasma is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns your red blood cells and platelets to you. AB Elite maximizes your donation and takes just a few minutes longer than donating blood.
Donating plasma shouldn’t hurt. Donating plasma should feel the same as a regular blood donation. You might feel a stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but after that, the staff will do its best to make sure that you’re comfortable throughout the donation process.
Getting started. Before you donate plasma, you need to fill out a medical history form. This form may ask you about some behaviors that carry a higher risk of bloodborne viruses. Next, a staff member will give you a medical screening. This will check your pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature.
After you’ve finished the screening process, you’ll sit back in a reclining chair, and a pressure cuff or tourniquet will be put around your arm to help find your veins. The pressure also helps to fill up the donation bag faster. A trained staff member will then place the needle into your arm using clean, sterile equipment. During this time you can relax, listen to music, or watch videos to pass the time.
Once you’ve finished the donation process, you should have a snack and drink some fluids. This is often provided to you at the donation center. You should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day to let yourself recover.