How I Earn an Extra $400/month by Donating Plasma

If you're not afraid of blood or needles and looking for some quick cash, plasma donation may be for you. The best part, you get paid to help save lives.

Recently, I found myself with a lot of credit card debt from medical bills and Christmas and wasn't sure how I would be able to pay it off. I was already stretching my paychecks as far as they could go to cover my other bills and student loans and the loaming credit card balance had my anxiety through the roof. I knew physically and mentally I wouldn't be able to handle another job (already having a full time coordinator job and a freelancing artist) so I started looking for easy and quick ways to make a lot of money. And that's how I found plasma donation.

You're only allowed to donate twice a week, this gives your body time to heal and recover from donating, but each donation I make $50. It's only a couple hours out of my week where I get to make some extra cash. It isn't painful and experiencing side effects are rare.

Before jumping headlong into donating, there are a couple things you probably should consider:

1. Consent. It may not seem like a big deal, but you are donating part of your body. This won't be for everyone and it's really important to feel comfortable with your decision before going in.
2. Make sure you have time. Donating plasma can be time consuming. Depending on how busy your center is and how hydrated you are, you can be at the location anywhere from 45 minutes up to 2 hours.
3. Blood. Be prepared to be pricked. The needle isn't necessarily small, but I promise it only hurts for a second when it goes in. If you bruise easily or bleed a lot when injured, you may want to consider not donating because it may take your body too long to heal between donations.

If you think donating is right for you, the next step will be selecting your donation center. There are several different companies out there that deal with plasma (I personally use CSL plasma). Once you find a company that you're comfortable going with, make sure you look at the reviews for your nearest locations. The most important thing you want to look for is the cleanliness of the location. Remember, this your body you're dealing with and you don't want to risk infection.

Once you've selected a center, prepare for your first visit. Your first visit will be the longest, make sure you carve out a good 3-4 hours for this initial visit. It's probably best to go in early and on a day you don't have to work.

During your first visit, here's what you can expect:

• Giving/verification of your personal information. You will need to bring with you a valid ID, social security card, and proof of residence.
• Getting put in the system as a new patient. Be prepared to share. Other than your personal information, they will need: a finger print to scan into the system (this is how you will sign in every time you come in to donate), a log of any body modifications you have (i.e. tattoos and/or piercings), a quick physical exam, and any medications you are currently on. Be sure to be honest and share everything with the nurse. This is for your safety to make sure you are eligible to donate.
• Legal mumbo-jumbo. This may vary from center to center, but for the most part you will have a "welcome" video that will cover the donation process and possible side effects. You will also be given paperwork reiterating the video. And you'll have to read and sign some stuff too.
• Health questionnaire and assessment. This will be the only part of your first day that you will have to do every time you come in. The questionnaire basically makes sure that you're feeling ok to donate and that none of your information has changed. The health assessment consists of taking your blood pressure and heart rate, body temperature, weight, hematocrit and protein levels.

Now that you're in the system and passed your health assessment, you're ready to donate! This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. I'm not going to lie to you, the needle they stick you with isn't tiny and it stings a little as it goes in, but once the needle is in place and during your donation, there isn't any and shouldn't be any pain. If at any point during your donation you feel nauseous, light headed, dizzy, or pain, please inform a technician immediately.

You will know once you are getting close to be done because you will feel a chill come over you as the cold saline gets pumped in to help with the lost fluids.

Easy ways to make your donation quick and painless:

• Drink water! This is so important. The more hydrated you are going in, the quicker your donation will be. It's recommended that you have 4-6 glasses of water (32-48 ounces) before arriving. Make sure to stay hydrated the day before and make sure to drink plenty after.
• Eat. Make sure you have a good meal before you go, make sure you have a protein heavy meal. This will help with your energy levels and also make sure your protein is high enough during your health assessment.
• Bring something to do. Make sure to bring headphones or earbuds because the machines can be a little loud. I recommend bringing your phone or a book to read to help pass the time.
• Go to the bathroom. Make sure you take a quick potty break before going in to donate or else you might be left with a screaming bladder half-way through donating.
• The early bird gets the worm. It's probably best to hit up your donation center earlier in the day. It usually starts to pick up around the lunch rush (any time after one) and is really busy during the end of the day as people come in after work.

The best parts about donating is that you get instantly paid. During your first day you will be given a pay card and as soon as your donation is complete, the money will be uploaded to your card and ready to use. You also get to make your own schedule and can donate when you want which makes it easy to fit into your routine. Just remember that you can only donate twice a week and have to have at least one day between donation days. This is a great and easy way to make some extra money. Good luck and happy donating!