If you have ever been in desperate need of quick cash, someone may have suggested that you sell your blood for money. However, there is a slight misconception that you can easily get paid for donating blood at your local American Red Cross. Since most hospitals do not accept blood from paid donors, this advice needs further explanation.
Donating red blood cells is an act of charity. There is no compensation when you sign up for blood drives or visit a charitable organization to make a contribution. On the other hand, donating blood plasma is an act of commerce. Since it is a more involved procedure, many private centers will pay you for blood plasma. This is the clear component of your blood that is rich in enzymes, proteins, and antibodies. It is useful for products and treatments for transplant patients, burn victims, and people with blood and clotting disorders. These private centers compensate you well because they, in turn, sell the plasma to companies for a profit.
Before you decide to sell your blood plasma for money, here are a few things you should consider.
Who is Eligible to Donate?
The eligibility requirements to donate plasma are very similar to those that regulate blood donations. If you are an adult who is over 18, weighs more than 110 pounds, and is in good health, then it is unlikely you will be turned away.
However, other extenuating circumstances could prevent you from selling your blood plasma for money. Tattoos, piercings, international travel, and testing positive for COVID-19 could make you ineligible to donate. You must complete a short questionnaire to ensure you are a good candidate before they take your plasma. Furthermore, since you are dealing with a business and not a government agency, they can set their requirements. Before you make the trip, call around to private centers or go online if you have any questions about your eligibility.
How Does Selling Plasma Work?
The first time you visit, it takes longer due to the necessary screening and paperwork. Your first time could take up to 2.5 hours, although following visits are roughly half the length of time. After you check in and answer all their questions, you will undergo a physical health check. Once they determine that you meet all the physical requirements, someone will lead you to a bed.
From there, your blood is drawn, the plasma is separated, and then the rest is pumped back into your body. The amount of plasma taken, length of time, and compensation all depend upon your weight. Larger people can give more plasma, and therefore earn more cash. The entire process, known as plasmapheresis, takes roughly an hour to complete. After the staff replenishes your fluid levels and you take a short rest, they will bandage you up and send you on your way.
Getting Paid to Sell Your Blood Plasma
Since there is a severe shortage, plasma centers are paying more for your blood plasma. The amount you can make varies from person to person. However, the typical range is $50 to $75 per donation. The compensation is based on the volume of plasma you donate. The larger you are, the more you can give. The Food and Drug Administration set the donations guides which are determined by weight. The three groups are divided into 110 to 149 pounds, 150 to 174 pounds, and 175 to 400 pounds. The more you weigh, the more money you will make.
The next question that usually follows is, “How often can I donate?” The answer again varies since private centers operate under their own rules. While the American Red Cross only allows you to give plasma every 28 days, it can be done more frequently when you sell your blood plasma. The general standard allows you to donate twice within seven days. However, you must have at least 24-48 hours between your visits. Your health should always be a top priority. So, make sure you check with the staff to be certain it is safe to make multiple donations.
Another thing to remember is that plasma donation is a competitive business. Companies often distribute coupons and promotional offers for first-time donors. While it may seem strange at first, these coupons could help you earn even more cash. You can redeem these after your first donation or after completing several donations.
While some private centers pay cash, debit cards are more common. They issue the debit card on your first visit. Then, the center will deposit all future payments to the same card.
What are the Risks of Selling Your Blood?
Donating plasma is a safe and well-regulated process. However, there are slight risks you should be aware of before donating. The most common side effects include tenderness or bruising near the needle injection site. There might be some pain, swelling, and discoloration. While this is uncomfortable, it is not typically life-threatening.
Another common side effect is dizziness or feeling faint after you donate. This is a result of blood loss. Your body loses a lot of fluids when you sell your blood. That is why you should drink plenty of water before your appointment. It is also wise to avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and fatty foods before you donate.
Citrate reactions are less common but something you should be aware of. The process requires citrate as a coagulant, so there is no clotting during plasmapheresis. Some people have reported tingling in their fingers or similar sensations near their nose or mouth.
Severe reactions are infrequent but can occur. Removing plasma can cause shivering, elevated or slowing of your pulse, twitching, and shortness of breath. If you have any concerns about selling your blood plasma, you should contact your physician.
Where Can You Sell Your Blood Plasma?
There are many private centers and plasma donation sites where you can sell your blood plasma. You can begin here by searching for convenient locations near you. However, it may be worth your while to compare incentives between locale plasma donation centers. With the high demand for blood plasma, they are offering even more money through promotional offers. Biolife pays donors an additional $800 after their eighth donation, while CSL Plasma and Octapharma Plasma claim you can earn up to $1,000 in a month. Conditions will apply, so be sure that you read all the fine print before you commit.
If you still cannot find a center or want professional medical advice, ask your doctor or hospital for a reference. Once you locate a donation center in your area, you are one step closing to having that cash in hand.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
i am 65 years old. i have AB positive, blood. this is the third rarest blood type there is! i live in west memphis, arkansas. and i want to know how much i can get by selling my blood, and where i can get the most for it! i live just 6 miles from memphis, tennessess.
If you are interested to donate in the Memphis area, I did a quick search of places to sell blood plasma. Here are some links and reviews for the top places in your area
https://www.yellowpages.com/west-memphis-ar/donate-plasma
Although AB+ Is the rarest blood type, it is the least useful for donations. Someone with AB+ can accept anyone’s blood, but can only give blood to someone else who also has AB+. O- is the most sought after blood for donations because it is a universal donor (any blood type can receive it).
Good point! Some blood types are preferable for donors. Thanks for the info.
I used to donate, until my BFF needed a transfusion. The amount of money charged was overwhelming. So I did some research. The blood I donate (along with other blood) is being sold to the hospitals for thousands of dollars. In return m, the hospital makes its money back by charging more than they paid for the blood. All the blood that was given to them for FREE now being sold for thousands while I get a pat on my back saying “you did a good thing for donating, saved a life”. No I created another family debt. I will never donate my blood again. It’s for sale now. The Red Cross can pay for it like my friend had to.
There’s no denying how expensive medical care is in the US which is why many people feel the same way you do. It’s infuriating to think of big pharma companies getting rich from something that was given freely.