Donate plasma - $300-400 per month

[Van-Tramp]

So, my son introduced me to Plasma donation. Specifically Bio Life ( https://biolifeplasma.com ) which is here in his home town. They pay up to $50 per donation (depends on how much they can draw, which is based on your weight), which can be done as often as twice each week. I just did my first donation and i must say it is easy and painless. It took about 90 minutes for the donation part (I did spend another hour going through their questionnaire and physical, which is a one-time ordeal only). They pay you on the spot, with a Visa debit card which can be used to as is or you can pull the cash out for free at certain locations (Chase banks, 7-Elevens, etc).

For those on fixed incomes, an extra $300-400 a month can be extremely helpful to say the least, so I wanted to make sure you all know about this. Bio Life is not the only company out there doing this, so you may need to look in your own area to find others if Bio Life is not around. Otherwise, Bio Life has a fair number of branches around the country so this could even be done while traveling.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Here is a BioLife list: http://bloodbanker.com/banks/company.php?name=BioLife

Van-Tramp, how is the needle size nowadays?

 

[Ballenxj]

Thank you both for the info.

 

[GotSmart]

There are restrictions on donating.  I have had bone transplants and I was told no way.

It is easy and honest gas money.  

 

[CautionToTheWind]

There isn't an emoji to do justice for the size needle when I donated...mother of hades! *-/

 

[Ballenxj]

I donate but will be too old at the end of the year (65). 

They have an age limit? Uh oh. Guess I'm out then.

 

[Weight]

Getting paid for a body part is not donating.

 

[GEAUX- PRIUS Cowboy]

This has been around for a very long time. I was in Job Corps when I was 16 and every weekend students would have option to go to OKC or just hang around Guthrie OK. All the ones that were over 18 wanted to go to OKC so they could donate plasma. I was too young so I just hung around with them since I really didn't have much else to do. They got their money and it was BEER :30. They even knew the alcohol content of the beer? Down in Louisiana people just drank beer OK they got beer that has more alcohol and beer that has less and depending on your age I think is what they will let you have ? I could not understand that becasue they still had everclear and that stuff is a grave filler if I ever did see one. People do things on Everclear and remember not a thing but them black eyes are the trophy.

 

[slynne]

There is a plasma place in the town where I live but it has been years since I have been there. When I was in college, they would run coupons in the local paper and would up the rate from the usual $10 to $20. My friends and I learned two things about plasma donation. 1. It was a good way to get beer money and 2. It always seemed that it took less booze to get buzzed afterwards. So whenever they would run a coupon, we would all take our coupons and head on down. Each of us would get $20 and then we would buy the cheapest beer we could find which cost $5/case and cigarettes and snacks. We would go to one of the several “spots” we had and have a party. Ahhhhh Good memories.

Thanks for reminding me that it is an option. It is nice to see that folks are getting real money for this. It does take a lot of time

 

[mayble]

Thanks for bringing this back up - I've thought about this a few times but never got around to really checking it out.
I just set up an appointment at a local BioLife center.  I noticed they require proof of residence in the area, so this particular company at least may not be an option for travelers.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

I just set up an appointment at a local BioLife center.

Send us a pic of the needle, please.  :dodgy:

 

[lenny flank]

Sounds kinda vampirian.....



But I have been told that I am not able to donate blood because I visited Africa (apparently they're worried about whatever sort of parasites I might have brought back with me).

 

[lenny flank]

16ga needle. 0.065" dia.


Alas, I do not do "needles" very well.  When I got my flu shot, I told the pharmacist she might have to hold my hand and give me a lollipop afterwards.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

I'm not squeamish however that's one memory of mine burned in.

 

[Van-Tramp]

I really dont have many problems with needles, and this one was no different for me. I'm sure it was big in relation to a regular shot, but no big deal on this side.

 

[tripper]

Repeated Plasma donation will leave a scar on your veins and arm. Read up on Google about it, plus my mom was a nurse at several plasma clinics, and freaked out when I mentioned it once, said it will damage your veins.

 

[Van-Tramp]

Scar, yes. Any repeated or traumatic skin puncture will do that. I guess the same applies to the vein itself, although it will be no different than donating blood (or having blood tests) regularly as well. I just googled "vein damage donating plasma" and it says to simply drink a lot of water before and after the process to prevent vein damage.

 

[XFILE36]

Repeated Plasma donation will leave a scar on your veins and arm.  Read up on Google about it, plus my mom was a nurse at several plasma clinics, and freaked out when I mentioned it once, said it will damage your veins.

I tried once and they said my veins were too small, couldn't get any blood.  Something to keep in mind if you have small/hiding veins, don't even try.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

When I first started donating in the 80's, started to notice other people arm scars. Honestly, that is what made me quit going and the feel of a straw.

 

[eDJ_]

I know one girl who has given 6 gallons at the Red Cross.  They won't take hers anymore due to the vein scaring.   If I were to give blood for whatever reason,  I'd try to keep it in mind.

This girl I speak of worked at a Hospital.  (it was encouraged there)  She told me that the reason she went to Red Cross was that they took whole blood.  If at a Plasma center it would alter the blood count.  Just passing on what she said.

I'm of the understanding that there is a limited number of times you can give blood.  So it may not be a dependable way of financing the Nomadic Life.