Blood plasma is used in several treatment procedures in modern healthcare. It helps treat patients with bleeding or clotting disorders, breathing problems, wound healing issues, and immune system disorders. Research is underway to learn about blood plasma’s benefits in other chronic conditions and surgical procedures. Unfortunately, only a handful of people in the country make plasma donations. It can be attributed to a lack of information about plasma donation and fewer plasma donation services.

What is blood plasma?
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that remains after cellular components like RBCs, WBCs, and platelets are separated. It makes up around 55% of blood and is rich in protein, electrolytes, and other compounds essential for the body to function correctly. It also has enzymes, clotting factors, salt, water, and antibodies. Plasma acts as a medium of transport for cellular components and other vital elements to various body parts. It is crucial in fighting infections, carrying out critical functions, and making blood clotting possible.

What is plasma donation?
It is the process of collecting plasma from a healthy individual. Plasma can be classified into “source plasma” and “recovered plasma,” depending on how the procedure is carried out. When plasma is collected directly from a healthy source donor, it is known as source plasma. A process called plasmapheresis is used to extract this straw-colored clear liquid. The machine extracts plasma from the donor’s blood and injects the other cellular components back into the body with saline as a carrier. Recovered plasma is plasma that has been extracted from donated whole blood. It might be subjected to further fractioning to make it suitable for various treatment procedures.

Is plasma donation safe?
The procedure is similar to blood donation, and there is little to worry about as long as it is done at a registered plasma donation services center. One way to ensure the center is safe is to check whether or not they are certified by the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP). This certification implies the center you are donating to practices safety and sanitizes all the equipment after every use. Needles and specific other equipment are discarded after every use, and a fresh batch is used.

Why consider plasma donation?
Plasma therapy treatment is used for numerous chronic conditions. For instance, patients with clotting disorders benefit from plasma transfusions scheduled regularly. It also helps treat burn patients, organ donation and transplant patients, and even those undergoing dialysis. Further, plasma donation is an important treatment component for patients with immune deficiency-related diseases. It has even found applications for hair and skin treatments in the cosmetology industry. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been gaining traction for helping speed up the body’s natural healing process. And these are not the only benefits. More research is being conducted on how plasma can help overcome different health conditions. Although further research is required for confirmation, it is hypothesized that plasma might help with chronic joint disorders like arthritis.

Which are the highest-paying plasma donation service centers?
Volunteers willing to donate plasma might earn compensation for the help they provide other patients with. Some donation service centers with the highest pay for donations are listed below:

CSL Plasma
Present in hundreds of locations across the country, CSL Plasma is one of the biggest plasma donation service providers. Donors receive points for every donation they make per the company’s reward program. The pay rate for plasma donation depends on numerous factors, including the quality of the donor’s health. CSL Pharma’s website claims individuals can make up to $1,000 in their first month.

Vitalant
Vitalant is one of the oldest centers for blood donation in the country. Like CLS Plasma, it pays for plasma donations through points, which can be exchanged for gift cards at the company’s prize store. Occasionally, Vitalant also makes cash payments.

American Red Cross
Although the exact pay for American Red Cross’ plasma donation services is unknown, it is one of the most trusted centers. It selectively accepts donations from people with blood groups AB Positive and AB Negative, as their plasma can be used by patients of any other blood group.

Grifols
Grifols is another plasma donation service center established long ago. It has a specialty plasma donation service with a rate of pay that differs from its regular services. The company has payment plans for regular donors and higher rates for new donors.

BPL Plasma
BPL Plasma is one of the leaders in the plasma collection industry. Present in multiple states, it can help donors make some money while helping others lead better lives. The company’s website does not list the preferred mode of payment.

Most plasma donation service centers have specific eligibility criteria, which individuals must meet to become donors. One can visit the company’s official website to know more about the same.