First, Make Sure You're Qualified

Donors must meet these requirements:

• Be 18 or older (Minimum age in Nebraska is 19).
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.
• Be in general good health.

New donors must also:

• Possess a document with their Social Security number or an INS number
• Possess a valid picture ID (driver's license, student or military ID) with their current address

Certain circumstances could preclude you from donating plasma, such as recent tattoos, body piercing, prolonged residency in Europe, cancer and/or other medical conditions.

Second, Follow These Healthy Guidelines Before You Donate

Start by drinking lots of water the day before, as well as, the same day you donate. Taking in extra fluids will greatly reduce your donation time.

• Prior to donating, EAT A WELL-BALANCED MEAL and avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine.
• Avoid fatty and high-cholesterol foods like cheese, whole milk, fried foods, hotdogs, etc.
• Maintain your iron and protein levels by eating a well-balanced diet.
• Finally, drink plenty of water after you donate to replenish fluids.
• In short, take good care of yourself. It could become a habit!

You can donate two times every seven days. You may safely donate twice a week, with a day in between donations, because your body replenishes the donated blood plasma within 24 to 48 hours.

Third, Visit a Plasma Center to Donate

	When it is your turn, the receptionist will call your name and prepare your file. You will need a current I.D. with your picture, and a Social Security number or an INS number. We will also need proof of your local address, plus your signature.
	On your first visit you will receive a brief physical examination. (This is an extra added benefit to you, at no charge, to help you monitor and maintain good health.)
	Next, a trained technician will take a small blood sample from your finger. It's a quick pinch, and it allows us to check your iron and protein levels to make sure it will be safe for you to donate.
	Your well-being is our primary concern. Anything that comes in contact with your blood or plasma is sterile, prepackaged, disposable, and used only once - for YOU - and remember, you CANNOT contract AIDS or other diseases from donating plasma.
	You will be seated comfortably in the donation area. A technician will prepare your arm with antiseptic and insert the needle. Relax...the worst part of the needle is worrying about it beforehand.
	Your donation should take from 30 to 50 minutes. All you have to do is relax, read, study, or watch TV. Our technicians are always available for questions or assistance.
	Last, but not least, go to the compensation desk, where you will receive compensation for your time. The compensation is nice, but the feeling of helping others is priceless.

Last, Your Plasma Will Be Thoroughly Tested

The tests listed below are performed on all of the source plasma we collect. Please keep in mind that the tests performed are for product screening purposes only. If one of your tests is unsuitable, you will be referred to your personal physician or local health department for further testing and information.

• Syphilis Test. Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease. If your syphilis test is positive, you would not be accepted as a plasma donor for a minimum of one year after treatment and cure.
• Hepatitis A, B & C Tests. Hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver. Persons infected with HCV (hepatitis C) are often unaware of any illness. If any of these tests are positive, you would be permanently deferred from donating plasma.
• HIV Test. HIV is a disease caused by the AIDS virus that can destroy the immune system. It leaves the body unable to fight off other deadly diseases. We will give you as much information on the HIV disease as possible, so you can find out if you are at risk for being infected with the HIV virus. If you are at risk, it's important that you do not donate plasma.
• Other tests may be performed on your plasma as needed to ensure the quality of the product and to determine your suitability for continued donations.

Remember these tests are performed as a safeguard for those patients who have a vital need for the products produced from plasma donations.