Trying to find a job in this economy can certainly take it’s toll.  If you’re one of the millions of Americans that are out of work, perhaps it’s time for you to consider plasma donation as a way to help support yourself.

Now, let’s get something straight: you’re not going to get rich by selling your blood.  But if you have an extra 90 minutes two times a week you could make up to 0 a month by becoming a plasma donor.  For a lot of people that could help out with groceries and other essential bills in their life.

In my experience, people have two major problems with the idea of selling plasma.  First, they question the ethics of getting compensated for the procedure. Second, they worry that donation centers will be filled with drug addicts or other unsavory characters looking for some quick cash.

As far as compensation goes, it’s important to remember that you are truly being paid for your time.

 Plasma is vital for the treatment of hemophiliacs, burn victims, and many others with specific blood disorders. Without plasma donors that are willing to give up three hours of their time every week, these important transfusions would not take place. While the American Red Cross typically has the ability to maintain whole blood stocks, the plasma donation procedure takes substantially longer and can be given much more frequently (twice a week as opposed to once every 8 weeks).  The compensation exists because of the large amount of time one must take out of their schedule to be a reliable donor.  If you still have problems with the ethics of plasma donation, I suggest you ask your physician what his thoughts are. Mine was of the opinion that any negatives are outweighed by the benefit that plasma recipients receive.

The idea that plasma donor centers are filled with shadowy types couldn’t be further from the truth.  I have been going to several different centers (typically the ones run by BioLife Plasma Services) over a number of years and I see substantially more retirees and college students than anything else.  The centers are well-lit and clean.  Needles and bags used for the procedure come in a package that is designed for only one use to ensure that there is no possibility of contamination.

Plasma donationisn’t for everyone, but it can be a life saver in more ways than one.  Hopefully you’ll consider giving up some of your time so that those in need can continue to receive transfusions.