Does anyone donate plasma?

[riverwed070707]

I've been a blood donor for several years. Typically try to go in as soon as my 8 week wait is up. Saw an ad this morning pop up on a news site about donating plasma for money and it got me thinking that whenever I go in, they always ask if I'm donating whole blood that day, but I've never considered (and know very little about) the other types of donations. Went to my clinics site and it explains 4 types they do and the difference between eligibility, wait times between donations and how it's used but it wasn't clear to me if some of the longer time donations are more beneficial or if they pay for them.

Was thinking that if I'm going to be there anyway, perhaps I could also make it an extra earner. Curious if there are benefits/risks associated with other types of donation (plasma, platelet - according to the height requirements I wouldn't be eligible for double red) and why a donor might choose whole blood instead?

[myrdale]

First and foremost, you're not donating if you're being paid. You're selling plasma.

I've done whole blood, platelets, and double red. There is no personal disadvantage that I have seen.

At the end of the day they need all of it. Depending on you're blood type might determine what is "best" for you to give.

I think O negative is the universal donor type, so double reds would be "best".

O positive and A positive are fairly common I believe. They might be better for plasma or platelets. I am not sure if these are also specific to blood type. I am sure clarification is provided below.

[kork13]

I never have, but I don't like blood or needles (major reasons I'm not a doctor), nor do they want my blood anyway (I lived in Germany during the "Mad Cow" period & I'm shunned for life).

But before she started having kids (not allowed while pregnant, not great while breastfeeding), my wife donated blood regularly (she's O-neg), and during college she earned gas money by selling plasma every week or two (whatever the limit was). Of course, she's now got permanent scar tissue in her arm & veins due to all the large-bore needle sticks... But she's always been happy to do it, whether selling or donating.

[~bs]

No, but I probably should... I remember attempting to donate blood multiple times before and they didn't wan to take it because I'm universal recipient. But, blood plasma is a different story. Universal recipient for blood is universal donor for plasma.

[riverwed070707]

No, but I probably should... I remember attempting to donate blood multiple times before and they didn't wan to take it because I'm universal recipient. But, blood plasma is a different story. Universal recipient for blood is universal donor for plasma.

Interesting on whole blood vs plasma. I also had no idea that there were blood types they don't want/need! If I ever have to cancel an appointment since I book them so far out, I often don't know what my work schedule will be like, I start getting texts within days that say "we urgently need B+ blood. Can you schedule an appointment?" I assumed it was something they sent to all blood types just to encourage people to come in lol

[MonkeyMama]

I presume that places that take blood donations don't buy blood or plasma.

... and why a donor might choose whole blood instead?

I personally donate whole blood because it is fast and easy. I know that giving platelets takes hours and is far more uncomfortable (both arms are used). My mom always donated platelets. Is something I presumed I might do in retirement, but have no interest in doing at this point in my life. Bigger needles (mentioned by kork) is probably another reason. I am willing to give platelet donation a try, but only when I know I can make the commitment. It's every 7 days (eligible to donate) and I know from my mom's experience it becomes a big commitment if someone is responding well to your platelets. It sounds fine in retirement or semi-retirement, but not while working full-time and raising kids.