Plasma Donation Process Step by Step Guide

Our process

So, you’ve decided to donate plasma. We’re so lucky to have you! Getting started with the plasma donation process (known as plasmapheresis) is pretty straightforward. After setting up your first appointment with us, you’ll go through a necessary medical screening that determines your donation eligibility. After that, you’re officially a plasma donor.

For first-time donors, our step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what you can expect. We recommend all donors check out our health tips to ensure you’re prepared for a successful donation.

First-time donations take longer than follow-up donations. If it’s your first-time donating plasma at BioLife, you can expect to spend about two hours in the center.

A smiling BioLife healthcare professional checking in a donor for their scheduled appointment.

Your 3-step guide to plasma donation

First, we want to thank you for becoming a plasma donor. You are making a huge contribution to some pretty amazing life-changing efforts. Secondly, we want you to know that feeling a little anxious before a donation is completely normal. We’ve found that understanding exactly what to expect from the donation process is the best way to relieve any jitters!

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

A note about donor privacy

We want you to be comfortable with every aspect of donating plasma, and that includes the privacy of your personal information.

Any information you share with our staff during any part of the process — whether in-person, on your computer or mobile phone — is always kept strictly confidential. That includes your name, address, and any medical information. Your privacy is very important to us.

Recommendations for your appointment

Let’s get you in tip-top shape for your donation.

We want all BioLife donors to be at their healthiest especially when donating plasma. You might be wondering if there are any extra steps you can take to ensure your donation experience is as comfortable as possible. We have a few tips for you.

A joyful young woman with curly hair wearing a headband smiles in the sunlight.

Before and after donating, you should:

Before the donation process, you should take a break from:

If you’re not feeling your best…

Checklist for first-time donors

Preparation equals a stress-free plasma donation.

We made a handy checklist for you to feel confident going into your first donation:

Double-check your eligibility

Have you reviewed all the criteria to become a donor?
Double-check here.

Schedule your appointment with us

You can do so here.

Be prepared for a brief medical examination

We review your medical history with you before gathering your consent for plasma donation. A head-to-toe physical exam will follow in order to determine your eligibility for donation. We encourage you to wear easily removable shoes for the physical exam.

Here’s what we’ll check:

Basic Check

We examine your head, eyes, nose, neck, and throat.

Lungs and Heart

We’ll use a stethoscope to check your lungs and heart.

Lower Legs

We check your ankles for any swelling.

Abdomen

We examine for any abnormalities.

Skin

We’ll ask you about any tattoos and piercings and discuss any skin conditions.

Coordination and Balance

We evaluate as you walk.

Alertness and Comprehension

We observe you for alertness throughout the medical exam.

Gather all necessary documents

We need proof of your identity and address. We recommend your driver’s license and Social Security card. If you do not have these, check out what alternative forms of identification are accepted.

Make sure to eat and drink water beforehand

We’ve compiled a list of other helpful health tips above for before and after your donation.

Bring something to keep busy

You’re going to be in our donation bed for roughly 1 hour. Bring your favorite book, listen to some music, or take advantage of our free Wi-Fi.

We want to thank you for choosing to become a plasma donor with BioLife. We look forward to meeting you!

Take a virtual tour

If you’d like to see what a first-time donation experience at one of our donation centers looks like, check out our virtual tour.

Download our mobile app

The BioLife mobile app is an easy way to schedule appointments with one click, track your offers and promotions, refer friends instantly, and more! It’s free, easy to use, and it’s available for both iOS and Android devices.

Plasma Donation Process - What to Expect