Donor Tips
What Not to Do When Donating Plasma: Tips for a Worry-Free Experience
Mar 13, 2026
Did you know your plasma can be turned into medicines that help save lives? It’s true — and people just like you donate at our centers every day.
If you’re thinking about becoming a donor, you’re in the right place! Before your first visit, take a moment to look through the tips below, where our regular donors share their own dos and don'ts to help you feel better prepared.
Booking your donation appointment is quick and easy. Just head over to our website or mobile app and create an account. From there, we’ll help you find the closest BioLife center and a time that works well for you.
| Don't | Do |
| ... wait until the last minute to book your appointment. | Book your visit ASAP with our website or app. |
| ... show up late to your appointment. | Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. This helps us keep donations on track. Running late or need to reschedule? No problem—just call your center or reach out to us through the app. We’ll do our best, but we may need to reschedule late arrivals to honor other donor appointments. |
“BioLife has so many locations, so if I’m traveling to another city, I can still donate there.” – Ramon
“The app helps me get in quickly without lines.” – Omar
Your safety’s our number one priority. Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy and comfortable when you donate.1
Proteins are a key component of your plasma and play an important role in creating medications from plasma.
| Don't | Do |
| ... come to your donation on an empty on an empty stomach. | Eat a light meal with your daily requirement of protein (50 - 80 grams on average) before your visit. Skip any super salty or greasy foods though. |
| ... drink alcohol or caffeine the day before or day of your donation. | Drink plenty of fluids in the 24 - 48 hours before your visit. Hydration is key. Our go-tos: room-temperature water and juice. |
| ... push yourself too hard with an intense workout or with heavy weight lifting right after your donation. | Take it easy after donating to give your body time to replenish its plasma. After 24 hours, you can jump back into light or moderate exercise. |
“Try to have a full stomach when you donate so you don’t get nauseous.” – Teresa
“I also like to have a protein shake before my donations.” – Jasmine
“For protein, I eat a lot of beans, tofu, vegetables, soy milk, yogurt, cheese, and nuts.” – Jackie
Iron supports healthy red blood cells—key for donating plasma! If your levels are running low, we may need to pick a new day that works for you to donate.1
“Make sure you eat foods high in iron.” - Nicole
Smoking tobacco can affect blood pressure and heart rate. For a smooth donation experience, please avoid smoking 30 minutes before (and after) you donate.2
If you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’ll need to reschedule your visit. This helps keep both you and the plasma recipient safe.
“Avoid drinking and smoking.” - Tonya
We want your first visit to be as comfortable as your tenth. It’s a great idea to bring along some personal items that’ll make the donation process fly by. Not sure what to have on hand? Here are some ideas for an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
| Don't | Do |
| ... bring valuables that can be misplaced. | Review our donor checklist to make sure you bring the right documents. |
| ... bring food or drinks unless you have allergies or dietary needs. | Bring a phone, tablet, or book to help pass the time. And don’t forget headphones for listening to your favorite podcast or music. |
| ... dress too lightly. | Dress in cozy layers. Some donors tell us they feel a little chilly while donating. A light blanket or jacket (or both) can do the trick. Just keep in mind that our technicians will need easy access to one of your arms. |
“Dress warm!” – Michael
“Bring earbuds and something to read.” – Hannah
Your donation experience can be both rewarding and relaxing. Here’s how you can help add to the good vibes at your local plasma donation center.
| Don't | Do |
| ... ignore staff instructions. | Listen to center staff. Their goal is to help keep you safe and comfortable. |
| ... disrupt the experience of others. | Be mindful of your fellow donors. A little kindness can make the experience better for everyone. |
| ... answer or make calls during your visit. | Catch up with friends, family, or coworkers by text or email. |
Your plasma donation can help people living with serious health conditions—and it can help you, too. Each time you donate, you’re compensated for your time, which can mean a little extra money to cover bills or support a favorite cause.
| Don't | Do |
| ... be shy about sharing your experience with others. | Take advantage of our Buddy Bonus program, which rewards you for referring others to donate. *Available at participating centers. |
| ... forget to schedule your next donation. | Give yourself 48 hours between donations to rest and recharge. We’ll give you some pointers to help you bounce back quickly between visits. You’ll also earn loyalty points during select donations and other qualifying visits. See all the ways you can earn points here. |
“I like having extra money to splurge on shopping, and I’m also part of the loyalty program” – Jackie
Plasma can’t be made in a lab.3 That’s what makes your donation so powerful.
“At first, it was for the money. Over time, I realized how much plasma helps patients. While the financial benefit is still my main reason, knowing I’m making an impact is a big bonus.” - Harmon
NEXT STEPS
Feeling ready to make your first appointment? You’ve got this.
If you have any other questions, our staff are always happy to answer them while you’re at the center. Until then, stay healthy and rest up. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.
1. “How to Prepare Your Body to Donate Plasma: What to Eat,” BioLife Plasma Services, accessed June 26, 2025, https://www.biolifeplasma.com/donation-process/health-and-nutrition
2. “Plasma Donation Process – What to Expect,” BioLife Plasma Services, accessed June 26, 2025, https://www.biolifeplasma.com/donation-process/what-to-expect
3. “Made from Plasma,” Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, accessed June 26, 2025, https://www.uniquelysavinglives.org/plasma
are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. © 2025 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. All rights reserved.
