Donor Tips

8 Tips for New Plasma Donors From Experienced Plasma Donors

Dec 4, 2023

Donating plasma is a wonderful way to help people dealing with serious medical issues, from burn patients to individuals with a variety of rare diseases. Not only does it give you a chance to help save lives, but it can also provide you with some extra money for your time. If you’re considering donating plasma for the first time and want to know how to have an optimal experience, we can help! We spoke to a variety of current plasma donors to get their advice for new donors on how to have the best possible plasma donation experience. Here's what they shared:

1. Try to be patient during your first visit:

You might be wondering how long plasma donation takes. At BioLife, your first plasma donation appointment may take at least 2 hours and includes a screening process, with a brief physical exam we perform; all subsequent regular donations are approximately 1-2 hours. Read more about your first visit in our new donor info kit here.

Expect that your first donation is going to be a little longer – it was a little scary at first with the needle but it’s not that bad."

-Vanessa (2nd time donating)

2. Have the necessary identification on hand:

You are required to provide identification and proof of address. Bring your driver's license, passport, or other valid ID, as well as any other required documentation. Check out our new donor checklist here to prepare for your first visit with a list of acceptable forms of identification and other helpful information.

"The staff are really efficient. You can tell everyone here is very experienced…Have some patience for the first donation. Make sure you have a decent amount of time set aside.”

-Ben (donating for 2 years)

3. Download the app:

You can use the BioLife mobile app to schedule donation appointments and find the best times to donate. It’s easy to schedule an appointment with one tap, check your BioLife debit card balance, and track your progress with donation promotions.

"My advice is to understand the best times to come or not to come…when you determine you’re going to donate, timing is critical, so you don’t have to wait too long.”

-David (donating for 1 1/2 years)

4. Pump up your protein:

Choose a diet that gives your body the protein it needs each day. Usually, your body needs around 50 to 80 grams of protein daily. You can find protein in many foods like eggs, canned tuna, roast beef sandwich, canned beans, cottage cheese, spinach, nuts, Greek yogurt, bagel with peanut butter, or protein shakes and bars. It is also helpful to eat within an hour of your donation appointment. We check your protein level every time you visit a BioLife center, and if it's not where it should be, you might need to skip your plasma donation for that day as we want to ensure it’s safe for you.

"An hour or so before I donate, I do a protein shake and a protein bar, then typically have a chicken sandwich.”

-Brian (donating for 2 years)

5. Drink lots of fluids:

Being well-hydrated helps “pump up” your veins and may shorten the time it takes to complete your donation. So, make sure to sip on lots of water, something with electrolytes, or juice the day before and on the day of your donation. It helps make the whole experience smoother!

“Be sure you’re hydrated and have your water bottle.”

-Theanna (donating for 1-1/2 years)

6. Skip the alcohol:

It’s a good idea to steer clear of alcohol since it is dehydrating. We recommend trying not to drink any alcoholic beverages the night before, on the day you donate, and for at least four hours after your donation. This helps you stay hydrated and feel better post-donation.

“Make sure to be hydrated. Don’t drink alcohol the night before.”

-Ben (donating for 2 years)

7. Eat a healthy meal:

Be sure to eat a healthy (but not necessarily large) meal no more than three hours before giving plasma. BioLife recommends eating foods high in protein such as lean meat or complex carbohydrates such as bread, cereals, fruits, etc. Visit our Health & Nutrition page here to learn more and to download our Health & Nutrition Brochure.

“Sometimes I grab a sandwich right when I leave. I drink a lot of water and eat fruit and vegetables. That helps.”

-Ethan (donating for more than 4 years)

8. Increase your iron:

Each time you donate plasma, your hematocrit level is checked, which shows how many red blood cells are in your blood. This is to make sure your blood is healthy for plasma donation. Your hematocrit levels could occasionally be too low if you have low iron in your body, and you wouldn’t be able to donate. But don't worry, you can try eating foods with iron, like tuna, roast beef, eggs, nuts, beans, or raisins before your donation appointment. You could also take a multivitamin with iron to help get your hematocrit where it needs to be for a successful plasma donation.

“I knock back water and Gatorade the whole day before – grab a breakfast burrito on the way to my donation.”

-David (donating for 1 1/2 years)

Some additional advice from our BioLife Team:

Reschedule a donation if you’re not feeling well: If you're not feeling your best on donation day, it's best to reschedule your appointment. Take a break and rest up. This way, you can make sure you're all set for your next visit, plus it helps keep you safe and protects the people who receive the therapies made from plasma.

Get a good night’s sleep: Sleep experts suggest aiming for about 7-9 hours of shut-eye each night to help you feel your best and enjoy life more. So, catch those ZZZs to make your donation day even better!

After you've made your first donation, why not pass on your own helpful tips to friends, and receive a little extra cash through our Buddy bonus program? See what your bonus could be on your center’s location page here. You can also share your own donor story with us here. We're eager to hear why you've chosen to donate and how your plasma is making a big difference in so many lives!