How many days in between donating plasma

Before, During, and After Donation

Here’s what you can expect when you donate at CSL Plasma.

You don’t need to be superhuman to donate plasma, but you’ll need to provide information about yourself and make sure your body is ready to help save lives. See some FAQs below.

Did you know?

Your first plasma donation can take between 2 and 2.5 hours. Every donation after will be closer to 90 minutes.

Gather your
paperwork

Drink plenty
of water

Get a good
night's sleep

FAQs

• A valid, government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID (Example: Driver's license, Military ID, etc.)
• Proof of Social Security (Example: Social Security Card)
• Proof of residency/current lease (Example: Piece of mail postmarked in the past 60 days, current lease, utility bill, etc)
• Your new donor welcome bonus * if applicable

Before you donate plasma, make sure you:

• Drink 4-6 eight-ounce glasses of water, fruit juice, or other caffeine-free beverage at least 2 to 3 hours before donating
• Avoid alcohol of any type for 24 hours before you donate
• Avoid smoking for 2-3 hours before donating
• Eat a meal before coming in to donate
• Get a good night’s sleep

Our donor-focused plasma collection process makes your donation easy and comfortable.

Did you know?

​​​​​​Our centers offer free Wi-Fi for you to stream videos or listen to your favorite podcast.

Check in with
our staff (10-20 minutes)

Answer a few questions
about your medical
history (10-20 minutes)

Complete your
physical exam
(30-40 minutes)

Cozy up in one of our comfortable donation beds with your choice of entertainment (1.5 to 2 hours)

Rehydrate and receive your compensation immediately after your donation

FAQs

We perform a process called plasmapheresis using a sophisticated machine. This machine safely separates plasma from blood and collects it in a bottle. The other parts of your blood are returned to you.

Many plasma donors are anxious about needles. Our well trained team will be with you every step of the way. We have materials and an instructional video on overcoming this common fear. Just remember, you’re helping save lives!

Donating is different for everyone. You may feel uncomfortable or experience minor side effects, such as feeling dizzy or tired. You may also experience slight pain, mild bruising, infection, or inflammation at your injection site. Rest assured, our  staff is there for you if these issues arise.

Before you leave, our well trained team will show you how to take care of yourself

Did you know?

Remember to plan your second donation. We can’t use your first donation until your second one is complete due to our strict safety and quality standards.

Drink plenty
of water

Avoid caffeine, alcohol
and cigarettes

Keep your
venipuncture site
clean and dry

Set a reminder to
return for your
second donation

FAQs

After donating, you should:

• Eat a light meal
• Drink more fluids than usual for the next four hours
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
• Keep your venipuncture site clean and dry
• Avoiding use of your donation arm to lift for at least two hours after donation can minimize this risk of bruising
• Remove the bandage after a few hours
• If there is any bleeding from your puncture, raise your arm and apply pressure
• If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down or sit with your head between your knees
• Call your donation center if symptoms or discomfort persists. We’re here to help!
• Prepare for your second donation

Per FDA regulations, you can donate as often as twice per week with at least 2 days in between donations

Your payment will be loaded onto a reloadable prepaid card after your first donation. You can also join our iGive Rewards® program to earn points for other rewards.

*Fees and programs vary by location and are subject to change. Contact your local CSL Plasma center for more information

• Although donating plasma is considered safe you may experience an adverse reaction. Here’s what you may experience in the short term:
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness: because plasma contains a lot of water, donating plasma means removing some water from your body, which can cause mild dehydration. That’s why drinking plenty of water before you donate makes for a smoother donation.
  • Fatigue: if you experience dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, this can cause tiredness.
  • Bruising or discomfort: some bruising can occur at the puncture site, and you may experience some discomfort during or after the donation process. Speak with a CSL Plasma staff member if you feel uncomfortable
  • Infection or inflammation at the puncture site. After donation, you may experience pain, swelling, or a feeling of warmth where we inserted the needle. If this occurs, contact your CSL Plasma center.
  • Many of these side effects can be avoided by proper donation preparation. Read our FAQs for more information.
• In terms of long-term side effects, donating plasma has a very minimal long-term impact on your well-being. There’s no risk of iron depletion or anemia for regular plasma donors. For donors who donate frequently over long periods of time there is a risk of reduced immunoglobulin levels, which can lower the ability to fight off infections. Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your immunoglobulin levels if you’re a frequent plasma donor.
• Long-term donation can increase the risk of protein deficiency, that's why we check your levels regularly.  
• If you have concerns about your ability to donate plasma, consult your healthcare provider before donating. We’ll also screen you to ensure you can qualify for the donation process.

You don’t need to be superhuman to donate plasma, but you’ll need to provide information about yourself and make sure your body is ready to help save lives. See some FAQs below.

Did you know?

Your first plasma donation can take between 2 and 2.5 hours. Every donation after will be closer to 90 minutes.

Gather your
paperwork

Drink plenty
of water

Get a good
night's sleep

FAQs

• A valid, government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID (Example: Driver's license, Military ID, etc.)
• Proof of Social Security (Example: Social Security Card)
• Proof of residency/current lease (Example: Piece of mail postmarked in the past 60 days, current lease, utility bill, etc)
• Your new donor welcome bonus * if applicable

Before you donate plasma, make sure you:

• Drink 4-6 eight-ounce glasses of water, fruit juice, or other caffeine-free beverage at least 2 to 3 hours before donating
• Avoid alcohol of any type for 24 hours before you donate
• Avoid smoking for 2-3 hours before donating
• Eat a meal before coming in to donate
• Get a good night’s sleep

Our donor-focused plasma collection process makes your donation easy and comfortable.

Did you know?

​​​​​​Our centers offer free Wi-Fi for you to stream videos or listen to your favorite podcast.

Check in with
our staff (10-20 minutes)

Answer a few questions
about your medical
history (10-20 minutes)

Complete your
physical exam
(30-40 minutes)

Cozy up in one of our comfortable donation beds with your choice of entertainment (1.5 to 2 hours)

Rehydrate and receive your compensation immediately after your donation

FAQs

We perform a process called plasmapheresis using a sophisticated machine. This machine safely separates plasma from blood and collects it in a bottle. The other parts of your blood are returned to you.

Many plasma donors are anxious about needles. Our well trained team will be with you every step of the way. We have materials and an instructional video on overcoming this common fear. Just remember, you’re helping save lives!

Donating is different for everyone. You may feel uncomfortable or experience minor side effects, such as feeling dizzy or tired. You may also experience slight pain, mild bruising, infection, or inflammation at your injection site. Rest assured, our  staff is there for you if these issues arise.

Before you leave, our well trained team will show you how to take care of yourself

Did you know?

Remember to plan your second donation. We can’t use your first donation until your second one is complete due to our strict safety and quality standards.

Drink plenty
of water

Avoid caffeine, alcohol
and cigarettes

Keep your
venipuncture site
clean and dry

Set a reminder to
return for your
second donation

FAQs

After donating, you should:

• Eat a light meal
• Drink more fluids than usual for the next four hours
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
• Keep your venipuncture site clean and dry
• Avoiding use of your donation arm to lift for at least two hours after donation can minimize this risk of bruising
• Remove the bandage after a few hours
• If there is any bleeding from your puncture, raise your arm and apply pressure
• If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down or sit with your head between your knees
• Call your donation center if symptoms or discomfort persists. We’re here to help!
• Prepare for your second donation

Per FDA regulations, you can donate as often as twice per week with at least 2 days in between donations

Your payment will be loaded onto a reloadable prepaid card after your first donation. You can also join our iGive Rewards® program to earn points for other rewards.

*Fees and programs vary by location and are subject to change. Contact your local CSL Plasma center for more information

• Although donating plasma is considered safe you may experience an adverse reaction. Here’s what you may experience in the short term:
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness: because plasma contains a lot of water, donating plasma means removing some water from your body, which can cause mild dehydration. That’s why drinking plenty of water before you donate makes for a smoother donation.
  • Fatigue: if you experience dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, this can cause tiredness.
  • Bruising or discomfort: some bruising can occur at the puncture site, and you may experience some discomfort during or after the donation process. Speak with a CSL Plasma staff member if you feel uncomfortable
  • Infection or inflammation at the puncture site. After donation, you may experience pain, swelling, or a feeling of warmth where we inserted the needle. If this occurs, contact your CSL Plasma center.
  • Many of these side effects can be avoided by proper donation preparation. Read our FAQs for more information.
• In terms of long-term side effects, donating plasma has a very minimal long-term impact on your well-being. There’s no risk of iron depletion or anemia for regular plasma donors. For donors who donate frequently over long periods of time there is a risk of reduced immunoglobulin levels, which can lower the ability to fight off infections. Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your immunoglobulin levels if you’re a frequent plasma donor.
• Long-term donation can increase the risk of protein deficiency, that's why we check your levels regularly.  
• If you have concerns about your ability to donate plasma, consult your healthcare provider before donating. We’ll also screen you to ensure you can qualify for the donation process.

How long after giving plasma can you give again?

Is it OK to donate plasma twice a week?

What would happen if you donate plasma two days in a row?

How often should you give plasma?