A lot of people have suggested donating blood, which is an excellant idea. However, you can only donate once every 8 weeks. You can donate plasma up to twice a week with at least 48 hours between donations.
More information below
Most of this information is taken from a single source, however donating plasma, like donating blood is regulated by the FDA. So, pretty much regardless of where you get the info, it will be the same.
FAQ
Who is eligible to donate plasma?
To donate plasma, you must be a healthy individual at least 18 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and pass all other required donor eligibility criteria. Following a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water before donating is also recommended.
Is it safe to donate plasma?
Donating plasma is a very safe procedure with minimal or no side effects. On your initial visit, and annually, you will receive a physical exam and your medical history will be recorded. These steps help ensure donating is safe for you and protect the recipient of the therapies made from your plasma.
On subsequent visits, a staff member will check your vital signs and ask some questions about your health since your last donation. In addition, your hematocrit (the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells) and plasma protein levels will be measured.
The tubing and all other collection supplies that come in contact with your blood are discarded and replaced with new, sterile materials each time a donation procedure is performed.
How often can I donate plasma?
The body replaces the plasma removed during the donation process quickly; therefore, healthy individuals can donate as often as twice in a seven-day period, with at least 48 hours between donations.
How long does it take to donate?
On your first visit, the whole process, including a physical exam and the plasma donation, usually takes about two hours. On subsequent visits, you can anticipate spending approximately an hour and a half in the center.
General Eligibility Requirements
AGE: Minimum 18 years. Maximum 59 years.
WEIGHT: At least 110 pounds
IDENTIFICATION: You must provide one or more forms of identification that includes the following information: a photo, a signature, date of birth, and social security number. Some examples of acceptable identification would be: social security card, driver’s license, valid passport, certified birth certificate, ID card issued by the government agency or other entity (e.g., US military ID card, school, employment, state, etc.), or permanent residence card issued by CIS.
ADDRESS: You must provide proof of a permanent local address within a 125-mile* radius of the facility in which you would like to donate. This proof may be in the form of a current and valid drivers license listing your physical address, a signed lease agreement between you and your current landlord, or a utility bill or other items mailed through the United States Postal Service (USPS), so long as the postmark is dated within the last 60 days. *Exception to the 125-mile radius is as follows: College students and military personnel, and donors participating in a specific antibody collection program (e.g., Red Blood Cell donor or recipient).
GOOD HEALTH: You must be in good health and feel well the day you present to donate.
DIET/NUTRITION: Proper food and adequate fluid intake are essential items to a successful donation.
Uses for Plasma
Plasma that is donated is used either for transfusion to patients or for manufacture into medicines. Plasma that is transfused to patients is used in emergency situations to replace the blood volume lost by these patients or in treatment of certain blood disorders. People with type AB blood make excellent plasma donors because their plasma can be transfused to a patient with any blood type.
Plasma donated for patient transfusion in the U.S. is donated by volunteer donors. However, most of the plasma donated each year, up to 20 million units, is used by pharmaceutical companies. These companies pool together large volumes of plasma, process it, and manufacture it into drugs. People with all blood types are encouraged to donate plasma for this purpose.
Donors who would like to donate plasma for use by pharmaceutical manufacturers donate at Commercial Plasma Donor Centers (as opposed to the local blood bank), and they are paid for the plasma donation.
Biolife Plasma Donation Centers
More donation center listings