Can You Give Blood On Your Period
“You may give blood during a period, but if you’re having a particularly heavy period it would be better for you not to,” Dunkley explains. “This is because any form of blood loss can reduce the iron levels in your body and potentially make you feel unwell for a short time. If you are having medical investigations please wait until these have been completed, too.”
She adds, “You must also exclude pregnancy if a period has been missed before you give blood. If you have been prescribed medication by your doctor to help cope with period pain or are having heavy or prolonged periods, we ask you to give us a call on 0300 123 23 23 to check this before you make your appointment.”
First Time / New Donor Bonus:
This is the primary way plasma companies attract first time donors. In fact, this is probably what got you interested in donating. Your first month as a donor will likely be the most you will earn because these payouts are pretty large. Below are some examples of different New Donor Bonuses, which usually run over 30 days:
- $150 over 2 donations
- $250 over 5 donations
- $500 over 8 donations
You will want to make sure you know the amount and order of the payments. There could be two companies offering what looks like the same New Donor Bonus. But they can be very different once you look at the details. For instance, you may see offers for $250 over 5 donations:
- Company A structures the payments: $70, $60, $50, $40, $30
- Company B structures the payments: $30, $40, $50, $60, $70
If you end up only donating 2 times, you will make $130 with Company A. Those same 2 donations will only get you $70 with Company B. You want to go with the option that is front-loaded to make as much as possible if you stop early.
Once you become a donor, you may choose to stop for a while. Once you go over 6 months since your last donation, you are considered an inactive donor. If you want to start donating again, you have to go through many of the same steps as a brand new donor. Many companies will treat you like a new donor again so you may be eligible for another First Time Bonus. Even if you cant use one, they may have a different type of bonus for you to start up again.
What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of Plasma Donation
Specialists are always on hand if your plasma donation should cause any problems. The risks of plasma donation are minimal, but a small percentage of donors may experience the following possible effects:
- Bruising
- Tingling in the fingers, toes, tongue, or mouth in response to the anticoagulant
- Nerve damage
Don’t Miss: Signs To Know Your Period Is Coming
Whats The Difference Between Donating Blood And Plasma
Plasma donation can be done more frequently than whole blood donation because a portion of the blood is returned to the body.
For some people, this makes plasma donation easier and less likely to cause side effects than whole blood donation.
And while there are generally no financial incentives for whole blood donations, private companies often pay donors for plasma donations.
This distinction isnt a hard and fast rule. But paying for whole blood donations isnt the industry standard.
The chart below outlines some of the major differences between whole blood vs. plasma donations.
| Whole Blood |
Can All Blood Types Donate
“All blood types can be taken and we always need different blood groups, but there are times when we may make an appeal for people with rare blood types, such as O negative and B negative, to donate. This is based on the demand for that blood type at a given time. If you dont know your blood type, you will find out after your first donation.”
Read Also: How To Know When Your Period Is Coming Again
Patients With Thyroid Disorders Needed To Donate Plasma To Help Research & Others Call Today To See How You Can Help While Earning $300 Per Donation $600 Per Week
Have you been diagnosed as having a Thyroid Disorder like Hashimotos or Hypothyroidism? Do you have desire to help others and researchers? We have a plasma donation program designed just for you and we need patients to participate. Plasma is a vital component in the very test kit that were used in aiding your diagnosis. Plasma contains proteins and antibodies and the researchers need those antibodies to create the positive controls to diagnose other patients. Without plasma donors such as yourself these very test kits run a risk of going on back order making a speedy and accurate diagnosis more difficult when physicians or hospitals need the kits to make the diagnosis.The plasma donation program is called plasmapheresis where your plasma is spun off from the red blood cells and you get your red cells returned to you thru this process. Plasma donation programs are so safe that the FDA allows you to do so more frequently than say a whole blood drive. Plasma is rebuilt within a 24 hour period allowing you to donate twice in a 7 day period, whereas whole blood you can only do so every 56 days/8 weeks because it takes your body this long to recoup/re-build the red cells donated.To learn more please visit , or you may reach us at 800-510-4003 to speak to a live representative.Basic Qualifications:-Must be HIV/HCV/HBV Negative
What Is Plasma And What Is It Used For
Plasma is the clear liquid portion of the blood. After the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other components are removed, plasma is the only portion remaining.
Plasma is known as a transporter of cells and other important substances in the body. It has multiple functions in the body including clotting blood, fighting diseases, and other critical needs.
In general, plasma is typically used for trauma, burn, and shock patients. Patients with other diseases and clotting deficiencies are also among those who receive plasma transfusions.
Read Also: Does Birth Control Make Your Period Lighter
Are You Allowed To Exercise Before/after Giving Blood
“Avoid doing any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting the day of your donation both before and after youve given blood. Keeping your body in a rested state is important to give it a chance to replenish the fluids lost during donation, which will help you avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded and keep you well. Light exercise such as walking is fine, but please make sure that you are fully recovered and hydrated prior to your donation.”
Reward / Loyalty Program
A few plasma companies offer reward programs where you can earn points based on donations or other activities. Points can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or other items. As a reward member, you could be eligible for some other benefits as well.
There can be some strict restrictions with the programs to maintain your points. One of the plans has the points expire if you do not donate in 30 days. You need to understand how to keep your points active so you dont lose out.
You should not expect to make much with the reward programs, but it is a nice benefit on top of donations you are already making.
Read Also: When Should Your Period Start On Birth Control
Am I Needed As A Blood Donor
A blood donor is a special kind of volunteer. One donation of blood can help save up to five patients’ lives.
Long Island Blood Services provides blood services to hospitals throughout Long Island. We are fortunate to live in a region where sophisticated medical facilities and transplant programs are available. These programs require many blood donations.
When there is not enough blood, patients wait for hours for the blood they need, delaying their recovery. Patients who are weak from low iron wait for red cells patients whose bodies have been assaulted by chemotherapy wait for platelets that will allow their blood to clot again.
Patients who have been on an organ transplant list for months or years and finally get an opportunity for an organ will lose that opportunity if there is no blood.
Do All Plasma Centers Pay The Same Amount
Given the different components of how you can get paid, no two companies will be the same. Usually, they are pretty close to one another, but there will usually be something different. The other issue is the payment plans can change from month to month, especially the first time and special offers. Youll need to pay attention to what the centers in your area are running. Companies tend to announce their fees towards the end of the month or right at the start of a new month. Most of the time, notifications will go out through email or text when there is a change.
You May Like: How Many Days Before Missed Period Can I Test
Is Donating Plasma Safe
Yes. All material that comes in contact with your blood is sterile and used only 1 time for your plasma donation. Our highly trained staff follows strict guidelines to make sure youre comfortable and safe throughout the process. Our plasma centers follow all required U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory standards for plasma donation.
What Is Different About Donating Platelets And How Long Does It Take
It is now easier, and in many cases faster, to donate platelets. Only one of your arms is used to withdraw blood, separate out the platelets, and return the rest of the blood to you. Your other arm is free to turn pages in a book, click on a laptop keyboard, or scratch an itch during the 70 to 90 minute donation procedure.
This is in addition to the time it takes you to complete your registration form and have your medical history taken and reviewed. Plan to spend about 2 1/2 hours in the Blood Donor Room when you are donating platelets.
Also Check: Why Does Copper Iud Cause Heavier Periods
Who Can Donate Plasma
Requirements for plasma donations vary by location. In general, donors must be at least 18 years old and must not weigh less than 110 pounds. After this initial criteria, donors will have to go through a medical screening. This screening includes the completion of an in-depth medical questionnaire.
When visiting a plasma donation center, these items will be required:
- Valid photo I.D.
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Border Crossing Card or Visa .
If you are someone who has recovered from COVID-19, you may still donate. Review your medical history with the professionals at the donation center to determine eligibility.
First Person: My New Life As A Plasma Donor
History was not my ally when I entered Blood Centers of the Pacific in downtown San Francisco. The first time I’d donated blood, 10 years earlier in my high school gymnasium, I found myself breathing into a paper bag after a fit of hyperventilation. The next time, three years ago, I nearly fainted at a blood drive a friend had organized. His smile dropped when he saw me lying prone, a cold compress on my forehead, my face as white as the side of the blood bank truck.
This time, when I approached the front desk, I learned that my name had been flagged. My reputation, I feared, preceded me. I’d been disqualified for my lack of fortitude during previous blood givings, and I’d be unceremoniously sent away. But the truth, it turned out, was much better.
Celebrity blood
“Were you aware you have AB-positive blood?” Blood Centers of the Pacific Technician Dennis Crader asked me. “Only four percent of people are AB-positive. This means you’re a universal plasma donor: Your plasma can be used to help any patient in need.”
I was not being sent home. Rather, I was being asked to fill a spot on their all-star donor roster, and they signed me up for a plasma donation appointment the following Monday. Pride pumped in my veins. I walked out the door feeling like a celebrity, and spent the weekend psyching up and hydrating like a marathon runner.
“We’re in!” I whispered to my veins as we headed for the row of luxurious chairs reserved for plasma donors.
Further Resources
Don’t Miss: Birth Control Pills To Stop Period
The Interstate Blood Bank Inc
Interstate Blood Bank, Inc. is a company specializing in the collection of whole blood and plasma. This company has been in business since 1949 with its headquarters located in Tennessee.
Locations:36 Locations in 15 States Locations are among the east coast states with some in Texas and Florida.
How Much It Pays: Not published
Related:16 Easy Summer Jobs That Offer A Fun Way To Make Some Money
Could I Donate Plasma On My Period
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Recommended Reading: What Does A Missed Period Mean
What Will My First Plasma Donation Visit Be Like
After a staff member greets you, checks your ID and Social Security card, and verifies your address, youll watch a short video on the plasma donation process. Youll also answer health questions, get a check-up, and be screened to make sure you can donate plasma. Please allow for up to 2 hours for your visit. After your first successful plasma donation, your money will be loaded on an Octapharma Plasma Visa debit card.
For more on what to expect during your first plasma donation, visit our First-Time Donors page.
For more on what to do following your first plasma donation, visit our Heath & Nutrition Tips page.
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects
There are few to no side effects and minimal risk involved in donating plasma.
Some donors might experience small bruising near where the needle was put in their arm. Its also possible you might feel a little dizzy or lightheaded after donating plasma.
Visit our Health & Nutrition page for tips for a safe and successful plasma donation experience.
You May Like: How Do You Know When Your Period Is Coming
How Many Times Can I Donate Plasma
Plasma donations through the American Red Cross can only be made once every 28 days, or up to 13 times each year.
But most private plasma-donation companies allow people to donate plasma more frequently up to multiple times a week.
Plasma donation companies that operate on a pay-per-donation system offer financial incentives for donors. For many, frequent plasma donation is a lucrative way to earn extra money.