Time Saving Tips for Donating Plasma
Here are tips to shorten your plasma donation time:
1. Be aware of peak plasma donation periods of the day
Check with your local center on the lowest volume days and hours of the day. You can find your center hours here:
Find a Plasma Donation Center »
2. Use your OctaPass
OctaPass is an online screening questionnaire that helps you save time at our donation center. To use OctaPass:
- Download OctaApp.
- Complete the online questionnaire within 2 hours of your donation.
- Scan your barcode when you arrive at the center.
Health and Nutrition Tips for Plasma Donations
Eating the right foods and drinking plenty of water is always important for your health. Focusing on good nutrition is even more important before and after you donate plasma. Follow these tips to get your body ready to donate, and to prepare for a safe and successful plasma donation experience.
What to Eat Before Donating Plasma
- Eat Protein and Iron-Rich Food – Eat protein-rich, iron-rich meals at least 3 hours before donating plasma.Examples include:
- Meat (Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Shrimp, Turkey, Ham)
- Dairy (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt)
- Beans, Nuts, Seeds
- Vegetables (Broccoli, Collard Greens)
- Fruits (Watermelon, Raisins)
- Cereals (iron-enriched)
- Avoid fatty foods like french fries, potato chips, pizza, or sweets the day you donate. They can affect blood tests and make your plasma milky, which might prevent you from donating.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink 6 to 8 cups of water or juice the day before you donate plasma and the day of your donation.
- Avoid alcohol the night before you donate plasma and the day of your donation.
Other Tips Before You Donate Plasma
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Wear comfortable clothes, with sleeves that can be pushed up to your shoulder.
- Bring something to pass the time. Take advantage of free wi-fi at all of our donation centers with a smartphone or tablet, or bring music (with headphones, of course), a book, or a magazine.
What to do After You Donate Plasma
- Wait 2 days to donate plasma again.
- Continue to drink plenty of water.
- Continue to eat foods rich in protein and iron.
- Avoid smoking for 30 minutes and alcohol for 4 hours after donation.
- Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after donating.
OctaApp
For donors, the OctaApp makes donating plasma, saving lives, and earning money a smoother experience! Keep track of what you earn by checking your card balance right from the app and also use our payment calculator to set your expectations for your next donation visit! The new and improved OctaRewards Program is also exclusively available in OctaApp:
-
Access your rewards on-the-go.
- New ways to earn points.
- Redeem points for great perks.
- Points never expire.
- Be automatically enrolled after your 1st donation.
