Donating Plasma FAQs (2024)

Payments

When should I expect my payment?

Most Octapharma donors see payments appear on their prepaid card within 24 hours after a successful plasma donation. If you have not received your payment and it has been more than 24 hours since your last donation, contact your local donation center.

If you have a specific question about a payment amount or discrepancy, please contact a member of your local center management team for assistance.

Octapharma uses two trusted vendors to load and monitor Octapharma Plasma prepaid cards. Their contact information is listed below. Occasionally technical issues might delay payments being added to cards. Octapharma Plasma works closely with our vendors to eliminate any delays.

Northlane Debit Card

Comdata Debit Card

Why is my actual payment different from the payment calculator?

The calculator is an estimate only, and does not include new or unique donor fees. The payment calculator is programmed for returning donors only. Additionally, fees may differ based on location, and special promotions. Please ask your center staff about any specific programs they may be running.

How much money will I make?

The amount of money you make for each successful plasma donation is on a set of factors – your hematocrit, weight, and height. You are able to determine an estimate of your payment by utilizing the link in OctaApp or directly visiting Plasma Payment Calculator – Donor Portal | Octapharma Plasma. After your hematocrit, weight, and height values have been determined in the screening process, an OPI team member will be able to provide an accurate payment for a successful donation. ​Additionally, donor payments may vary month-to-month, by location, or even for special promotions throughout the year.

First-time plasma donors are eligible for aNew Donor Bonus– that bonus can be hundreds of dollars the first month! Reach out to your local donation center staff to learn about New Donor Promotion amounts, regular payments, and current promotions at their center.

Returning plasma donors are paid following every successful donation. Our goal is to fairly compensate you for your generosity. The more frequently you donate, the greater each payout will be. Payments can vary month-to-month, so reach out to your center to find current rates and promotions.

How are donor payments determined?

Your donation experience customized to promote a healthy lifestyle. More hydration, an iron and protein-rich diet, andactivity increases the likelihood of having a lower hematocrit value. A lower hematocrit = increased hydration = higher donationvolume = higher payment.

Octapharma pays for your time with extremely competitive donor payments, bonuses, and other loyalty rewards. Our goal is to make life-saving medications affordable, as well as fairly compensate our donors for their generosity. Together, we are changing and saving the lives of more than 3 million patients each year!

What does weight have to do with payment?

Payment for your donation is based on a combination of weight, height, and hematocrit. With this, you donate a volume of plasmabased off your individual body chemistry which is known as a ‘pure plasma donation.’ Please visit your local center formore information on the current pay scale.

How do I receive my donor payment?

Following every successful donation, your payment will be credited to your Octapharma Plasma prepaid card within 24 hours. Your card is reloaded after every successful donation.

Does every Octapharma center have the same donor payments?

Donation fees are very similar across all Octapharma locations. Some locations have slightly different fees that reflect the unique aspects of the particular city. Donation centers may run their own special promotions/programs with prizes for donors, so please ask your center staff about any promotions they are running.

Why did donor payments go down?

Octapharma occasionally runs limited-time promotions that reward donors for more frequent donations. So, donor payments are not decreased, but rather returning to the normal payment schedule when the promotional period has expired. We recommend checking in monthly with your local center or online here to see current bonus offerings.

Why does another plasma donation center give different prizes than my location?

Each Octapharma Plasma donation center runs its own special promotions and programs and selects prizes for its donors. If you have ideas for prizes, share your suggestions with your local Octapharma Plasma donation center staff.

Does Octapharma Plasma match the money other plasma centers pay?

The amount of money you make for each successful plasma donation is based on the time it takes you to donate and other factors. Additionally, donor fees may vary month-to-month, by location, or even for special promotions throughout the year. Check with your local Octapharma Plasma donation center for more information.

Still not seeing what you need?

Contact your local center with additional questions

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Donating Plasma FAQs (2024)

FAQs

What are the do's and don'ts of donating plasma? ›

Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake and eating a protein- and iron-rich diet in the days before your appointment can help your body prepare for donation. Eating a healthy snack or meal a few hours before your appointment and staying hydrated is also helpful. Do not use nicotine within an hour of your appointment.

What makes you ineligible to donate plasma? ›

LIST OF EXCLUSIONS. Ever been diagnosed or received treatment for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B (HBV) or Hepatitis C (HCV). Ever had a transplant, such as organ or bone marrow. Ever had any major problems with heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys.

How long does it take to fully recover from donating plasma? ›

Plasma will begin to replenish immediately and should be fully back to normal within a few days.

Is donating plasma hard on your body? ›

It is extremely rare to experience a severe side effect from giving plasma. Side effects are typically limited to lightheadedness or bruising at the needle site. People giving plasma for the first time, younger adults, and people with low weights tend to experience these side effects more often than others.

Can I eat 30 minutes before donating plasma? ›

Unlike whole blood, plasma is about 90% water and 10% proteins, so it's best to drink a lot of water and eat protein and iron-rich foods before donating. One of the most important things to do is to eat a full, healthy meal on the day of your donation, within two hours of your appointment.

How much protein do you lose donating plasma? ›

A. Immediate Effects of Plasmapheresis
Donor:R. C.D. S.
Apparent protein loss (Gm.)4743
Net protein loss (Gm.)1926
Per cent replacement2937
Average replacement = 33%.
3 more rows

Why do they check your arms when donating plasma? ›

The screening staff member uses these numbers, along with your sex, height, and weight, to figure out how much plasma you can donate. Next, the screening staff member inspects your arm. They are checking for rashes, plaques, and vein issues that may make it difficult to donate.

What would exclude you from donating plasma? ›

Certain medications or medical conditions: Some medications and medical conditions can make you ineligible to donate plasma. These include conditions that affect your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and cancer.

What drugs disqualify you from donating plasma? ›

MEDICATION DEFERRAL LIST
  • Accutane.
  • Antibiotics *Donors who are taking antibiotics are eligible to donate 24 hours after their last dose.
  • Anti-Platelet Medications.
  • Avodart.
  • Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Warfarin)
  • Bovine insulin.
  • Hepatitis B Immune Globulin.
  • Human-derived growth hormones.

What not to do after plasma? ›

Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous or dangerous activities. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down or sit with your head between your knees until you feel better. If you experience arm swelling, bruising or pain, apply a cold pack to the area and rest and elevate your arm when possible.

How to make donating plasma go faster? ›

5 tips for donating plasma faster
  1. Stay hydrated. Although the donation process takes about 90 minutes, there is an easy way to speed up the process – HYDRATE! ...
  2. Eat well. Did you know you can get some water intake through your food? ...
  3. Stay relaxed. ...
  4. Use a ball or squeezer. ...
  5. Use KEDExpress (saves 10 minutes)

What meds can you not take when donating plasma? ›

MEDICATION DEFERRAL LIST
  • Accutane.
  • Antibiotics *Donors who are taking antibiotics are eligible to donate 24 hours after their last dose.
  • Anti-Platelet Medications.
  • Avodart.
  • Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Warfarin)
  • Bovine insulin.
  • Hepatitis B Immune Globulin.
  • Human-derived growth hormones.

How to prevent passing out while giving plasma? ›

Light-headedness or fainting during or after plasma donation

Usually, these side effects can be prevented by drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy meal before and after donating your plasma. In most cases, fainting occurs when a donor is fasting before donation or has a very strong fear of needles.

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