If you are a healthy individual over the age of 18 chances are you can donate plasma for money in Central Texas. Donating plasma is an excellent way to earn extra money without having to take much time away from your work or school schedule. Plus, with your plasma donation lives will be saved.

First you should locate a plasma donation center in Central Texas. There are two different companies that pay people to donate plasma. BioLife has one location in Austin and DCI Biologicals has two locations; one in Austin and the other in San Marcos. To help you decide which plasma donation center to go to visit both company’s web sites. Read the information over the donation process, FAQ’s, and any other important information. You might want to call both BioLife and DCI Biologicals to see what the donor payment is, the type of documents you need to take on your first visit, and if an appointment is required. This might help make up your mind if you are more inclined to earning the most for you plasma donation.

Once you have chosen the plasma donation center you should follow a few health tips for a successful plasma donation. Drink plenty of water the day before and day of the plasma donation. Keeping hydrated will speed up the donation process and help decrease the likelihood of lightheadedness. Also be sure to avoid a big consumption of greasy foods. Plasma with too much grease will turn into a milky white color instead of the light yellowish color which can interfere with the center’s ability to run the necessary tests. This could cause the center to turn you away. And make sure to eat healthy foods; especially those high in protein. Plasma is made up of protein; therefore, if your protein level is too low then you will not be able to donate plasma.

You have to also keep in mind that you must be in good health to donate plasma for money. Here is a partial list of health risks that may exclude you from donating plasma:

• History of hepatitis (will exclude you from donating)
• Positive for HIV (will exclude you from donating)
• History of cancer
• Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis or gonorrhea
• Getting a tattoo or body piercing recently

As mentioned, this is a partial list and you will need to contact the plasma donation center directly since BioLife and DCI Biologicals could have slightly different donation guidelines.

On the day of your first donation be prepared to spend up to four hours at the center. This is because a physical exam and medical screening will be conducted to ensure that the donors are healthy. Make sure to eat a healthy meal since you will be there for a few hours. When you are there you can ask if the center provides a referral bonus. If so, this is an excellent opportunity for you to recruit your friends to donate.

You will be able to donate twice a week with a 48 hour break in between donations. Therefore, make sure you pick two days that are the most convenient for you to donate and stick to those two. The busiest times are in the evening after most people get off their job. So if you would rather avoid the rush then try going first thing in the morning or early afternoon.

Following the suggestions mentioned will increase your chances for a successful plasma donation. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn extra money and help save lives.