6 Benefits of Donating Plasma

Most of us are familiar with the benefits and the process of blood donation; however, few people understand the impact of plasma donation. Besides the benefits that come from helping others, there are many other positives to donating plasma that make it mutually beneficial for you and the patients you help.

Unlike whole blood or platelet donations, one of the perks of donating plasma is that you get compensated for your time. And when you become a regular donor, the benefits you gain may include lasting improvements to your physical health, stress levels, and mood as well.

Regardless of your blood type, plasma donation centers make donating as flexible as possible, so you can come in multiple times a month or just a few times each year. The choice is yours.

Here are six ways that donating plasma can benefit you:

1. Earn Up to $4,000 per Year

What attracts many people to plasma donation is the fact that you can earn a substantial amount of money every time you donate. From start to finish the appointment takes about an hour, which means you can take home up to $40 for just 1 hour of your time. By the end of the year, your earnings can add up to $4,000 if you make just two donations every seven days.

Unlike a standard red blood cell, platelet, or whole blood donation, which don't offer financial incentives, donating plasma can be an extremely flexible and lucrative side job, not unlike driving with Uber or delivering with DoorDash. Whether you want to save for a vacation, pay off bills, or cover your family's needs, donating plasma can help you reach those goals faster.

If compensation is important to you, make sure that you make an appointment at a plasma donation center rather than a blood bank, blood drive, or the American Red Cross. The Parachute app offers multiple ways to increase your earnings through first-time donor bonuses and referrals. We’re also big on loyalty and the more frequently you donate, the more you can earn.

2. Make an Impact

Plasma is used to create medicine that treats chronic illnesses including immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other rare diseases. People around the world are in need of plasma transfusions, convalescent plasma, and medicine made from plasma every day. Since plasma can't be produced synthetically, patients who receive plasma protein therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and clotting factors are dependent on the generosity of donors.

Donating plasma is a safe and easy way to make a huge impact. During your donation, you can sit back and relax or catch up on emails and reading. Learn more about the donation experience at Parachute here. With little time and effort, you can feel good knowing that you're doing something meaningful that will help improve the quality of life for many.

3. Boost Your Mood

Research shows that helping others actually helps you. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that altruism, or the concern for the well-being of others, is linked to greater emotional well-being, health, and can lead to an overall happier outlook. Whether you donate plasma, money, gifts, or your time, the simple act of giving is an effective way to boost your own happiness, lower stress levels, increase endorphins, and even improve social connections.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Regular plasma donations can guide you toward healthier eating habits. At a donor center, donors are always encouraged to eat nutritious foods - filled with iron, protein, and vitamin C - and drink enough water to make their donations go smoothly. When the body is adequately hydrated, veins become more dilated, which allows for better blood flow during the appointment. It also helps your body replenish lost fluids faster, which is crucial, given that plasma is mostly water.

Becoming a plasma donor is yet another great reason to cut back on fatty foods and limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption. Moderation is key, after all. As you follow your donation center's guidelines on what to eat before donating, you'll generally have a better diet that can support your immune system and keep you feeling good from the inside out.

5. Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Donating plasma doesn't only make you more aware of your diet. It may also have a positive impact on your physical health. One health benefit of regular plasma donation is the potential reduction of bad cholesterol levels and the increase of good cholesterol, especially in women. A study has shown that if you have high total cholesterol levels, the collection process may be able to help regulate cholesterol in general.

High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. As your plasma is collected and your body creates new plasma, you could be minimizing your own health risks while providing life-saving medicine to those who need it.

6. Lower Blood Pressure

In addition to reducing cholesterol levels, becoming a regular plasma donor may have some residual effects on vital signs like blood pressure. A 2015 study indicates that blood pressure may decrease following plasma donation in individuals with high baseline blood pressure levels.

Give and Gain

When you really think about it, the benefits of donating plasma are significant. Not only can you make thousands of dollars every year for a minimal amount of time and effort, but you can also experience lasting health benefits from the donation experience.

Donating plasma —especially on a regular basis—may contribute to improvements in your overall health and mood. As you experience these benefits your donation will help members of our community live more comfortably, safely, and independently. Let that sink in.

Need another reason to book your first plasma donation appointment? Take our quick quiz to learn how much you can earn when you donate plasma at Parachute.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.