Plasma Donation FAQs

Octapharma Plasma adheres to all U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines, which permit two plasma donations within a seven-day period, with at least 2 days in between those two donations. Your body replaces the donated plasma within 24 to 48 hours. This means that if you donate on Monday, you can donate again on Wednesday. So, drink plenty of water following donations to help your body replace fluids.

If you want to permanently switch the days that you donate, that is not a problem. Most people wait a full seven-days in-between weekly schedules to guarantee they can select any new days they prefer to avoid any issues. Contact your local donation center staff to discuss the easiest way to change your schedule.

We have more than 170 plasma donation centers across the United States. You can easily find your local Octapharma Plasma Center and their hours of operation by visiting the Plasma Donation Centers page and searching by STATE or ZIP code to find the closest Plasma Center near you.

Yes! Transferring between Octapharma Plasma centers is easier than ever! You can easily transfer to donate at the center that’s most convenient for you, with no wait time or paperwork. Transferring centers won’t affect your donor qualification status and can be completed at a kiosk. See your new donation center staff for help or questions about transferring.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that carries red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It’s made mostly of water and proteins. Because it has so much protein in it, plasma is used to make life-saving medicines that treat patients who have experienced trauma, have bleeding disorders, have trouble fighting infections because of immune disorders, and more. Learn more here about what is plasma and why its so important.

Donating plasma is similar to donating blood. A trained staff member called a phlebotomist puts a sterile needle in your arm vein to draw blood. The blood is then cycled through single-use, sterile equipment that separates plasma from the other parts of your blood. Your plasma is then collected in a container, while the other parts of your blood are safely returned to your body. This process is called plasmapheresis.

Yes, donating plasma is safe. 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 you’re comfortable and safe throughout the process. Our plasma centers follow all required U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory standards for plasma donation.

Your protein-rich plasma is used to create a number of life-saving medicines that treat patients with rare, chronic, and inherited diseases. These plasma-based medicines are used in emergency medicine or trauma, for bleeding disorders like hemophilia, and to treat patients with immune diseases where their bodies have trouble fighting infections.

The time it takes depends on your body weight and other factors, and also whether you’re a first-time donor. Your first visit can take up to 2 hours because it includes a health screening and in-depth questionnaire to make sure you can donate plasma. After that, each visit takes less time – about an hour to an hour and a half.

To learn more about who we are, what we do, and who we help with our plasma-based medicines, visit Our Vision.

Yes, you can donate plasma if you’re between 18 and 70 weigh at least 110 lbs., and in good health.

If you have rhNeg blood, we especially need you for our Anti-D program. Visit us here for more information on plasma donation eligibility.

¡Hola! Los centros de Octapharma Plasma aceptan donantes que hablan español. Para confirmar si su centro de donación local acepta donantes que hablan español, comuníquese con ellos mediante este enlace para encontrar su centro.

Remember, your health and safety come first! Because of this, there is a four-month deferral period after you receive any tattoo. Piercings performed with a single-use device will result in a four-month deferral. This is an industry standard and critically important to your health. Speak to our center staff members to determine safe and accurate plasma donation eligibility.

Plasma does not have a “type,” which means your life-saving plasma donation can be used to change the life of any patient, regardless of their blood type. To note, donors in our Anti-D Program might be eligible to earn even more. Enrollment will be determined by your local donation center management and hyperimmune department. You can check if your plasma donation center offers the Anti-D program.

If you’re a first-time donor, you’ll need a current, valid photo ID (must be 18 years old) and proof of your Social Security number. If your photo ID does not include your current address, a piece of mail postmarked within the past 60 days or a current lease may be used as proof of address. Active military are to provide the address where they receive mail & their physical address.

Our centers have free WiFi and HD televisions to help you pass the time while donating. Feel free to bring books, tablets, magazines, and music players or smartphones (with headphones, of course).

Please note, phone calls and photography are not permitted in our donation centers out of respect for all our donors and their privacy.

As a first-time plasma donor, a staff member will greet you at the front desk and check your required documents. You will watch a brief educational video, take a free health screening and answer a medical questionnaire to assure safety, and then you can begin donating if you are determined to be suitable to donate. Please allow for up to two hours for your first visit. After a successful donation, you will be compensated for donation time. You can return for your second donation after 2 days. For a more comprehensive explanation of what to expect as a first-time donor, visit our Plasma Donation Experience Page.

You should expect your first visit to take about 2 hours. It will take longer than normal donations, because of the initial donor suitability screening. This screening includes a video, medical history, and an extensive health questionnaire.

Your return visits will likely take less time, and times will vary by center. Check with your center on the lowest volume times of the day and try to work those times into your schedule. Sometimes that isn’t feasible, but it is always good to know the off-peak periods of the day.

Donation times do vary throughout the day based on donor patterns. We have a few suggestions to minimize your donation time:

• Have Your Documents Prepared – come prepared with medical screening records, proof of residence and more to streamline your first screening.
• Hydration – donors who are fully hydrated will reduce the donation time by several minutes.
• Avoid peak periods – check with your center on the lowest volume times of the day and try to work those times into your schedule. Sometimes that isn’t feasible, but it is always good to know the off-peak periods of the day.
• Download OctaPass – after your first visit, this will save you time at the center for future donations by completing a plasma screening questionnaire before arrival that can be accessed online or with our mobile application, OctaApp.

Donating plasma is very similar to donating blood. Most people compare the needle prick to that of a pinch. Learn more in our blog about the potential side effects of donating plasma.

It’s important to come back for your second visit. The first time you donate plasma we test your donation sample to make sure it’s safe to use in life-saving medicines. We cannot use your first plasma donation until after you make your second donation with us, fortunately however, we still compensate you for your first donation. Don’t forget to come back and donate again 2 to 14 days after your first visit.

You can download the app, however, you WILL NOT be able to move past the login screen until AFTER you have donated with us at an Octapharma Plasma Donation Center.

Plasma donation is regulated by the FDA and there are a number of reasons we must defer donors from making a donation. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our donors and our patients, and any deferral is made with that priority in mind. Please know we always make deferrals a last resort. The most common deferral reasons are:

• Blood Pressure – We are not allowed under FDA guidelines to accept a plasma donation when a donor has an elevated blood pressure. The best way to avoid a blood pressure deferral is to avoid exercise or strenuous activity prior to donating, ensure you are calm and relaxed before donating, and avoid high salt foods in your diet.
• Hydration – Donors who arrive dehydrated are not allowed to donate; poor hydration can lead to complications or extend the donation time. The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of water the day before and the day of donating. And remember, coffee and alcohol dehydrate the body.
• COVID-19 – If you were recently ill with COVID-19, there is a 10-day deferral time following the cessation of symptoms or the day of a positive test. Additionally, if you recently received a Johnson & Johnson (live attenuated) COVID-19 vaccine there is a 14-day deferral time. There is no deferral time with the Pfizer and Moderna (nucleic acid/RNA origin) COVID-19 vaccine. If you do not know the origin or manufacturer of the vaccine, there is a 14-day deferral time.
• New Mothers – We appreciate new mothers wanting to donate plasma, but they are not eligible to donate plasma if they are currently pregnant. They may be eligible to donate 6-12 months after delivery (this includes C-section), a miscarriage, or terminating a pregnancy. They are not eligible to donate while they are nursing (breast-feeding) a baby.
• Dress Code – We implement a customer dress code to ensure the safety and comfort for all our valued donors. Donors who choose to not abide by this dress code are advised on appropriate attire and asked to return another day. Donation center management should be contacted for further clarification on our dress code.
• Personal hygiene – Good hygiene is practiced by Octapharma staff members and is expected for customers as well. Donors who do not follow good hygiene habits will be advised by staff and asked to return another day.

To protect your privacy, please follow up with your local donation center staff directly to discuss the specific reasons for your deferral.

You are not eligible to donate while you are receiving the Monkey Pox vaccine cycle. There is a 4-week deferral time after your last vaccine dose. Additionally, there is a 21 day deferral from your last exposure, or cessation of symptoms.

If you were recently ill with COVID-19, there is a 10-day deferral time following the cessation of symptoms or the date of a positive test.

If you recently receive a COVID-19 vaccine:

• There is no deferral time with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines (nucleic acid/RNA origin vaccine).
• There is a 14-day deferral time with Johnson & Johnson vaccine (live attenuated vaccine).
• There is a 14-day deferral time if you do not know the origin or manufacturer of the vaccine.

We screen every potential donor to make sure you can donate plasma. During your first visit, we’ll do a health screening, which includes a review of your medical history and an in-depth health questionnaire. After that, your plasma donation visits will take less time, because we’ll do a shorter health screening to check the proportion of red blood cells in your blood, protein, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and weight.

You can’t be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (for example, marijuana) when you come in to donate plasma. For additional information about drug testing, contact your local Octapharma Plasma donation center.

Octapharma Plasma adheres to all FDA regulations in our donation centers. Any materials that come into direct contact with your blood during the donation process are sterile and used only one time. You can also request that staff change gloves at any time. Please talk to your local donation center about any questions you may have so we can improve your donation experience.

You cannot donate plasma while you’re pregnant. Typically, you can start donating again 6 to 12 months after delivery (this includes C-section), a miscarriage, or terminating a pregnancy. They are not eligible to donate while they are nursing (breast-feeding) a baby. Ask your doctor if you have questions about when you can donate safely.

You might be able to donate plasma depending on the type and severity of your diabetes. Check with your doctor or visit your local Octapharma Plasma donation center.

Most Octapharma donors see payments appear on their prepaid card within 24 hours after a successful plasma donation. If you have not received your plasma donation 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

• Website: https://login.northlane.com/Octapharma
• Phone Number: 1-866-326-8689
• Email: help@mypaymentvault.com

Comdata Debit Card

• Website: www.fintwistsolutions.com
• Phone Number: 1-888-265-8228

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

The amount of money you make after 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 in the Donor Portal. 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 a New Plasma 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.

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

Octapharma pays for your time with extremely competitive plasma 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!

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

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.

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 plasma donation promotions they are running.

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 to see current plasma donation bonus offerings.

Each Octapharma Plasma donation center runs its own special plasma donation 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.

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.

Although Octapharma Plasma issues the prepaid card to donors, you will need to contact the associated debit card provider directly for questions specific to your card. Debit card providers are able to help with, but are not limited, to the following:

• How do I check my card balance?
• My card is lost or stolen. How can I get a replacement?
• Can I add money to my card?
• Who do I talk to about charges on my card?
• I forgot my pin number. How do I reset it?

We have two debit card providers. Here is contact information for each:

Northlane Debit Card

• Website: https://login.northlane.com/Octapharma
• Phone Number: 1-866-326-8689
• Email: help.na@northlane.com
• Contact Form: https://login.northlane.com/contactus.do

Comdata Debit Card

• Website: www.fintwistsolutions.com
• Phone Number: 1-888-265-8228

Your Octapharma Plasma prepaid card can be used free of fees for both credit and debit purchases. Credit, point-of-sale transactions are fee-free every time you make a purchase where Visa/Mastercard is accepted. Swipe your card, select credit, and sign for your purchase.

Both Northlane and Comdata charge $1.50 fee for ATM withdrawals. Please see the card insert provided with your card for a listing of all card fees. You can use the ATM locator associated with your card type to find an in-network ATM that doesn’t charge additional bank fees on top of that:

• Northlane – https://www.moneypass.com/atm-locator.html
• Comdata – https://www.allpointnetwork.com/locator.html
• If you would like to follow up further, or if you have additional questions, please contact your local plasma donation center.

The OctaApp is now available! The App functionality is only available for those who have already donated with Octapharma Plasma. If you are a first-time donor, you can download the app; however, you will not be able to move past the login screen until after you have donated with us.

This is to let you know that the staff would like to speak with you prior to your next donation. Please call or stop by your local plasma center, so a member of our staff can assist you with this personal matter.

There may be a soft hold or deferral on your account. Please call or stop by the front desk of your local center for details on your specific situation. They will be able to further assist you.

OctaRewards is a donor loyalty program that acknowledges and rewards our most frequent donors.  As an OctaRewards member, you’ll earn points to qualify for rewards including e-gift cards, express passes, blankets, and more. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for your donations and making a difference in the lives of others.

The great news is that your OctaRewards points and status never expire. As long as you continue to donate with Octapharma Plasma, you’ll continue earning points!

There are three status levels in OctaRewards – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Silver status is earned when a donor reaches 1,000 points; Gold at 5,000 points; and Platinum at 10,000 points. We also have an exclusive Lifetime Platinum status level offered to donors after maintaining Platinum status for 5 years or reaching 50,000 points, whichever comes first.

You can earn loyalty points by completing donations and referring friends. Keep an eye out for more action items in the future that will provide even more ways for donors to gain points. As far as prizes go, we have tons of gift cards available to redeem from the some of the most popular retailers.

OctaRewards is an app-only program available through OctaApp. It’s easy to join! Donors are auto-enrolled after their first donation and will unlock their OctaRewards portal in their app after 7 donations. Once you are a member, you can login at any time through the dashboard on OctaApp to track your points, participate in special promotions, and redeem your rewards.

You can earn OctaRewards points for donating at Octapharma Plasma and by referring friends to donate plasma.

OctaRewards is a rewards program based on status level, where members can access a combination of express passes, e-gift cards, and more depending on current status level and points. You can redeem these gift cards and express passes through OctaApp and by navigating to your OctaRewards dashboard.

If you have questions about OctaRewards, please contact your local center.

Most of the time, when we see a donor not being paid, it’s because the referral code was not applied to the first-time donation of their plasma donor referral. The referral code can only be applied during that very first visit. Additionally, the referred friend must be a first-time donor, and not a previous donor with Octapharma Plasma. Otherwise, payments are typically received within 24-72 hours of each donation.

Most likely, the plasma donor referral has not donated a second time.

You can earn up to $50 for each new plasma donor you refer. You will be paid $25 after the first donation and $25 after the second donation. Payments are typically received within 24-72 hours of each donation.