How and Where to Make Money Donating Plasma in Metro Detroit

Looking to make a little extra money? Well, if (among other things) it has been more than a year since your last tattoo, you are not a drug user who shares needles, you are not HIV-positive, and you have an adequate hematocrit level in your blood, you can try "donating" plasma(for which you are paid). There's no guarantee that even if you meet all of the previous criteria that you will be accepted. There is a lengthy medical examination performed the first time you go to donate plasma(mine took about 2 hours).

Provided you pass the medical screening, you will be allowed to donate plasma. However, there are certain things to keep in mind. You should always have something hearty to eat and plenty of water to drink before heading in to donate plasma. If you don't, your donation could take longer than usual due to the thickness of your blood, or you might not be allowed to donate at all.

Also, keep in mind you're not going to get rich donating plasma. When I used to donate plasma, you could do it three times a week, and most donation centers offered a sort of "incentive plan" if you actually made three donations. Now, however, two days a week is the limit. Depending on where you go, you can get around $20-$25 per donation.

The process itself is not painful(there's only that small initial prick), and all you have to do is sit there while the blood is drawn and pump your fist on a squeeze object, such as a rolled up washcloth or rubber ball. After a little of this, the drawing part stops and the blood begins separation. Once separated, the plasma goes into a container, and the remainder of your blood gets pumped back into you again. You just sit and do nothing while this is occurring.

After a series of draws and refills, your donation will be over. This takes on average about 90-120 minutes. You are then given some post-donation instructions, your money, and sent on your way. The main drawback to this is that it's really boring. Sure, you can bring a book, and some donation centers have movies playing or other entertainment, but it gets old fast.

And don't think, "Hey, I'll just go in and take a nap while they draw the plasma." This is absolutely forbidden. Your eyes have to remain open the entire time you donate. This is because closed eyes may indicate you are passing out or suffering some other dangerous condition.

Now, as to donating plasma in the Detroit area, your options are surprisingly few. You basically choosing between two centers. The first is ZLB Plasma Service at 13770 W. 9 Mile Road, Oak Park, Michigan 48237(phone number is 248-584-4400). This place is pretty professional and has movies playing. You get paid $20 for the first donation, $30 for the second, and then your pay is based on the amount of plasma you donate(which is mostly determined by your weight). ZLB is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.(8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for new patients) and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.(8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for new patients).

The other is IBR Plasma Center 813 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48198. You get $45 for two donations at this center. This place is little older and less refined than the ZLB center. You should definitely bring a book or magazine to read during the donation. IBR is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Yes, you can make a few bucks donating plasma, and your plasma may actually save lives. In addition to this, I can guarantee that you will definitely run into some interesting people should you decide to make plasma donation a habit.