Some Ohio University students and Athens residents, strapped for cash, regularly donate their plasma and make a difference in biological advancement.
Kevin Heffernan, an OU senior finance major, donated his plasma at BioLife Plasma Services, 932 E. State St., for two quarters to earn extra money.
On campus
I don't have a job here. And it was a quick way for cash Heffernan said. I knew some people who maximized their visits making around $200 a month.
Heffernan made $50 in a good week, and averaged $150 a month and around $350 a quarter, he said.
BioLife donors receive $20 for their first visits and an additional $30 if they donate a second time in the same week.
Stephanie Haney, a junior political science major, was hesitant when she decided to donate plasma for the first time last year. Local advertisements made the prospect of payment appealing.
The process is not painful
but it's uncomfortable
she said. It's instant money - I give something they need for something I don't have.
Donating plasma is similar to donating blood. The process lasts about 45 minutes, including answering medical history questions. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and weigh at least 110 pounds.
We set up an appointment for a physical examination and take a series of medical questions. An individual must meet the similar medical eligibility requirements governed by the FDA
said Jeremy Nutter, BioLife's center manager.
Donating plasma also has side effects similar to those of donating blood, such as faintness, dizziness, numbness or tingling around the mouth, nose and fingers and slight bruising. Most of the side effects can be avoided by drinking plenty of water before donations.
Plasma is a yellow liquid that makes up 57 percent of blood and aids in the circulation of red and white blood cells. During the donation process, plasma is separated and the remaining blood is returned.
BioLife is a division of Baxter International Science Division, which has centers across the country. According to the Web site www.biolifeplasma.com, the BioLife facilities collect about 3 million liters of plasma each year.
Although donating plasma in Athens has become a source of income for some OU students, they don't make up a majority of plasma donors.
The demographics of who donates pretty much mirrors the Athens community
Nutter said. Fifty percent are local residents
and the other (half) are students.
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