For students who are short on cash and would like to make a contribution to the medical world, donating plasma is an easy way to do so, Las Cruces Biologicals personnel said.
Plasma makes up over 50 percent of blood volume in the body, according to the Las Cruces Biologicals Web site, www.dciplasma.com. It carries nutrients such as water, protein and infection fighters, according to the Web site.
Plasma is used to manufacture several life-saving vaccines and medications as well as to develop new products such as treatments for staph infections in newborns, according to www.dciplasma.com.
“We encourage everyone to donate plasma,” said Jason Balkey, Las Cruces Biologicals staff member.
Based on company policy, Balkey said he was not able to disclose certain information, but did say students come to donate plasma often, and it is a good way to make extra cash.
Trevor Cooper, a senior at New Mexico State University, said he used to donate plasma twice a week to help pay for gas, because he did not earn enought at his regular job.
Twice a week is the maximum amount a donor is allowed to donate plasma, Balkey said.
“Earning the money is the selfish part of it,” Cooper said, “but it’s kind of cool knowing that your plasma is going to go off somewhere and save someone’s life.”
Balkey said the pay depends on the person and how much time he or she spends making donations.
“I made about $40 dollars a week in extra cash [donating plasma],” Cooper said.
Balkey said Las Cruces Biologicals provides donors with necessary information before allowing them to donate.
“It’s pretty easy to do,” Cooper said. “Just sit in the chair, watch some TV and get paid for it.”
According to www.dciplasma.com, donors are asked to fill out a questionnaire covering their medical history and current health before donating plasma. Anyone who is between the ages of 18 and 65 and is in basic good health is eligible to donate, according to www.dciplasma.com. Donors are required to have a valid picture ID and social security number and must live within 125 miles of the center, according to the site.
Balkey said eligibility is determined when prospective donors come into the office.
Cooper said students should drink plenty of water the day of, and the day before they donate plasma, or they could feel sick afterward.
Students who wish to donate plasma can visit www.dciplasma.com, or visit the center on the corner of El Paseo Road and S. Main Street.
“If nothing else, it’s a little extra cash to party with,” Cooper said.
Alexia Severson is a staff writer and can be contacted at trunews@nmsu.edu.
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