Donating plasma benefits donors, recipients

Donating plasma helps many people in several different ways. It can be given to those who need it, ranging from hemophiliacs to burn victims in need. Transfusions are a necessary part of life and donors are needed all the time to keep the cycle going.

"We get a pretty good mix of people, from students to professionals and blue collars," said Heather Prygstad, manager of Sera-Tec Biologicals in Ogden.

Donors need to be 18 years of age and in good health. A free physical examination is given at the clinic. Good general health is checked along with evidence of opiate drugs and several diseases.

"There are a lot of reasons why someone can't donate," Prygstad said.

She explained some common reasons for rejecting applicants are protein or iron levels in the blood or diseases such as HIV or syphilis. A pre-physical urinalysis can detect these things and others that would not allow a person to donate.

"I like that fact that I can earn extra money while I'm doing something that really helps someone in need," said Steve Call, WSU student. "There are people out there that are in need of something that they can only get from me and others who donate plasma."

At Sera-Tec Biologicals, the financial compensation varies depending on whether or not the donor has donated before. The first four donations pay $20 to $40 per trip. Then the price goes to $16 for the first trip of the week and $20 for the second. People can donate twice in a seven-day period, and they must allow two days between donations.  

This resting period is necessary for the physical well being of the donor.

"The majority do it to be compensated, but there are quite a few other people who do it to help others," Prygstad said.

"When I was in college, my plasma donating money bought me groceries and paid for my gas the entire time," said Kevin Hansen, WSU graduate. "I counted on that money probably as much as the recipients counted on me to donate my plasma. I know it went to good use."

You can leave a message for correspondent Steffinee Taylor by calling 626-7621.