Why Your First Donation Takes Two Visits: FDA Safety Testing Explained

Donating plasma the first time is a 2-step process that requires a second visit and donation. It’s medically necessary and required by the FDA to ensure that donated plasma is free of infectious agents and safe to use.

Why Your First Plasma Donation Requires Two Visits: FDA Safety Testing Explained

You decided to donate plasma for the first time, and you’re feeling ready. You chose a center and time to donate. You know what to bring and wear.

But did you know your first donation is a 2-step process that requires two separate visits?

Wait, what?!

Don’t worry. It’s just this first time, and there’s a good reason. The 2-visit process for your first plasma donation is medically necessary. Here’s why.

Why your first plasma donation requires two visits

Without a second plasma donation, your first donation can’t be used. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires this to make sure your plasma is safe and free of infectious disease. At CSL Plasma, we have our own strict safety and quality standards, too.

The second plasma donation helps confirm that your blood was free of infection when you donated the first time. Why don’t we know that during the first visit? Well, some infectious diseases are not detectable in tests right away. It takes time, so we test the second donation a few days later to be safe.

If you wait too long for your second visit, we might have to throw out your first donation. That would be a terrible waste. So that’s why we encourage you to donate again within three to 14 days of your first visit.

If you are approved to donate after your second visit, good news. You are eligible to keep donating as long as you continue to pass all screening and testing requirements.

What happens during your first and second visit

Your first plasma donation visit will take between 2 and 2.5 hours. Generally speaking, it includes five steps:

1. Checking in with our staff.

2. Answering questions about your medical history.

3. Completing your physical exam and checking your vital signs.

4. Cozying up in our comfortable donation beds with your choice of entertainment.

5. Rehydrating and receiving your compensation.

Your second visit will take around 90 minutes. It includes four steps:

1. Checking in with our staff.

2. Completing a quick health screening (which you can do online) and checking your vital signs.

3. Cozying up in our comfortable donation beds with your choice of entertainment.

4. Rehydrating and receiving your compensation.

After your first visit, $100 in compensation is automatically loaded onto your CSL Plasma debit card. After your second visit, you can receive compensation of up to $200.

Aside from compensation, your visits are worth it for reasons that can’t be measured.

Your plasma will be used to help people through life-saving medicines and research. And that’s amazing, too.

Find a plasma donation center near you: CSL Plasma Donation Center Locator