It’s been around a year since I last “donated” plasma at Bio-life Plasma Services in Tyler. Of course the term donate is actually incorrect. As a private school teacher my summer budget can be tight, so another fifty dollars a week can mean the difference between making my bills and having my water turned off. I wrote one other time about my experience with Bio-life which has been largely positive. I went for the better part of a year, twice a week nearly every week before eventually slowing down. My attendance gradually became less regular due largely to lack of time. For a while return had diminished as well, to the point that it was no longer really worth my time and gas money to make the trip to that side of town. I will admit as well that I grew tired of being poked and prodded every couple of days. I now have small but permanent scars inside my elbows due to my regular attendance.

Most anyone can donate provided they’re over the age of eighteen and weight at least one hundred ten pounds. There’s actually quite a long list of screening questions donors are required to answer each time they visit the center, but most people should have no major problems getting the ok. This makes it a really viable way for college students who live on ramen noodles and Dr. Pepper, to make a little extra cash. But of course the plasma donation isn’t entirely about making a few extra dollars for the donor. All plasma collected by the center is used in all sorts of medical research. Numerous therapies also require blood plasma, particularly for hemophilia and other immune disorders. So it actually is a really good cause.

One other positive note about Bio-life in Tyler; I recognized much of the staff as being there last year. For me this was good to know. I’ve been stuck by new or inexperienced staff members just learning the ropes before, and it often makes for a long afternoon. I realize they have to start somewhere, but it’s nice to know the center has retained an experienced staff. For more information visit the company’s web page at http://www.biolifeplasma.com/index.html.