Ever thought about making some extra cash by donating platelets? Platelets are vital for medical treatments, especially for cancer patients and those having surgery. You can earn between $50 to $75 per visit, and first-timers might get up to $1,100 in their first month1. But is it that easy? Let’s dive into the world of platelet donation and find out what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Platelet donation can earn you $50 to $75 per appointment, with first-time donors potentially earning up to $1,100 in the first month1.
- The donation process involves separating platelets from your blood through a procedure called apheresis, which takes about an hour.
- Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, weighing 110 pounds or more, and passing medical screenings2.
- Donors can give platelets up to 24 times per year, making it a convenient way to earn extra income1.
- Potential short-term side effects include dehydration, fatigue, and low immunoglobulin levels with frequent donations.
Understanding Platelet Donation
Platelets are key to blood’s clotting process. They help stop bleeding by forming clots. This makes them vital for patients needing cancer treatments, surgeries, or other treatments that cause bleeding 1. By donating platelets, you help provide these essential cells for medical treatments.
What Are Platelets and Why Are They Important?
Platelets are just 1% of blood but crucial for stopping bleeding and healing wounds3. They are vital in the clotting process. This makes them crucial for people with low platelet counts or those needing surgeries that cause blood loss.
The Process of Donating Platelets
Donating platelets uses a process called apheresis, which separates the platelets from other blood parts4. Your blood is drawn, the platelets are taken out, and the rest is returned to you. This process takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours and is usually safe and easy for donors4.
You can donate platelets as often as every eight days, up to 24 times in a year4. But, platelets can only be stored for five days4. This shows we always need more platelet donations to help patients in different treatments.
“At least half of the platelets donated at We Are Blood are used for oncology patients.”3
Donating platelets is very important for cancer patients, who often need many transfusions to keep their platelet levels up3. By giving platelets, you can help save lives of those fighting cancer.
Eligibility Criteria for Platelet Donation
To donate platelets, you must be a certain age and weight. You need to be 18 years old5 and weigh at least 110 pounds5. These rules help keep both the donor and the person getting the platelets safe.
Age and Weight Requirements
People as young as 16 can donate whole blood with a parent’s okay5. But, you must be 18 to donate platelets5. If you’re 76 or older, you need a doctor’s okay to donate platelets5. You also need to weigh at least 110 pounds5.
Health Screenings and Disqualifications
Before you can donate platelets, you’ll go through a health check. They’ll look at your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin levels. Some health issues or medicines, like bleeding disorders or blood thinners, mean you can’t donate6. This check is important to make sure the platelets are safe and good quality.
If you’ve had most cancers, you can donate platelets a year after your last treatment6. But, if you’ve had leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, you can’t donate platelets at all6. Also, don’t take aspirin or products with aspirin for 48 hours before donating6.
The rules for donating platelets are in place to protect everyone involved. They make sure only healthy people can donate. This keeps the donated platelets safe and good quality56.
Frequency and Duration of Platelet Donations
Donating platelets is a great way to help those in need of life-saving blood. You can give platelets more often than whole blood because the process takes out the platelets and returns the rest of your blood to you7.
The American Red Cross says you can donate platelets up to 24 times a year, with at least 24 hours between donations7. The whole process usually takes about an hour. This makes it a good choice for those who want to help out often7.
Donation Type | Frequency | Time Commitment |
---|---|---|
Whole Blood | Every 56 days (8 weeks) | 45-60 minutes |
Double Red Cells | Every 112 days (16 weeks) | 1 1/2-2 hours |
Platelets | Every 7 days, up to 24 times per year | 1 1/2-2 hours |
Plasma | Every 28 days | 45-60 minutes |
Even though you can donate platelets more often than whole blood, there are still rules to follow. These rules help keep donors safe8. Donors can’t lose too much red blood cells in a year, based on how much blood they have8. Also, frequent donors might lose 20-30 ml of red blood cells each time. They can also donate plasma every 28 days8.
Knowing how often and how long platelet donations take helps people decide how they can help the most7. Whether you donate platelets weekly or just a few times a year, every donation helps a lot9.
Risks and Side Effects of Platelet Donation
Donating platelets is usually safe, but donors should know about possible short-term and long-term effects. Understanding these risks helps donors make informed choices and stay safe.
Potential Short-Term Side Effects
Donors might feel minor side effects during or right after donating, like dehydration, tiredness, bruising, bleeding, and feeling dizzy10. To avoid these, it’s important to drink lots of fluids before and after donating. If you notice any strange symptoms, tell the staff10. Bruising is quite common, happening in 1 out of 104 tries, and feeling faint affects 1 out of 66 people who go to the clinic11.
Possible Long-Term Effects
Donors who give blood often might face long-term health issues, like low immunoglobulin levels or anemia10. The drop in calcium levels from the anticoagulant can cause mild symptoms, like chills or a strange taste, but these are usually mild10. Even though the long-term effects of frequent donating are not fully known, there’s no strong evidence of lasting health problems10.
Knowing about these risks helps donors have a safe and positive experience. It’s key to talk often with healthcare providers and watch your health closely if you donate often.
Compensation for money for donating platelets
Donating platelets can be a great way to make extra cash. You can earn between $50 to $75 for each donation12. The pay varies based on your weight and the donation center’s location. Bigger donors can give more platelets, which means they get paid more13.
New donors get big bonuses to encourage them to start. These bonuses can hit $1,100 in the first month, making it a tempting offer12. These bonuses help cover the time you spend donating and any side effects you might feel at first.
In the U.S., getting paid for plasma donation is common, but not for blood donation because of ethical concerns14. Plasma is often paid for because it’s turned into medicines, which lowers the risk of infections14. But, paying donors could lead to false health claims, raising disease transmission risks14.
Non-monetary rewards like gift cards and T-shirts can also increase blood donations safely14. For bone marrow donation, donors can get up to $800, but it’s not very popular. The safety of paying donors is still uncertain14.
Typical Compensation Rates
You can make a good amount of money donating platelets, earning $50 to $75 per visit13. The pay depends on your weight and the donation center’s location. Bigger donors can give more platelets, so they get paid more.
First-Time Donor Bonuses
First-time donors can get bonuses up to $1,100 in the first month12. These bonuses aim to encourage new donors. They help cover the time and any side effects during the first few donations131214.
Finding Platelet Donation Centers
Looking for a place to donate platelets is the first step to help save lives. There are about 115 donation centers across the U.S15. Vitalant, a big blood and platelet provider, helps patients in about 900 hospitals15.
Locating Centers Near You
DonatingPlasma.org makes it easy to find a platelet donation center near you. Companies like CSL Plasma and Grifols have websites with location finders15. Before you go, call to check if you can donate and if there’s an appointment available.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Being ready for your donation is key. Drink lots of fluids and eat before you go to stay hydrated and nourished16. Platelets are used quickly, so they must be given to patients within 5-7 days16.
Bring your ID, social security number, and a recent bill to prove where you live. Being rested and ready can make donating easier and more comfortable.
“Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets.”15
Donating platelets is a simple way to help a lot of people. By finding a nearby center and preparing, you can change lives. It’s a chance to make a big difference.
Platelets are a small part of our blood but very important. They help patients with cancer, premature babies, trauma, and those getting organ or bone marrow transplants16. Your donation can help up to three people, making it very rewarding.
If you’re new to donating or have done it before, look into15 places to donate platelets near you. It’s a chance to make a big difference in someone’s life.
Understanding Donor Eligibility Criteria
Donating platelets has its rules. Some medical conditions and medications can stop you from donating. A detailed health check is needed to make sure you’re eligible. This ensures the donated platelets are safe and of good quality.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Some health issues, like bleeding disorders or cancer, can stop you from donating platelets17. Taking aspirin 48 hours before donating is also a no-go17. Also, certain medicines like Piroxicam or clopidogrel mean you can’t donate right away17.
Telling the truth about your health and medicines is key during screening. This helps check if you can donate platelets.
Eligibility Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Age | 18 At least 16 years old, with some 16- and some 17-year-olds needing signed permission from a parent or guardian, if required by state or school. |
Weight | 18 Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, with certain height/weight criteria applying for donors 22 years old or younger. |
Time Between Donations | 18 Donors must wait eight weeks between whole blood donations for their safety. |
Platelet/Power Red Donors | 18 Platelet donors should avoid aspirin and/or aspirin-containing products 48 hours prior to donation, while Power Red donors must meet certain height and weight requirements. |
Knowing the rules for donating platelets helps you donate safely. The health check is key to keeping the donated platelets safe and effective1718.
The Importance of Platelet Donation
Donating platelets is key to helping medical research and saving lives3. These donations are crucial for cancer patients going through chemotherapy or other treatments that cause bleeding. By giving platelets, people help create treatments that save lives3. The platelets collected are turned into therapies for rare and chronic diseases.
Platelet donations also help save lives right away3. Since platelets only last 5 days, we need constant donations. Cancer patients, trauma victims, and those having surgeries need platelet transfusions to survive3. By donating, people help those in need of these vital blood components.
Contributions to Medical Research
Platelet donations are vital for medical research and new treatments3. They help make therapies for many conditions, from rare genetic disorders to chronic illnesses. By donating, people help advance medical science and improve lives.
Helping Save Lives
Platelet donations have a huge impact on saving lives3. They are key in treating emergencies like cancer and trauma3. With a short shelf life, we need constant donations to help those in need.
“Platelet donors are the unsung heroes who quietly and consistently help save lives every day. Their contributions are truly invaluable.”
Comparing Platelet Donation to Other Blood Products
Donating blood products is crucial, and both platelet and whole blood donations are key. But, they have some differences19. Platelet donation is more complex, letting donors give more often than whole blood donations19. You can donate platelets up to 24 times a year, while whole blood donations are limited to 13 times19. Plus, platelet donations often pay more than whole blood donations19.
The process for platelet donation takes about an hour, longer than the 8-10 minutes for whole blood20. Platelets last only 5 days, while whole blood can last 21-35 days20. Plasma donations last up to 42 days and can be given every 28 days20.
- Platelet donation frequency: every seven days20
- Whole blood donation frequency: every 56 days20
- Plasma donation frequency: every 28 days20
- Double red cells donation frequency: every 112 days20
In the U.S., plasma donors get paid, but blood donors don’t21. After donating plasma, it goes through a complex process to make smaller parts for treatments21. These therapies are needed more and more around the world for various health issues21.
Both platelet and whole blood donations are crucial for healthcare. Think about the differences in how often you can donate, how much you get paid, and how long the process takes.
Donor Stories and Testimonials
Listening to those who have donated platelets gives us a deep look into their experiences. Megan Stoy, a new donor, felt like a “new person” after her first donation. She found it rewarding to help others22.
Tess lost her husband to cancer but found a way to help others by donating platelets. She couldn’t help her family, but she could aid others22. These stories show how platelet donors change lives.
“Donating platelets made me feel like a new person. It’s such a rewarding experience to contribute to a cause that can save lives.”
Donors share how their acts of kindness deeply impact others. They feel fulfilled and help those facing health issues. Their stories show how crucial platelet donations are for medical treatments and saving lives2223.
The Power of Platelet Donation
- Donating platelets can be a lucrative side hustle, with one couple earning $1,500 in their first month23.
- Payment structures for plasma donation centers vary, with some offering $100 per visit for the first eight donations within 45 days23.
- Earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as weight, with heavier donors potentially earning more due to the ability to give more plasma23.
These stories and testimonials highlight the rewarding nature of donating platelets. They also show how crucial these donations are for medical treatments and saving lives2223.
Addressing Common Concerns and Myths
Platelet donation is usually safe and easy. But, some people might worry or have wrong ideas about it. We want to clear up these worries and share facts to help you feel good about donating platelets.
Many worry about side effects. But, most side effects are small and go away quickly, like feeling a bit lightheaded or having some bruising or muscle cramps24. Sometimes, serious reactions like low blood pressure or feeling like you might pass out can happen, but places where you donate have strict safety rules. They watch over donors closely and act fast if needed24.
Some think donating platelets will make them weak or harm their health. But, studies show the opposite. Regularly giving blood and platelets can actually protect your health. It can lower the risk of dying from any cause and even help prevent heart disease24.
People often worry about how much time it takes. But, donating is set up to be quick25. The first visit might take about 2 hours, but later donations are much quicker25. Knowing your donation could save lives makes it all worth it.
The good things about donating platelets are much bigger than any small downsides. By clearing up these worries and myths, we hope more people will think about donating platelets. This way, they can make a big difference in the lives of those who need it.
“Even during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with a volunteer system can overcome disaster and tragedy by rallying donors.”26
Tips for First-Time Platelet Donors
As a first-time platelet donor, here are some key tips for a smooth donation. Make sure to drink lots of fluids before you go to stay hydrated27. Also, eat a full meal to give you energy and nutrients for the donation, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour27.
Bring something fun to do during the donation, like a book, tablet, or headphones. This makes the time go by faster and keeps you calm28. And don’t worry about asking the staff questions. They’re there to help you and make sure you’re safe and comfy28.
- Hydrate well by drinking plenty of fluids before your appointment27
- Eat a full meal to ensure you have the necessary energy and nutrients27
- Bring entertainment, such as a book, tablet, or headphones, to help pass the time28
- Communicate openly with the staff about any concerns or questions you may have28
“The staff was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process and ensuring I was comfortable the entire time. I’m so glad I decided to become a platelet donor – it’s a truly rewarding experience.”
By following these tips, your first platelet donation will be a success. Your donation can really help those in need29.
Regulations and Safety Standards
The platelet donation industry is heavily regulated to keep things safe and high-quality30. Centers follow strict rules from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and others. They do thorough medical checks, have strict rules for who can donate, and follow careful steps for collecting, processing, and storing platelets30. Donors can feel secure knowing their donations are treated with great care and skill. This ensures the products are safe and work well for medical treatments.
To donate platelets, you must be 17 or older, or 16 with a parent’s okay30. You also need to weigh at least 110 pounds30. You should be healthy, feeling good, and not taking antibiotics30. There are rules about donating after some vaccines, and you can’t donate blood within 8 weeks of a previous donation30.
The FDA and others have strict rules to make sure platelet donations are safe and work well31. Some health issues, like Agammaglobulinemia, ALS, and Chronic Granulomatosis, mean you can’t donate platelets31. Other conditions, like Acoustic Neuroma and Crohn’s disease, have rules you must follow31. If you’ve had a needle stick from an animal or a human bite with an open wound, you might not donate for a while31.
New rules have made platelet donation more inclusive32. The FDA now has new guidelines that don’t block donations based on sexual orientation32. Now, donors are checked based on their own risks, not their sexual orientation. This makes sure the blood supply is safe for patients32.
By following these strict rules and safety steps, platelet donation centers make sure the platelets are top quality and safe for medical use30. Donors can be sure their donations are handled with great care and skill. This makes a big difference in the lives of those who need it.
The Future of Platelet Donation
The need for blood products is growing, making the future of platelet donation exciting. Researchers and leaders are looking into new ways to make collecting, processing, and storing platelets better33. They aim to meet the growing demand, as the American Red Cross faced a 7,000-unit shortage over Christmas and New Year’s33.
Innovations and Advancements
New technologies are being developed to make donating platelets easier. Researchers want to get more platelets from each donation, cut down wait times, and make donating better for donors34. For example, new apheresis technology lets donors give up to three units of platelets at once, unlike before34.
Increasing Awareness and Participation
There’s also a push to get more people to donate platelets33. Over 20 years, fewer people have been donating blood, so we need more regular donors33. Campaigns, working with healthcare groups, and better rewards are ways to get more people involved.
The future of platelet donation is bright, with more lives to save and research to advance. By using new tech and spreading the word, we can make a big difference in healthcare and communities33. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, showing how crucial platelet donations are33.
Conclusion
We’ve looked into platelet donation and found a great way for people to help others. By learning how platelets help in medical treatments, the easy donation process, and the rewards, we want more to donate regularly35.
Donating platelets has its rules and some side effects, but the good it does is much bigger. With more people needed, it’s key to support this vital part of blood donations. This helps save lives36.
The U.S. is a big source of plasma, with 70 percent of the world’s plasma coming from here37. We need a steady supply of donors to keep up. By sharing this info and getting more to donate, we can change more lives with this kind act37.
FAQ
What are the age and weight requirements for platelet donation?
To donate platelets, you must be 18 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds.
What is the health screening process for platelet donation?
Donors go through a detailed medical check-up. This includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin checks. Some health conditions or medicines can stop you from donating.
How often can someone donate platelets?
You can donate platelets up to 24 times a year. There must be at least 24 hours between donations, says the American Red Cross.
What are the potential short-term and long-term side effects of platelet donation?
Short-term effects might include dehydration, fatigue, bruising, bleeding, and feeling dizzy. Long-term, frequent donors could face low immunoglobulin levels or anemia.
How much money can someone earn for donating platelets?
Donating platelets can earn you to per visit. First-time donors might get up to
FAQ
What are the age and weight requirements for platelet donation?
To donate platelets, you must be 18 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds.
What is the health screening process for platelet donation?
Donors go through a detailed medical check-up. This includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin checks. Some health conditions or medicines can stop you from donating.
How often can someone donate platelets?
You can donate platelets up to 24 times a year. There must be at least 24 hours between donations, says the American Red Cross.
What are the potential short-term and long-term side effects of platelet donation?
Short-term effects might include dehydration, fatigue, bruising, bleeding, and feeling dizzy. Long-term, frequent donors could face low immunoglobulin levels or anemia.
How much money can someone earn for donating platelets?
Donating platelets can earn you $50 to $75 per visit. First-time donors might get up to $1,100 in their first month.
How can someone find a platelet donation center near them?
Use DonatingPlasma.org or check websites like CSL Plasma and Grifols to find a certified center near you.
What medical conditions or medications may disqualify someone from donating platelets?
Some conditions like bleeding disorders, cancer, or blood thinner use can stop you from donating. The screening is key to keeping donations safe and quality high.
How do platelet donations help support medical research and save lives?
Donated platelets help make therapies for rare diseases. They also directly help cancer patients, trauma victims, and surgery patients.
What are some tips for first-time platelet donors?
For first-time donors, drink lots of fluids, eat a full meal before, bring something to do, and talk to the staff about any worries or questions.
How are platelet donations regulated and handled to ensure safety and quality?
Centers follow FDA and other rules. They do thorough medical checks, have strict donor rules, and follow careful collection, processing, and storage of platelets.
,100 in their first month.
How can someone find a platelet donation center near them?
Use DonatingPlasma.org or check websites like CSL Plasma and Grifols to find a certified center near you.
What medical conditions or medications may disqualify someone from donating platelets?
Some conditions like bleeding disorders, cancer, or blood thinner use can stop you from donating. The screening is key to keeping donations safe and quality high.
How do platelet donations help support medical research and save lives?
Donated platelets help make therapies for rare diseases. They also directly help cancer patients, trauma victims, and surgery patients.
What are some tips for first-time platelet donors?
For first-time donors, drink lots of fluids, eat a full meal before, bring something to do, and talk to the staff about any worries or questions.
How are platelet donations regulated and handled to ensure safety and quality?
Centers follow FDA and other rules. They do thorough medical checks, have strict donor rules, and follow careful collection, processing, and storage of platelets.
Source Links
- Here’s a feel-good side gig: Make money, save lives by selling your plasma or platelets – https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-12-03/feel-good-side-gig-make-money-save-lives-by-selling-plasma-platelets
- Specialized Donor Program – https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/specialized-donor-program.html
- What is a Platelet Donation? – We Are Blood – https://weareblood.org/what-is-a-platelet-donation/
- Platelet, double red blood cell and plasma donations – Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/blood-donor-program/plasma-platelet-donations
- General Blood & Platelet Donor Guidelines – https://www.mskcc.org/about/get-involved/donating-blood/general-blood-platelet-donor-guidelines
- Blood Donor Eligibility Guidelines – https://www.massgeneral.org/blood-donor/eligibility-guidelines
- Blood donation frequently asked questions – Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/blood-donor-program/faq
- How Often Can You Give Blood Platelets or Plasma? – https://www.oneblood.org/blog/how-often-can-you-give-blood-platelets-or-plasma-and-why.html
- Donate Platelets – https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/gotblood/donate-platelets
- Know the risks – https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation/prepare-and-aftercare/know-the-risks
- Before You Donate – Welsh Blood Service – https://www.welsh-blood.org.uk/before-you-donate/
- Do the Amazing. Help save lives. Donate plasma. 300+ centers in U.S.. – https://www.cslplasma.com/
- Plasma Donation Rewards & Compensation | CSL Plasma – https://www.cslplasma.com/be-rewarded
- Why you get paid to donate plasma but not blood – https://www.statnews.com/2016/01/22/paid-plasma-not-blood/
- Donate Blood, Plasma and Platelets | Vitalant – https://www.vitalant.org/
- Versiti – Types of Donations | Learn About Blood Donation – https://versiti.org/ways-to-give/about-blood-donation/types-of-donations/platelet-donation
- Give Platelets | ImpactLife – https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate/donating-options/platelets/
- Blood Donation Requirements | Vitalant – https://www.vitalant.org/eligibility/blood-donation-requirements
- What would it take to convince you to donate? A survey study of the relationship between motivators, barriers, and payment for whole blood, plasma, and platelet donation – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9322277/
- Types of Donation – Donate Blood – The Blood Connection – https://thebloodconnection.org/about-blood/donation/
- What’s the difference between blood and plasma donation? | Plasma Heroes – https://www.plasmahero.org/news/whats-difference-between-blood-and-plasma-donation
- Blood for money: my journey in the industry buying poor Americans’ plasma – https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/23/selling-blood-plasma-donations-us-health
- Donating plasma is a great side hustle — my husband and I made $1,500 in our first month – https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/is-donating-plasma-good-side-hustle
- Donating blood: Advantages, disadvantages, and procedure – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319366
- Have Concerns? Check Out These Answers to Common Questions. | Giving = Living – https://www.hhs.gov/givingequalsliving/giveplasma/common-concerns
- Why Blood Donation Is Unpaid: A Global Perspective — Stanford Blood Center – https://stanfordbloodcenter.org/pulse-volunteer-donations/
- Frequently Asked Questions – https://sandiegobloodbank.org/donors/faqs/
- Tips & Tricks for a Successful Platelet Donation – We Are Blood – https://weareblood.org/blog/tips-tricks-for-a-successful-platelet-donation/
- Platelet Donation | Vitalant – https://www.vitalant.org/donate/types-of-blood-donation/platelets
- Find Out if You Can Give Blood | Giving = Living – https://www.hhs.gov/givingequalsliving/giveblood/can-i-give
- Medical Conditions Affecting Donation – https://www.mskcc.org/about/get-involved/donating-blood/additional-donor-requirements/medical-conditions-affecting-donation
- New Inclusive Screening Process Expands Blood Donor Eligibility – https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2023/new-inclusive-screening-process-expands-blood-donor-eligibility.html
- Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage, calls for donations during National Blood Donor Month – https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2024/red-cross-declares-emergency-blood-shortage-calls-for-donations-during-national-blood-donor-month.html
- Should You Be Donating Platelets? — Stanford Blood Center – https://stanfordbloodcenter.org/should-you-be-donating-platelets/
- ‘Blood Money’: Inside the global business of selling plasma – https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/02/28/blood-money-inside-the-global-business-of-selling-plasma
- Opinion | The Treasure America Scavenges From the Poor (Published 2022) – https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/09/opinion/plasma-donation-poverty.html
- The Twisted Business of Donating Plasma – https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/05/blood-money-the-twisted-business-of-donating-plasma/362012/