Can I donate plasma?

The core requirements are set by federal regulation and are the same at every centre in the country. Individual centres can be stricter, and the final decision is always made by their screening staff.

Age. 18 to 74 at most centres.
Weight. At least 110 pounds, which is 50 kilograms. This is a federal requirement, not a centre preference.
Frequency. No more than twice in any seven day period, and never twice in the same two day window. That means a minimum of 48 hours between donations.
Id. Government issued photo identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of a current permanent address.
Screening. A medical history review and a physical examination by a responsible physician on your first donation day, and at least once a year after that.
Tattoos. Many centres defer donors who have had a tattoo or piercing in the previous four months. Confirm with your centre, as this varies.
Volume. The maximum plasma volume collected per donation is set by your body weight, to protect your plasma protein levels.

This page is not medical advice and not a screening. Whether it is safe for you to donate depends on your own health, your medications and your history. That is assessed by the centre's staff and a physician. If you have a health condition, talk to a clinician first.

Things that commonly stop a donation on the day

Being dehydrated. This is the most common reason a visit fails, and it is the easiest to fix.
Low protein or low haematocrit on the day's finger stick test.
A recent tattoo or piercing, at many centres within the last four months.
Missing paperwork. Without ID, proof of Social Security number and proof of address, a first visit cannot proceed.
Feeling unwell, or a recent fever, cold or infection.

Sources

Last checked 2026-07-25.