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Saving lives one dollar at a time
BY DAYNA D. LANDGREBE
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
ISSUE: 78/17
TYLER SWIEENY / STATESMAN
Jeremy Bergan relaxes while donating
plasma earlier this week at the DCI
Plasma Center in West Duluth.
Looking to make a quick buck? Willing to sell your own plasma for it? If so, then plasma donation might be the fastest way to score that extra cash in your pocket, and for many college students, that’s the case.
“I’ve been donating for about a year and a half,” said UMD junior Chris Schwartz. “I’m poor and I need money for the weekends mostly.” Schwartz typically donates once a week and gets paid $30. He will get paid $35 if he donates a second time in a week.
While a lot of college students do donate plasma, the demographic of donors depends on the location of the center, said Christine Kuhinka, corporate communications representative of ZLB Plasma. The Duluth area has two different plasma centers, ZLB Plasma and DCI Plasma Center of Duluth, each located on Superior Street.
So, what exactly is plasma? Plasmapheresis, the process of removing plasma and separating it from the red blood cells, is used for a number of life-saving therapies. The red blood cells are then returned into the body and then the body regenerates plasma in less than 24 hours, said the DCI Plasma Web site.
“It’s easier to donate [plasma] more frequently than donating blood,” said Kuhinka. “You are donating portions of your blood—plasma—red and other blood cells are given back.”
Because the other blood cells are safely returned to the body, a person can donate up to two times a week, she said.
“I started donating a year ago for an extra paycheck,” said Duluth resident Nicole Kutzorik, 22. Kutzorik donates twice a week at ZLB Plasma and gets paid $20 each time.
However, the payment to plasma donors is not for their plasma but is compensation for the time taken to donate, Kuhinka said. Donation typically takes an hour to an hour and a half based on the individual weight of the donor.
While the individual weight of the donor may very, there are a few requirements of each donor:
Weigh at least 110 pounds
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Be between the ages of 18-59
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Live within 125 miles of the donation center
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Have proper identification and proof of a social security number
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Be in good health
“This is a totally safe process, as long as you are healthy,” Kuhinka said. “The center does extensive screening and a quick physical exam. If you are not in good health, it’s not healthy for the individual or the quality of the plasma.” The verbal screening is re-evaluated every time a person donates but the medical exam is only conducted prior to your first donation and then on an annual basis.
After a person’s second visit, the first donation of plasma can be used after being stored and tested for safety and quality, according to the ZLB Plasma Web site.
“I’ve never donated plasma but I think it’s an easy way that ordinary people can support the medical establishment,” said UMD student Laura Halbur. “Becoming a nurse or doctor takes a lot of time and work. I think donating plasma can still contribute without the time or education,” said Halbur, 17, a PSEO student from the Duluth area, who is not of age to donate yet.
While some people support the process, others may feel that donation is a means for a solely personal income. Senior Gretchen Egeberg supported the idea as long as it had good intentions for its use.
“I’m OK about doing it (donating) for charity but it seems that the majority of people do it for personal gain,” said Egeberg. Kuhinka describes donating as a relatively relaxing process, including a special type of reclining chair and the opportunity to catch up on a good book or watch some TV. Donors should get plenty of rest, eat a full meal and stay away from caffeinated beverages before donating.
“This is a great way for college students to give back and be compensated for their time,” said Kuhinka. “They should feel good—they are saving lives.”
For more information, access the ZLB Plasma Web site at www.zlbplasma.com or the DCI Plasma Center of Duluth at www.dciplasma.com.
