- 1). Call the Helena Donor Center--or visit its website--or call the Red Cross (see link in the Reference section) to schedule a plasma donation appointment.
- 2). Eat a good meal and drink at least a quart of water prior to arriving at the donation center. The donation takes about an hour and 15 minutes and you can donate every 28 days. Show your identification and fill out the paperwork which includes medical history, current health and current medications. Read any informational material you're given about donating. Then roll up your sleeve, relax and let the technicians do their jobs.
- 3). Get up slowly and carefully, then move to the recovery area following your donation. Volunteers will monitor your condition as you replenish yourself with fruit juice, a second quart of water and salty snacks. Don't be shy about telling someone if you don't feel well. When you feel fine, collect your donor card (which speeds the process the next time) and go home.
- 4). The Food and Drug Administration requires all blood and plasma donations to be tested for syphilis, hepatitis B surface antigen, and HIV antibodies. You will be contacted if the tests reveal anything.