Edith Barnachea, customer service representative for Alpha Therapeutic, says the need for medicines made from plasma is great. People feel put down if they come here. If you knew how many thousands of people need the medicine, you would change your mind. Their blood can be drawn, but their veins aren't strong enough to handle the reentry flow of red blood cells without risking collapse. The process is relatively simple.
Newcomers take the longest, up to three hours.
They endure rigorous screenings and a physical exam. They are tested for syphilis and other blood-borne illnesses. Their first donations are used entirely for testing purposes - the plasma is screened for HIV and hepatitis. If my friends didn't do it, I wouldn't. When Van Buren arrives, he signs in.