The organizations that collect plasma are primarily for-profit pharmaceutical companies. All are licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, and are subject to rigorous guidelines regarding donor care and product safety. But perhaps the best failsafe is the fact that the companies collect most of their plasma from repeat customers. In order to maintain their stable of donors, they must collect their fluids with as little trouble and unpleasantness as possible. 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.