Is it worth it to sell your body for money? When donating plasma, it can be.

Junior Dan Smith, a regular plasma donor, said the donation process is simple and usually doesn’t cause much pain.

Individuals can donate plasma at BioLife Plasma Services, located near Upper Campus, at 1262 W. Clairemont Ave.

According to BioLife Plasma Services’ Web site, biolifeplasma.com, “plasma is the pale yellow liquid portion of your blood that can be easily replaced by the body. It consists mainly of water and proteins, which help your body control bleeding and infection.”

BioLife manager Nancy Tanzer said plasma is used to treat disorders like hemophilia and immune system deficiencies. It is also used in products that treat diseases such as tetanus, rabies, measles, rubella and hepatitis B. Plasma is used in hospitals to help treat traumatic injuries such as shock and severe burns, Tanzer said.

One component taken from plasma during donation is clotting factors.

“Clotting factors are used for people with hemophilia who are missing a factor, so their blood will not clot. They often have internal bleeding in their joints and will lose their limbs,” Tanzer said.

With the help of clotting factors from plasma donations, these people can go on to live normal, healthy lives, she said.

She said plasma is also used to make teseal, which is a tissue-glue, sort of like super glue. This is used instead of stitches and reduces scarring and infection.

Many students at UW-Eau Claire donate plasma on a regular basis, Tanzer said.

Smith has been donating plasma at BioLife for nearly two years. During the school year he usually donates twice a week, he said.

“At first I decided to donate so I could eat, and it’s nice to save up, but I also do for the humanitarian aspect,” Smith said.

He said one of the most rewarding things about donating plasma is actually meeting some of the patients who receive the plasma.

His fondest memory of donating plasma was when BioLife had a plasma donation fair. After donating there was free food and a Plinko board. Although Smith was entertained by the Plinko board himself, the high point for him was seeing a burn victim and plasma recipient enjoying the game as well, he said.

“She was a little girl, a burn victim, and she was really pumped about playing Plinko,” Smith said.

Tanzer said the girl had been in a house fire, and through the help of plasma donation she was able to receive albumin, which prevents infection, reduces scarring and speeds healing.

The donation process usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, with an additional 20 minutes in the waiting room, Smith said.

While donating, donors can relax by reading or listening to music. Smith said the only thing you have to be careful of while donating is not falling asleep. Donors must continually pump and relax their fist for the donation to be effective.

Not everyone can donate plasma. According to the BioLife Web site, donors must be healthy individuals at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and pass all other required donor eligibility criteria.

There are other limitations concerning drugs and medications, medical conditions and medical procedures that may affect donors. An extensive list can be found on the BioLife Web site.

Before the first donation, donors must go through a physical medical exam to see that they meet all of these criteria, Smith said.

During following visits, donors go through pre-donation screening before they can donate, according to the BioLife Web site. Donors have their vitals tested, such as weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Their blood is also tested through a finger prick to see if it is safe for them to donate.

Donors may donate up to twice a week, Smith said. He said donors are paid up to $50 a week – $20 for the first visit and $30 for the second. Visits must be at least a day apart, Smith said. He said another advantage is receiving tax credit.

To schedule an appointment, call 836-9496. More information can be found on the BioLife Web site.