CSL Plasma

The wait getting to the chair can be a bit long at times, but honestly love the staff (especially Keith, Rikki, and Chloe) there. Just make sure you have at least a few hours cleared when you go and that you’re not in any rush. You eventually learn the best time to go the days you donate.

Overall CSL doesn’t have a great rating, so I was to say the least pretty nervous to try it out. But, I really wanted to start giving plasma because obviously the extra money helps any broke college kid but it’s also so cool how it’s actually important and relevant to donate. My dad has been giving plasma in my hometown for a few years already and I had actually tried to go to BioLife over two years ago and was deferred for ONE YEAR just because I had piercings and tattoos. I get you have to let your body heal but an entire year is so excessive. CSL only requires 4 months between the most recent tattoos or piercings so this was part of my motivation for coming here versus other places.

100% transparency coming to CSL to give has been one of THEE BEST decisions I have ever made. Like I can’t even explain just how awesome donating here has been.

Expect when you go in the first time that it will take at least 3 hours to get you set up. I’m not sure why but that’s truly just how long it takes, and they do warn you of that before you start. But after that initial setup it takes around an hour each time to donate depending on how busy it is and you can go twice a week, so it’s super easy.

They don’t take appointments, it’s all walk-in only. Also be aware if you have any kind of bruise or cut on your arms or hands they may defer you for a few days or more. I had a bruise on my arm one time and I ended up not being able to give for a week. I get they want your body to heal and that’s fine but it’s definitely something to be prepared for.

I can’t even believe how nice everyone here is! Of course there’s the occasional grumpy person but I truly feel so at home coming to CSL after a few months now getting to know the workers. Many of them remember me by name now and always say hi and I feel so welcome and just love the community there. From Dara, to Deb, to Scott to Chloe to Jamie, and my man “K” (he never wears a name tag and won’t tell me his actual name but he knows who he is), they are all so awesome and there’s so many more who should be recognized that I hadn’t written down.

Seriously. These guys rock. They can be a little slow at times sure but it is so worth it to come donate especially if you need some extra change and actually want to make a difference for someone in need through your plasma donation- give it a try!