CSL Plasma McKeesport, PA

CSL Plasma McKeesport, PA

Reviews Summary

The reviews show a mixed but generally positive sentiment, with many praising staff professionalism, especially one standout phlebotomist. Positive experiences highlight efficiency, cleanliness, and friendly service, while negative reviews cite long wait times, understaffing, and occasional unprofessional behavior. Some donors report painful or botched procedures, but others emphasize the life-saving impact of donations. Compensation rates and inconsistent vein insertion quality are occasional pain points. Overall, the center is seen as valuable despite operational flaws, with loyal donors appreciating the staff’s warmth and mission.

About This Listing

Ages 18-69
You have to make an appointment first, by phone or possibly on their website. First time donors are required to pass examinations.

Who Can Donate?

Likely aged between 18 and 65 (some centers may allow up to 69 or older)
Weigh at least 110 pounds (requirements may vary slightly)
In general good health, as determined by a health screening
No tattoos, piercings, or permanent makeup within the past 4–12 months (timeframes may vary)
Provide a valid government-issued photo ID
Provide proof of a permanent address (requirements may differ)

*Note: Eligibility criteria may vary by center. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Donors

First-time donors will typically need to complete a medical history questionnaire and undergo a brief physical exam, which may include vital signs and blood tests. Some individuals may be temporarily or permanently deferred from donating based on health or other factors.

Common Reasons for Deferral:

Temporary Recent tattoo or piercing, recent pregnancy, certain medications (e.g., antibiotics), or recent illness
Permanent Certain chronic health conditions, such as Hepatitis or HIV

*Note: Deferral policies vary by center. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card or tax document)
Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail dated within the last 60 days)

*Note: Documentation requirements may differ by center.*

Preparing for Your Donation

Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free fluids (e.g., 4–6 glasses) 2–3 hours before donating
Eat a balanced, iron-rich meal within a few hours of your visit
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior
Refrain from smoking 2–3 hours before your appointment
Avoid intense exercise for at least an hour before donating
Get adequate sleep the night before
Bring a list of any medications you’re currently taking
Postpone your visit if you’re feeling unwell

*Note: Preparation guidelines may vary by center.*

How to Get Started

Many centers allow walk-ins, but some may require appointments. Check with your local center.

Other Helpful Info

First visits may take around 1.5–2.5 hours due to the screening process
Repeat donations typically take 45–90 minutes
You may donate plasma up to twice per week, with at least 48 hours between donations (frequency may vary)
Some centers may offer a refer-a-friend program with incentives
Compensation, if offered, may be provided via cash, prepaid debit cards, or other methods (varies by center)

*Note: Policies, compensation, and procedures differ by center. Contact your local facility for details.*

Features

Ages 18-69
You have to make an appointment first, by phone or possibly on their website. First time donors are required to pass examinations.

Contact Information

Address

4313 Walnut St

McKeesport, Pennsylvania 15132

Customer Reviews

I donated for the first time ever and I can't say enough about how much i appreciate each and everyone's professionalism, starting with CINDY..everything was explained thoroughly and all my questions were answered.The facility was very clean and everyone changed their gloves and promptly and thoroughly cleaned stations after every session. Thanks for a GREAT first experience.

Why not help others and earn money. But it's 50/50. I think the staff is used to dealing with rude people so they tend to be short with you, they like to argue and treat you as being more dumb than you are. Go. Do your part. But keep your head down and just get back out.

God Awful experience through and through a major anxiety Spike environment on top of an already stressful experience. Staff often denys people from even donating in the 1st place in a don't always explain why they just tell you another date that you can be eligible to donate. It gets to the point that you waste your time going down there just to be constantly denied and told to come back only to be told to come back again and again. Waste of Time and they just jingle money over your head just to deny you an

Never been before, but the whole experience from start to end was great! Everyone I came into contact with was very hospitable and had a lovely bed side manor. I'm usually anxiety ridden and that was not the case here. Keep it up!

Great staff and always fast. Ive never had one problem donating here and everyone has a good attitude

The staff is incredibly nice. The only reason why I'm giving them 3 stars and not anything higher is simply because of CSL's policy of letting new donors skip the lines to go in front. This is a policy that wasn't around when I first started donating plasma a few years ago. In fact, during my first visit, they were EXTREMELY busy and backed up and I must have been there for just about 5 or so hours. So please understand my issue with this *newer* policy of letting new donors line jump... I think they should

Staff is rude and slow. Especially Jordan and Adam. They do not pay attention to people donating.

Amazing staff, only one complaint. Marie that works the lobby area has horrible customer service. Every time I see her for vitals she has an attitude for no reason very unprofessional. If not for her, 5 stars forsure.

Worst experience of my entire life. I'd give negative stars if I could. Every employee is incompetent, ill-informed, undertrained, and not to mention blatantly rude and completely and utterly disrespectful. How do I file a complaint with corporate? This recent incident needs to be reported as completely unethical and for the safety of other patients as well, fixed, to ensure a safe and empathetic experience. I had 2 providers do my physical (after telling the 1st provider I was uncomfortable with the secon

This is my first time at this location. The staff here is amazing! Shout out to Tonya. She lights up the room. Please be patient due to the short staff. Overall amazing center. I will be back. :D It's November now. Overall great staff! Very friendly staff all around. Easy to get along with. Professional. Knowledgeable. I stopped donating for a while due to the older ways, and I enjoy the changes. Side note for the owner: I feel as if your software should be updated more. It looks like you're running on an

I enjoy helping people and saving lives of those who truly need it, however, the past couple of times I've donated plasma, there have been some failures. I usually can donate very easily but the past time or so they've made it very difficult in the right placement of the needle. The staff also seems like they have it out for each other too. The past couple times I was there, staff members would always get belittled by one another and to me that didn't send a positive vibe while donating. A lot of times they

It would be beneficial for those of us with kids who wish to donate if the website stated that no kids were allowed inside. Doesn't even state that on the door walking into the building.I brought my daughter in in her stroller and immediately was talked AT, ?she can't be in here?. Wasn't even nice about it. It was very clear I didn't know, otherwise I wouldn't have loaded her in the truck with all her stuff to keep her quiet and content, drove 20 mins, in the rain. Just to be talked to like I should already

If I could give this place less than one star, I would. I don't know who they have running the front but they are very rude and very unprofessional. The first time I donated here was fine. They said the only thing is where I moved states I would have to bring back a proof of mail in order to donate the second time. Ok whatever. Easy enough right? No. It was not. They failed to tell me that the letter needed a date or a stamp. The lady was not friendly about it. Raised the letter and very aggressively told m

I've been donating for well over a year and half and I can say I've got to know staff pretty well and are very friendly and professional to you if you show them the same courtesy. Along with some reviews on here I would agree that they could use more staff to cut down wait times. Notable staff standouts there Ardretta, Nikki, Mike, and Adrian I would recommend. The wait times can be long depending on what time of day, week, and year you go. The holidays seem to be busy time of year and tax season seems to

Nice, friendly staff who are wiiling to explain the process to you and make sure your whole experience is great. I gave 4 stars because this place is so under staffed. Sometimes you have to wait along time to get out after your done, or to even be seated. I see the poor staff moving as quickly as possible but with only two people its hard. So my only concern is that, get more staff, otherwise its a plesant place to donate.

I donated plasma several times at this facility. Today was a disaster and I will not go back! The two year veteran tech stuck me in a different area than I normally get stuck. Maybe this is why my donation had to be stopped because it ?backwashed?? Nobody would tell me anything! I overheard her ask, ?should I give it back to her?, then someone replied ?NO?. Then a guy handed me a red Gatorade. No one told me to drink it so I put it in my purse. After sitting a few minutes they told me because of this I coul

CSL is a pretty good place to donate. The staff, like Mike, are experienced and polite. The building is clean, and it's easy to sign in. My only complaint is that some week days it gets packed fast, but that out of their control.

JORDAN TWINNNN WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN CAUSE NOBODY KNOWS ME LIKE YOU DO NOBODY GONE POKE ME LIKE YOU DO CANT EVEN DENY IT EVERYTIME I TRY IT ONE LOOK IN MY EYES YOU KNOW IM...LOL thanks love for making my donor experience the best everytime I come!

Very helpful in understanding within the new process of donating very good very helpful easy payment 2 for your services

I have been donating here for over a year now. The staff have always been great, there were a few times however of my vein being missed or being left connected on the machine for 15 minutes after it finished. Mistakes happen occasionally of course, but for the most part it is a good way to spend 90 minutes earning some extra money. Whenever Mike is on shift things go very smoothly and he has by far been the most consistant throughout my time donating.

I've donated 4 times so far at CSL Mckeesport and will continue to donate as long as I'm able. The staff members are professional and friendly. Lines go quickly and the process is simple. Feels good knowing I'm helping plus I make a little extra cash!

I love the place. Lots of money tk be made just from an hour and a half of time. 2 times a week. My problem is the times you have yo wait. Sometimes 1 hour to 2 hours epecially in the am just to get in line. Because their are 25 to 30 people in line. Its staff is split for me. For the most part i love the staff. But their are 1 or 2 thats makes me cringe and truly just kills my experience. 1 time i had a blown vain because they put it in wrong. Which only happened once and now i work away from that staff me

Omg Nikki and crystal is the best I can't say the same for everyone else .. staff were pretty friendly , I wish they would teach the new girl to stick people all she does is stand around.. they're all looking at me I should of left before leaving this review

Mike K. Is always super professional and welcoming when I donate. I ask for him personally when he is working. One of the very few I feel comfortable with sticking me. He is very attentive and knowledgeable.

Told I needed to provide proof of address. I provided an email FROM USPS confirming my change of address and was told that wasn't proof, but that a postmarked birthday card would work. Idk who's making these decisions, but I don't trust them or anyone they'd hire with needles around me.

I got defered because some ignorant snobby lady with blue hair thinks she's a doctor. If she was so smart she wouldn't be working at CSL ?????

I've had good and bad experiences. With one instance like, I had a yellow address change card and they didn't like that so no donation allowed. Also, another time it was the end of the night and after being there 3 hours in Monroeville location she didn't want to find my vein? It was closing time... Mckeesport found it no problem the next day. Well with that being said, have everything in decency and in order and stay hydrated and go very early in the day but not so early.

This place is clean, and "some" of the staff are friendly. The worst thing is that they are SO,,,,, UNDERSTAFFED here, and the wait is forever most of the time. The rarely have enough staff to use both sides of the donor floor, I don't understand why they don't hire more people. CSL is clearly making alot of money at this location, in sure that they can afford more staff. If there was another location to donate at I would definitely be going there.

First I want to say the staff is nice. But as for the referral program its a lie! Never got anything for it and they were "looking into it for 3 weeks now" so dnt fall for that BS. And most recently I come to donate and was told I'm not allowed to donate because they were 5 days late picking up the sample and I have to wait until they get it back. That would be fine but email me callmessage me on the app something! Nope, just wait for me to come and tell me sorry you wasted your time. Well no worries becaus

They turned me down because I'm allergic to iodine but for many years they used alcohol. Then they got upset because I donated at Penn hills grifols. McKeesport csl is a strange very strange place. I called grifols they said we'll use alcohol you can come to us in 7 days. I said ok thank you. So yes I'll never the less refer anyone or be going back there. If I can give no stars I would have not given them any

It is very clean. they are very nice and helpful. it's good for you and great for saving lives. I feel safe and I love the staff. they go above and beyond. to help you leave with a smile. .I would not donat no where else on Earth. Butt here ??????????????????.

My experience was and still is amazing the team that's there are nice and will make you laugh they really do appreciate you I love going because I know I'm helping someone out in life.

I just recently started donating at CSL Plasma in McKeesport. The workers here are extremely friendly, and I have never had a bad experience. Nikki is one of my favorites. She is caring, funny, and good at her job! I would highly recommend this site to any new donors!

Nice staff and clean place. No problems with donations, but big problem with the kind of card they put the money on. You lose so much money every time you use it. There isn't an atm that is free to use. If the atm doesn't charge you the card company does.

I've donated more than several times with only one poor experience that caused my arm to bruise and be deferred until it healed. ALL the other times, everyone has been just wonderful, professional and courteous! Do something good for others and earn money at the same time!!! A win -win.

This place has terrible wait times. My boyfriend waited an hour before he even went back to have everything started. On top of that the flobotamist missed his vein and went under it!!!! Uncalled for. He enjoys helping people out but sitting there for 2 hours before he can even go home? That's ridiculous!

I wrote a very long review, due to length I cant write a review or tell my horrible experience explaining why I will no longer donate plasma. this is very unfortunate and it hurts my feelings to know that my situation will not be heard or recognized by the people I need to see it. in hopes that something will be done. this store is doing wrongful things and nothings being done about it. I will never participate in donation ANYTHING anymore I feel these businesses do not deserve or care about anyone donating

Initial visits take way longer than the 2 hours projected by the website. I didn't have time to finish and still donate. The lady that was helping me was really nice but a little green.

If you need money this is the compensation rate 1st&2nd $100 3-5$75 then it's $45 than $60 for second donation a week Definitely not worth the 45 and 60 If you're not complete hydrated it will be painful or if they stick you bad which happens alot

I have been coming to CSL almost a year, and I fell in love with the staff. Everyone is so nice, friendly, and helpful.

Mike K is AMAZING!! He is so friendly, compassionate, straight to point, hustling to get the job done, and you can clearly tell this isnt just a job to him ??

Going to give 5 stars although I wasn't thrilled that a couple of the techs only had plastic face shields, but were NOT wearing masks. That should be mandatory!! I am hesitant to donate again after my last experience. Update: Everyone with the exception of one of the lead techs had a mask. Why this fellow Aaron thinks he shouldn't wear one is beyond me.

So i started donating plasma at CSL in Mckeesport a year or so ago. Workers come and go but not many compare to Nikki. She loves her job and her donors...(Not love love her donors but like) i hope CSL hires more like her. 5 Stars for you Nikki...

I've never donated, but seeing all these reviews and my brother had cancer and they gave him plasma to help save his life. I think I will start donating so maybe I can help save a life. Ps MIKE seems to have by far the best feedback and needs a raise! Hope to see yinz soon.

The staff are so helpful and personable I love it they made my first time a wonderful feeling I would tell a friend and family member to come support and help save a life

Great big shout out to the following people at the Mckeesport location. Mike Aaron Dorian Patty Tara Samantha James Nikki. Missy Ardretta and Peegee keep up the good work and continue making the center run smoothly. .

A friend left the center and had blood pouring down his arm! Tried to call the center to open the door to get medical attention but CSL took their phone off the hook...the phone had a continuous busy signal... Also, NO ONE answered the door when he walked back to the center to get help!... Unsafe after care??

Is good parking and customer service is right on time when you're there they answer you and take care of you right away it's a good business and good service

I've been donating at CSL for the past two year and have never had any issues with any donations or with the staff. It's a great way to earn extra money and I would recommend to anybody looking to do so.

Great staff, clean area, professional atmosphere. However their corporate policy directly violates federal ADA law in only allowing specific kinds of service dogs for visual impairment only. The Laws are below for clarification: Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. When can service animals

I GIT A 2 SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY DONT CLEAN THE SEATS AFTER EACH USE PENNHILLS DOES. THEY HAVE A 2 to 3 HOUR WAITING AN VERY LOW ON A PROFESSIONAL POINT OF VIEW. A LOT OF THEM DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THERE JOB SAD STEP IT UP CSL

Mike, Nikki, Missy and Ardretta are very professional. Samantha and Dorian make you feel comfortable when you come in the door.

My first time. I was a little nervous. Everyone there was so nice

Been donating for almost 3 years now great place friendly staff

Mike is great here at csl he's very knowledgeable an has passion for what he does. I also like the incentive rewards prizes an bonus money for donating multiple times a month.

Mike is an outstanding worker u can tell he loves this job I definitely recommend him Shout out to mike

I go to csl plazma in olympia all the time,mike took care of me today and many other times that iv been there.he does an amazing job everytime and is really nice in the process.good job mike!

The staff is very friendly and nice i enjoy donating they always ask you how your doing... just a very respectful place to be

Love this place. Staff is professional. I can help people and bring in extra $ at same time. Win - win

Was deferred due to having medication in my blood. What a bunch of bs. I dont know why I even bothered to donate plasma when I got asked if I take blood pressure medicine or an epileptic seizure medicine. Does everyone have to be 100% perfect to donate plasma? I mean we are only human NOT GOD! Nobody is perfect! I cant believe that this place deferred me, but they owe me $50 for taking time out of my busy schedule to go in to donate only to be asked about the medicine in my blood! Lol!

Not sure why it's the donors fault when staff misses the vein. Horrible experiences since day 1. Will not be back. This makes me sad because I know how many lives it could save.

I come here often, the staff is always nice and the money they give comes in handy when I'm in between paychecks ????

Melissa L has been amazing, I'm really happy she is back. Please let her know she is appreciated...

Mike the senior phlebotomist is always kind and knows what he is doing. Overall I've never had a bad experience here.

If Mike k not on the floor i be Lil scared to get poked by anyone self... He do a great job...

Everyone is very nice and very honest. Im glad i am saving lives with my plasma donation. Stem cell saved my best friend from dying i am going to donate today

Mike is an awesome worker in your staff. Always very kind, patient, and understanding.

Great staff but don't pay enough...new customer get paid more than return customers lol lame

Mike k is one of the most friendly person I go to him Everytime and he is gentel and hes my favorite person

It's a great place with excellent staff members. Always friendly and nice.

Very nice people that know what there doing Mike is really good and definitely good with a needle

Nikki your awesome but I love mike haha. You both take care of your people and I love it. Thanks guys

I love csl out of all the plasma I been to this one is so much better. I will tell my friends about y'all. Thank you for your time with me.

I have been coming here for a year now..excellent staff, would highly recommend this place

I don't ever have any problems everytime I go . Mike makes sure I'm taken care of everytime .

Staff is very rude/lazy and treats donors like trash. This is completely unacceptable and needs to be resolved immediately!

I've had nothing but very kind interactions & experiences within this facility ,starting Mike,w very professional & kind employee, Sincerely Darrell C. Paige

I love going here! If u go certain times of the day you are in and out. I wont go no where esle

The workers are nice and friendly!! Thanks So Much For Your Kindness.

Tara is sooo hawwwwt,please let me know when she is single so I can ask her out ??

McKeesport CSL Plasma Mike is very good at what he does. He takes his time and you don't feel the needle going into your arm.

THEY WILL STOP YOU FROM COMING IN AN KICK YOU OUT JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN . VERY MUCH RUDE , POOR ESTABLISHMENT . AN VERY POOR SERVICES. THEY PUSH TO HARD WITH THE NEEDLES AN FINGER . A BUNCH OF UNDERTRAIN PPL

This is my third time donating and the staff is very friendly and helpful.

I really appreciate the every time I come in Mike is always so professional

Mike is a great friendly guy never any issues recommend

I had a nice 1st experience. Everyone was very nice & helpful.

The people are awesome and it's extremely clean and safe to donate! Love everyone

I love this place. The staff is great and helpful. Save lives at a great place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What disqualifies you from donating plasma?

Plasma donors can get disqualified for a list of different reasons, which may result in a temporary or a permanent deferral. Common reasons people get a temporary disqualification may include being dehydrated, taking certain medications, getting a tattoo within the last 4 months, or being pregnant in the last 6 months.

How can you donate plasma quickly?

Donating plasma can get busy with donors and long waiting times. To donate plasma faster, choose a plasma center that allows you to book an appointment online and take your health screening questionnaire remotely from home. Additionally, call your local plasma center and ask for the least busy days and times of the week.

Can you workout after donating plasma?

Most phlebotomists recommend that you take a day off from working out or lifting weights on the same day as your plasma donation. Instead, take the day to rest, eat well, and drink plenty of water after your donation.

How often can I donate plasma?

Plasma donors are legally capped at two donations per week or 7-day period, with at least 48 hours in between each donation.

What should I eat before donating plasma?

Before your plasma donation, it's recommended that you drink plenty of water (4-6 eight-ounce glasses), and eat a meal with high protein and iron content. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking on the same day as your donation.