CSL Plasma Michigan City, IN

CSL Plasma Michigan City, IN

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the friendly, professional staff who make donors feel comfortable, with many highlighting excellent phlebotomists and receptionists. Clean facilities and attentive service are frequently mentioned. However, some criticize long wait times, understaffing, and occasional technical issues. A few negative reviews cite poor management, unprofessional behavior, or communication problems. While many donors have consistently positive experiences, others express frustration with delays, inconsistent policies, or equipment malfunctions. The overall sentiment leans positive, with staff kindness and skill often outweighing operational shortcomings.

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

312 US-20

Michigan City, Indiana 46360

Customer Reviews

I was donating and got a hematoma, the phlebotomist rushed over from working on someone else. Didn't change gloves and just started working on me. I was in pain, so I didn't stop her, but after I thought about it, I voiced my concern to the manager, who was on the floor. I saw the guy being stuck, but the manager said she was just cleaning and prepping the other donor, so it's ok. I don't think it's ok, but I'm not a medical professional. Is this bad or what?

You can tell the staff works hard. They are attentive and do their best to make the experience as pleasant as possible... which is enough of a challenge when you're sitting there with a needle in your arm. Once you go through the initial processing the following visits go smoothly. Glad to be working with this location and letting my good health help others

Pay out should be higher. Across the boards for all sizes. My only complaint is that. Love the staff. Everyone is a real genuine person who are not afraid to be themselves. And that's wonderful. Everyone crying about the wait, should develop better patience or just don't go. If y'all are gonna complain at least complain about the amount of basically free money y'all get, for doing nothing but squeezing your hand. Like so.

First off I came there to get a little extra for something important and all bc I had a tattoo that was done a couple weeks ago I had 4 little word and they gave me 4months not to come back I might not come back at all and Ik that might not hurt anybody but I felt as if it was stupid bc the Tattoo Is basically healed if thats the case of me not being able to donate bc of a little tattoo then why donate when ur on ur period it's just gonna leave anyway but that's just me. But also those who have tattoos and

It's crazy when you have to wait 15 to 20 minutes to get disconnected and wait all this other time this place is horrible why don't they do appointments like other plasma centers so today 6/25/2025 7 in que line 1 person doing vitals and 1 sticking this place gets worse by the day and now I seen them turn three people away so they don't have to deal with them and I literally have one little scrape in my hand and I already know don't come unless it's got a little scab on it well guess what she denied me it

Some of the employees that do the check in process should be trained better. It is not ok that they disqualify people because they're not doing their job correctly.

Staff is overall friendly but awful wait times. I didn't go for over 4 months because of the waiting. Not worth 3 or 4 hours of my time for $47 Also they had no water. If you have to stay there for over 3 hours you get extremely thirsty and start to get hungry. Most of the staff is kind and apologetic. One lady Jen is very nice and professional. Also the nurse was very kind and professional.

I have been donating plasma csl in Michigan City IN. There staff is always so friendly and they go all out to make me feel appropriated even tho every other time I go in there I have to have a new card it's never been a problem they r more then happy to help me with whatever it is I may need I would recommend CSL in Michigan City IN. And ask for my buddy John he his the happiest red headed guy I have ever met thanks John

I applaud the men and women who work at CSL in Michigan city. More often than that management is dealing with a huge turnover rate and being understaffed more often than not because of it. From personal experience, I can relate and that is not easy sometimes it takes longer than others, but what I see in there when it takes longer is a great group of people who truly care About the donors and the whole staff is doing all they can with what they have I kindly thank you all for that !

Terrible service, THEY ARE RACISTS. They told me that they couldn't attend to me, just because I didn't know how to express myself in English.

Always has been my go to location as well is a learning experience each and every time if you are already familiar with the process ahead of time goes by without complications also there's decent rewards and the usual payout at the end I leave with knowing I participated with future and immediate support thank you CSL

Started with a 2 star review at the beginning but they've earned more stars. Lines are way better, everything is running smoother and they have some very talented phlebotomists. A lot of them tend to talk to each other or customers and make you wait, which is definitely a downfall. But today I had Kayla F. and she did an amazing job. Needle didn't hurt going in, very nice and caring, disconnected me as soon as I was done and I couldn't have asked for more. 5 stars for her.

This place needs to close, poorly staffed. Waiting times is hours now. The staff doesn't seem to like their jobs.

Kayla F. Phlebotomist is wonderful! Kayla is very careful, when feeling for vein. She is caring, friendly,and professional ! Kayla listens to me about the cuff being to tight and my arm turning purple. She is quick to adjust it and wait for a min to make sure the adjustment is good. I will be requesting her to stick me when she's here :) Kayla thank you so much for being so caring, friendly and professional !! It does not go unnoticed!

I have been coming to CSL for a very long time and have had many things happen that have been great and many disappointing. Most have been addressed and worked out. But to come in here and see how very unhappy the majority of the phlebotomist are is very discouraging. Now yet another good one Robert leavingis heartbreaking for us in Michigan City. Maybe someone should check and see why we can't keep the good people that make us all enjoy coming here.

Your employee dawn is absolutely amazing ! All the staff was awesome and friendly

Dawn is always the amazing lady who greets me and is usually my first interaction at CSL. She's such a sweetheart and always at work. I absolutely love all the people who work in the back as well. Montana, Lexi, Andrew, there's so many great people who work here. I originally came for the cash but stayed for the people, the laughs, and the epic staff, it wouldn't be the same place without these people. Thanks for making it feel like it's a little more personal and a lot more professional.

Up until yesterday I have had nothing but great experiences with the staff and everyone. Yesterday I went in after a long day at work to donate as usual. It was about 6:30pm not to busy, in fact only one person in line ahead of me. A lady that I normally don't see sat me in booth 3 we went through everything like normal it turned out that my Hemaglobin was a little to low, I was a little upset due to this never happening she told me I had to comeback tomorrow which I understood, I then aimed my cotton ball

This place is absolutely ridiculous. I waited an hour this morning to find out that there was no nurse working. This wasted my time and gas! On top of that, every employee has a horrible attitude. They complain about their schedules, their job and other employees. This makes for a miserable donating experience.

Was very nervous walking in.. with it being my first time. But the staff was great. They explained the process very well and we're ready to answer any of my questions. During the actual process I was still nervous but thanks to an employee named Alicia the process was was easy. I will be back.

I got a faulty machine with a bad arm cuff and loose tubing that caused my donation to take close to 2 hours (in all fairness they did tell me they put my machine on a slower setting, but I was constantly seeing it stop pumping, and it would pick up speed anytime Sammie jiggled the cord). It was frustrating seeing people come in after me and leave before me, and how close I got to missing work because of it. Sammie was awesome and as attentive as a human could be, and she would constantly fix the tubing in

Kayla is a great Phleb. This is the first time I had her and my arm is a little tricky and she did great! Brooklyn was also great and very friendly. She lets you know she heard your machine when finished donating and acknowledged she would be right with you to disconnect. Great staff! Anna and Haley and Dawn at the front reception area are very nice and helpful. Clean place and know it will take a little while to donate but worth going to Michigan City! I can go on and on about the Phlebs! YG, Sammie

I called to ask about a program I heard about, where they would train you while paying you. But the first time I called not one answered and the second time I called a very rude women picked up the phone and hung up. I called again today and they let the phone ring for 3 minutes before they hung up.

Staff if nice but always understaffed, wait times are ridiculous because of short staff. And every clfew weeks they close early because no one wants to work and acts like it's you're falt when you bring up a problem.

Stood in line for over an hour waiting to be hooked up when there were more than enough open beds ready to be used. Absolutely ridiculous, you need more/ faster staff.

Dawn!!!! The lady that works here by the name Dawn she is absolutely amazing!!! I couldn't have asked for any better!!! She made me laugh SO much I almost forgot I was afraid of needles ?? she is so welcoming, nice, informational, over all around she is the reason I'll be returning!

Receptionist was efficient and processed me quickly, phlebotomist was excellent, didn't even feel the needle stick, did not have to wait to be disconnected. All staff were friendly and facility is always clean. In and out is in a little over an hour! MC location is the best!

I love Sammie and all the wonderful people who make this place so inviting. I've been coming since the day they opened over two years ago, and honestly it's just so worth it. Donating plasma feels like a charity for me, but the money talks did help with combating inflation so I can afford my groceries. Thank you everyone for all the support you've given me over the years.

I have donated plasma numerous times. In those times, I have always been greeted so welcoming by Anna. Anna is so very patient with me while she is checking my Vitals. Anna does not rush me just to move on to the next donor. Anna answers every question I have that concerns me and she explains it to me very well. While Anna takes my vitals she gives me 100% of her attention, which is why I often let another donor in line ahead of me so that Anna is the one to do my Vitals.

Arianna is my favorite phlebotomist, she is so nice and friendly, I barely ever feel it when she sticks me , we have good conversations, and she is just great at her job. I love having her when I come around! Keep doing great Ari !

Dawn was excellent during my first time visit. She was kind, energetic and enthusiastic in explaining the whole process and answering all of the questions I had. She has a great personality and it was easy to feel comfortable and relaxed during the whole process. Highly recommend going to the Michigan city CSL Plasma center and ask for Dawn if possible!

These folks take great care of us when we donate! My gf and I have been coming here for months, and we always have a positive experience. Shouts out to Kerri for being skilled at her job and always keeping a positive attitude...keep up the good work!

This place is wonderful. It's very clean, the staff are helpful and friendly, and they work hard to lower wait times. Great for our community. Lower income individuals can make a little cash, and it's providing jobs. Can't ask for more.

Today, I had a really good experience at CSL donating plasma because of my phlebotomist, Sammie S. She really went the extra mile. She delayed her lunch to stick 3 of us donors. She took her time, did a gentle stick and made adjustments. She is kind to us donors, skillful and a team player.

I always have a.great experience at this location. Great staff, and always professional. I have my favorites though! Zakieh and Shona are my favorite phlebotomists. Sam and Latoya are awesome nurses. The upfront staff are always nice, and keep the line moving. I have no complaints, and I enjoy seeing everybody everytime I come in.

Honestly seems like a place that does care and does their best despite having to deal with some tough situations at times and frustrated people. They keep on being there though and that's commendable. Great job people, thank you for what you do.

Staff are always so kind and I feel welcome here every time. Even when short-staffed or when the system went down, they kept their cool, kept things moving, and politely ignored the people complaining. Even most of the people I stand next to in line have been helpful and friendly.

Staff is friendly but extremely extremely lazy waiting over 3 hours just to get to a machine they just sit there and talk and not do their jobs

I LOVEEEEEEE Johnesha! She is amazing! She has been such a trooper with my troubled veins, she sticks with ease and makes me feel comfortable every time!!!! Thankyou Johnesha for all your hard work! You are appreciated!

Lele (however you spell it) is the goat. Great phlebotomist!

Sammie is a great phlebotomist. Brooklyn is amazing. YG is excellent. Johnesha is amazing. I love me some Shona. Mostly everyone there is nice. The center is always clean.

Sammie S is seriously a super star! She makes you feel like the most important person in the room and gets you going with a breeze. I know I'm in for a good day when she is there :)

I've been donating plasma for a year and a half at the Hobart Location. When the Michigan City location opened, I switched to it because it was closer to my home. I Love this location! The staff here is so nice, especially Montana. She is definitely the stand out phlebotomist at CSL. She remembers all of the donors names and always so full of positivity and energy. She talks with you while you're donating and it makes the time go by faster. The staff at this location really cares about their donors and it s

They had me running around for 2 days. First told to get 2nd proof of ID and come back that day. I did asap and I was quick. When i got back minutes later they then told me I'd have to come back the next day so that was a waste of my time and gas. Came back and went over all relevant medical information. Was told everything checked out. Did their 20 minute video, blood pressure, pulse and weight. Did the finger poke for blood and plasma which looked great. Then went back to a room and was denied due to a

Johnesha was excellent very friendly and is very good at her job could barely feel when she poked me she's definitely One of the BEST phlebotomist there! Highly highly recommend her!

Had a great experience as usual but I wanted to commend the young lady with the star tattoos on her neck (sorry not sure of your name) you seemed newish but handled the troublesome donor next to me despite her being super rude and hostile to you. You remained calm and professional despite her acting like a child.

Robert S. Is an amazing phlebotimist. He is always kind, professional and always smiles. He does an amazing job.

I THOUGHT this center had improved for the long term, but I see it's slowly falling back into it's old self. When I got here there was one flobotomist on the floor with no one helping her take down or set up the machines. I was in line long enough to see another phlebotomist arrive and the management come in with Dunkin donuts for themselves. I witnessed donors having to wait on the machines after being done donating for 20 minutes or longer. I have been to other CSL plasma donating centers and when they ar

They'll tell you that you'll make up to $425 the first month you donate, but be mindful because you HAVE to donate WITHIN those 30 days, I got deferred for 14 days and my rewards went from $100 to $55. Rewards program is a scam. Should be able to get $100 for your first 2 donations regardless of days. I recommend getting the app to keep track.

I always feel welcomed at the Michigan city plasma center. Even tho it's out of my way I would rather be there. So far margarita blanco is my favorite. You can tell she cares she motivated and gives great advice. Good customer service skills.

This center is fantastic! I've donated since they've opened and love the experience every time I'm in to donate. Super friendly staff especially Shawn, Jon, Becky, Dawn, LaToya, Evelyn, Blake, Johnesha, Arianna, Ari and Nikki! Every single week I'm there and they give the best service 10 out of 10! Thank you for taking care of me!

Today was my first time ever donating and Johnesha did a great job. She got my stick the first time with no complications and she made me feel comfortable with my first donation.

Took 2 hours and it wasn't my first visit. I don't think anyone cared when I was finished because I sat around for 35 minutes. Arm is killling! GO TO ANY OTHER PLASMA CENTER, THEY PAY MORE!

Dawn was awesome and very patient and polite. I love her energy for her job. This was my first visit and she is Awesome????

Everytime I Step Into The Plasma Center, There's Nothing But Smiling Faces and Lots Of Love Shown From Everyone! But If I Had To Recommend Someone To Assist Further Would be, Arianna "Ari"! She Does An Excellent Job!

Place is a Joke! You come in and see no one is in line...But dont get excited. Because you will still wait an hour before you get poked. 15 Employees and maybe one that can actually put a needle in your arm. Oh, while your waiting New Donors get to keep cutting in line, in front of you. For some reason new donors are going to work here the next day? Because they explain the entire process to each person as if they are going to place a needle in the next person. There are 3 people donating g in front of me.

Went in at 11:30 am on a Saturday as a return donor. No one was doing the vitals screening, and the line was probably 20 people long waiting. Left and came back two hours later and there was still a super long line and only one person doing the screenings! Not going back to this location.

I love how everyone is so nice. They make you feel comfortable in all they are doing. On my third and final try Sammie S finally got the blood that was needed. Good job.

Love coming here, the incentives are the best I've seen. Margarita is my favorite. Really sweet and takes her time. 10/10 experience.

This place is a very welcoming atmosphere! Sammie did a wonderful job at making me feel comfortable while inserting the needle(:

The entire staff here is polite and they know their stuff. Blake is an artist at his craft! You definitely want to ask for him if he is working.

This place is so unprofessional, they don't answer the phone ever. Probably to busy gossiping about whos doing there job right.

Wait times are beyond ridiculous. The braindead guy named Shawn sent me to medical apparently for no reason and I had to wait even longer because of him. The first time I donated they were talking multiple times about how they forgot to do saline or whatever. This location is absolutely incompetent, I guess I have to drive the extra distance and hope the other CSL close to me is at least half as competent at this pathetic excuse for a plasma donation center.

I come twice a week every week and my phlebotomist Kayla is one of the very best and the whole staff is professional and they make you feel very comfortable for anyone planning on donating plasma just make sure you drink plenty of water and eat protein rich foods and your donations will go perfectly

It's not the people who work here that are my problem,It is the LIE that they give bonuses for referrals! My daughter-in-law has donatedFor the last monthAnd neither one of us have received the referral bonus.Don't plan on receiving extraFor a referral because it is an OUTRIGHT LIE!!!!

Dawn, Jen and Lisa were so friendly and helpful. They made my first experience super easy.

Dawn the reception tech was sooo sweet. We laughed and she made the process easy. Keep being kind sweetheart, you brighten my day??

My phlebotomist was super kind and professional. I love that she remembers me. Most importantly I did not feel a thing.

This place just had me sit there for an hour to tell me I couldn't donate because I ?have tattoos on my arms?. I have been donating for the past decade. If your phlebotomist arnt capable of drawing from a tattooed area they shouldn't be drawing at all.

The gossip in the front is unreal from Anna all she does is bad mouth her coworkers to donors she has no professional standards at all she tells donors work gossip and things donors don't need to know about the facility as in why they can not retain employees she has also Givin private Information about other donors health this is not ok in any medical standards how do you let this continue

Margarita did an awesome job on Saturday May 28th! They were severely understaffed and I appreciated her professionalism!

Kelly and Katelyn always take great care of me. I always love to see there faces when I come in. Great phlebotomists better personalities!!

Johnesha is great. She's very friendly and answers all my questions every time I come in. She is wonderful at what she does!

Johnesha is very polite and I have known her for many years. As she worked where I use to donate before here.

Johnesha took great care of me. This was my first time and she made me super comfortable. Great experience

This place is filled with great people! Love the ladies on the donor floor! Katelyn, Montana, Kelly and Brittani take such good care of me! Definitely a place I would recommend!!

Way understaffed, employees dont look professional, huge wait times. Do not come to the mc location.

Friendly staff and fun. I like that we always have some water or crackers offered at check in. Facility is clean.

Hello, I had Johnesha as my phlebotomist she was excellent, professional and courteous And stuck my needle in without pain ????????????

margarita Is always so kind and professional, I always have a positive experience every time I come to this location, it's very clean and the staff always makes you feel comfortable.

Margarita was so friendly and professional. Job well done. You all hire some good people.

Everyone is always so friendly, Dawn helps me at the vital check point because she is so nice and helps me relax, Brittany and Kelly are wonderful phlebotomist.

Worst plasma center in the start worst experience I've bet had people and rude and very slow, I'm a regular donor and it takes 3 or more hours to get on a bed and Donte this is ridiculous and they need all new staff!!!

Sammie S. She is the best. Always making sure I'm doing ok. Love her to pieces

Sammy, Diamond and Sarina have a smoth hand. I didn't feel the needle and that was awsome.

Montana always has a wonderful attitude when i come. She gets me in anx out and shona sits me and she is always professional.

Johnesha 1 shot wonder she's super friendly and knows how to make you feel comfortable even with a 2 foot needle in your arm

I was told I would get 100 for my second donation and they only gave me 50 then told me I was because it was not withing 30 days

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.