CSL Plasma State College, PA

CSL Plasma State College, PA

Reviews Summary

The reviews show a mixed consensus: many praise CSL Plasma for its friendly, professional staff and efficient process, often comparing favorably to competitors like Biolife. Positive experiences highlight cleanliness, quick service, and caring staff who make donors feel welcome. However, negative reviews cite issues like long wait times, understaffing, unprofessional behavior, and painful or bruising needle insertions. Some donors report inconsistent payouts or poor management. While many recommend CSL, others warn of specific locations with recurring problems. Overall, experiences vary widely based on staff interactions and individual tolerance for discomfort.

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

265 Northland Center

State College, Pennsylvania 16803

Customer Reviews

I had some problems here but normally there try there best. But last time to many things happened here only one thing. That is not normal and I never get a bruise.

This is the most discombobulated place I have ever donated at. I would recommend going to kedplasma in Altoona and see how a real plasma donation center operates plus they pay more. Most of csl staff is rude, slow, and unprofessional. I talked to csl management about many issues in person and the place still had problems. Avoid this place at all costs. The staff can't even put the needle in your arm without missing your vain.

Easily the worst experience I've ever had donating plasma. The whole staff couldn't care less about you and barely even knows what they are supposed to be doing. Overall Definitely Wouldn't recommend!

Well there I was going through the process to donate when it came time to do the health screening, when the young man (thin with brown curly hair) tells me to sit down in this cubicle type office and he will be right with me. That is until a younger more attractive woman who came AFTER I did came along he decided regardless of me being there first to screen her first and just left me sitting in that office/cubicle. Now I don't hate on other women and good for her for being young and pretty but that doesn't

I don't know why this place is rated so low. It's light years better than BioLife when it comes to friendliness, efficiency and getting you out of there as quickly as possible. I used to spend anywhere from 1.5-3 hours in BioLife and I'm done at CSL in 1.5 hours at max. All of the staff is super friendly and enjoy small talk with the donors. I've never had an issue with my plasma or being able to donate.

Been donating regularly for over a year now - I can confidently say that all of the employees are helpful and friendly every time you go. The place is clean and always seasonally decorated. I've always felt welcome here! The hours are convenient, the staff are excellent, and it's a great way to help other people and make a little money on the side. Obviously, being a medical operation, there may be circumstances where donations can't happen or eligibility will have to be reviewed, but I have never felt tha

Waited for over 40 minutes for an initial appointment. The only interaction I had with staff during this while time was letting me know I could sit after waiting at the desk for 10 minutes, and then 15 minutes after that being asked by someone who worked there whether I was waiting for a medical. That staff member then sat outside the medical office for a while. After about 5-10 minutes, the doctor let them in and closed the door. Another 10 minutes goes by, and still no-one has spoken to me. I don't think

This place used to be good. The staff are super friendly and they make the experience a little better. However they do not have enough staff or machines so it takes way to long for the small amount of payout. You will spend 2+ hours for $45 (most it waiting in lines)

At first, they were nice and friendly. But recently I was experiencing a long delay and lack of staff. It will ended up waiting for almost 90 minutes before going to the donation floor. I also experienced unprofessional approach and untrained form some staff. A nice lady called Emily is the best. She so professional and treats visitors and patients in a very good manner. I wish to get promoted. She is really deserve that. Generally,It's getting worse recently and if you want to waste time come to donate a

I have been donating at CSL for about 4 months. All staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. If you are turned down to donate on a given day, it's because they care about your health and the health of the plasma recipient! They follow the rules. They always ask about your day, treat you with respect, and thank you before you leave. I feel the pay out and rewards are worth your time. Parking is bonus.

CSL Plasma is always a pleasurable experience! The employees are very warm and welcoming. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to make a few extra dollars.

Editing to note: They can't even get their stories straight. They want me to give a blood sample to test protein because they, or their lab, forgot to test my last donation! Well, no it was because the results weren't back from the donation before that yet, so I shouldn't have donated??? Either way now I'm supposed to give them blood for some tests they forgot, then wait till who knows when before I can donate again. That's assuming the folks who didn't run the tests last time actually do the test this time

I have nothing but good things to say about my experiences at CSL in State College. The building is very clean and safety is a priority. The staff is incredible; not only friendly, but also very knowledgeable. It won't take long for the staff to know you just by seeing you. For those of you thinking of coming in for the financial compensation, the rates are great and there are plenty of bonuses for those who frequent often.

Great place, friendly staff, and quite efficient. I rarely have to wait in line for more than 10 minutes in order to donate, and this is MUCH better than other plasma places in town. True, it doesn't pay as much as the in-town competitor biolife, but the slightly lower payout (maybe $60/month depending on their respective promotions) is, in my estimation, a fair trade for a much lower wait time (usually on the order of 1 to 3 hours less waiting per donation). Plus, I think they treat their staff quite well,

I've been coming to CSL for the past three years, donated over hundreds of times, and never had an unpleasant experience here. The staff is very personable, professional, and care about your well being during the entire donation process. I highly recommend anybody who is thinking about donating to come in and get started. I promise, you will not regret it!

Staff is very friendly and professional, they have answers to any questions you have to ask, and the process is slightly less uncomfortable than others i've been through in the area when it comes to giving plasma. Parking is very easy, and there are always spots right in front of the building. They also pay more than any other place that's local.

Great friendly staff, especially the receptionists who work in the front. I've donated multiple times here at this location and have never had any issues. The receptionists are very friendly and always chatty with donors, it makes the process alot less daunting and doesn't feel like a grueling task like at other centers. When I did have issues with checking the gentleman on the phone, Brendan, was very helpful and kind. Couldn't ask for better people or a better place to donate at.

As someone who works at another plasma center, my experience at CSL was overall quite positive. The person who took my information as a new donor was very friendly and knowledgeable. My phlebotomist, Nia, was such a delight. And the Lead Phlebotomist, Ethan, who disconnected me was very friendly and interested in my experience. The one thing that I did notice was some of the other phlebotomists were not overly friendly and didn't seem that engaged with myself or the other donors.

At first my experience was pleasant, the staff were cordial. My first visit was fine, then it pretty much went down hill from there. From the start I had issues with the CSL app. It reflected an inaccurate balance that was never corrected even after contacting the center and then sending a message on the app asking them to correct the problem. Then a message appeared on the app in the "next donation area" stating that I had to contact the center with no further explanation. If I was not a Registered Nurse w

I've been a donor here for over a year now. Wait times, for the most part, are very short. There are times when they are long, but who isn't short staffed these days? All of the staff are very friendly. And they all put in good effort when I'm here twice a week every week. I wouldn't be here if they weren't nice! ????????????

I've been going to CSL Plasma in State College since December 2021. The staff is wonderful and they care about the donors! I love small talking with the staff. They are always so kind even when some donors are unpleasant! Would definitely recommend going to this location!

First time going today. Generally happy with my visit. Came here instead the local biolife center since that site has become recently 3 hours of wasted time. CSL staff was friendly a little understaffed but compared to Biolife they are a dream?They weren't able to find my vein at first- I went to biolife for 4 years and I will admit my veins are tricky to get but I have a high pain tolerance so I don't mind the digging. What was kinda disheartening was being told that if they can't get my veins after a ha

My experience was weird except Tyler was great. ???????????? My only problems were the way my arm got stuck by Wanda. Almost like she wanted to hurt my arm. ???? and I was finished and was waiting to be free for 30 minutes or more. I might go back if I'm in the area but idk ???????.

They Banned me for taking a blanket lol. I guess they have a thing going on if you complete 9 donations you get a blanket which in that case I should?ve already received a blanket. I been going here for over 6 months!! Which there was no signs posted anywhere. Half of there staff members have hickeys and no experience what so ever!! I had a girl poke me and the needle wasn't even in the whole way and it popped out of my arm and I couldn't even donate for 2 weeks. This place is nothing but a joke and unexpe

Very friendly staff, clean environment, with thorough instruction on process that makes you feel comfortable and shows their professionalism. Do good for someone in need of your plasma while being compensated for it! I'd recommend CSL to anyone!

Had one bad experience, went back and it was much better. Ashley was very helpful.

I really was excited about going here, and donating to help others who need my plasma. The staff here made me and my partner feel very unwelcome, made us feel like we were issues, and would be very lackadaisical when putting our needles in. They would cause issues, and then blame it on us. Very unprofessional, do NOT recommend. I'm sorry but some of these phlebotomist need some additional training or need recurrent training. I said what I said.

I moved to CSL plasma because of the issues I had with the other center. It started out pretty well. Staff looked caring and experienced. But it continued to go downhill. Till I got a horrible bruise just because of the staff's force in putting the need in. I understand some veins are hard to find or what so ever, but there should be a force/attempt limitation. Right? Trying more than 7-8 attempts and pushing in the needle as hard as possible caused a bruise that has not disappeared after almost 2 weeks! A

Used to go to Biolife to donate plasma. CSL has free (on site) parking, friendly staff, and low wait-times. I'm finished with my donations in record timing on most days, but expect lines past 3pm. The promotions at Biolife are better, but CSL typically offers more per-donation. I'm a fan.

I wasn't going to write a bad review but since I called this place twice and no one seemed to answer I am writing one. I wanted to call and speak to a manager to tell he or she about my experience. It was my first time being there. I was previously going to Biolife (had zero problems there other than wait times) and was really excited to try this place because it's closer to home. I'm not sure how well trained their staff is, but I originally started with my right arm and the lady that was doing it slid the

I don't really understand the negative reviews, or the reasons behind them. If you have a low tolerance for pain you probably shouldn't put yourself through this process, because sometimes they need to readjust the needles. You also need to drink a lot of water beforehand to plump up your veins. It isn't necessarily the phlebotomist's fault if your donation is unsuccessful. I find them to be efficient and professional, and prefer them to BioLife hands down.

Very friendly, professional and encouraging. Donating is very helpful to people with these needs and CSL pays pretty well for our time too. Payout on Visa card is convenient and $75 for first visit was great!

this is the best plasma place state college has to offer the prices are consistently higher than biolife, its not a nightmare to park, and the staff is incredibly personalable, specifically nia is amazing, even if bio was staying open id still be a csl girlie

The staff here are very kind and courteous. I was a first time donor and they made the process so easy for me! The initial sign up can be lengthy so make sure you plan accordingly. However, after the onboarding process the next time you donate will not take long at all.

Based on the experience of the staff in the back where I would donate it is great. Although when you check in and check your vitals the staff is very slow and fool around when people are patiently waiting in line using foul language and not serving what a customer should have to see.

This place is the best plasma donation center I've ever gone to. I feel like I'm at home here. The staff is nice and professional but also treat you like a friend once they get to know you. Nothing to complain about here other than sometimes they give me green tape instead of my preferred pink

UNPROFESSIONAL. Every single time that I have come here, I have left with bruises. They can never find your veins on both arms. So they dig around in your arm and send you home early because they cannot find your vein. One time, I was in so much pain that I was shaking on the bed. People who cannot withstand pain will be in a lot of pain here. Do NOT come to this location. CSL Plasma is great. But NOT this location. Also, the amount that you receive for donations starts off around $70-$100. But then it go

They help you donate plasma and are professional, clean, and trustworthy. I'll recommend anyone interested in getting a little extra money to help others to this place.

The nurse and phlebotomists were kind and competent. Other staff were kind, but many of them either wore their masks improperly or not at all. Was really disappointed to see folks in a medical setting not following health and safety protocol even when pointed out by the clients. Would consider going again post pandemic. Hope there is not an outbreak here.

Friendly and professional staff. Nice and clean inside. They provide you with mask as well. You can do your intake questionnaire online before going in that day. It's a lot less time donating then biolife. 100 recommended.

Professional, friendly, well mannered staff. Seems everyone goes above and beyond to make the donor experience comfortable. Large plaza parking lot and easy way to make extra cash.

Friendly and wonderful staff that strive to recognize you as an individual person while donating. Excellent pay schedule for donors as well, plus parking is more convenient when compared to BioLife downtown.

The employees are FANTASTIC AND VERY informative they explain everything they're doing as they're doing it. Very relaxing atmosphere. Oh and FREE PARKING no driving around town looking for a place to park Thank you

. My first time there. Great staff. Very friendly and professional. Made the experience very pleasant. Would definitely recommend.I chose this center over the other local one because of the reviews. ??

I've been donating here for a year and a half and never NEVER had an issue. As a fellow medical professional I can assure staff is adequately trained as well as friendly and personable.

The vital check point person has an attitude all the time not the right personality for the job,he told me today I was giving him an attitude when it's him then my blood pressure goes high and can't donate, my last trip, this is the third time for this ,other people have the same problem, he should be assigned some where else in the business terrible with the public

The center is so much better than biolife but with the students coming back and the center getting busier and busier it would benefit management to either hire on more staff for the screenings or to stop spending all their time in the offices while long lines form out front.

I have been donating at this location for the past two years. Staff is great and the experience has always been good. Very efficient and professional.

Highly recommend CSL plasma. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Especially Kat who was very helpful in assisting me with the app when I was having issues.

Employees here are very friendly and they remember you by name! Usually quick in and out and you're making money and helping an important cause!

Friendly staff! Nia did a excellent job and help made the experience fast and easy! Thanks! ??God bless.??

Clean, friendly and a hardworking staff. I'm especially happy with Stephanie always going above and beyond.

The parking is great and the staff is courteous and friendly. It's always a wonderful experience.

Unprofessional, negligent, and discriminatory.

I feel as though the hours should be open longer. Maybe like a 7-7pm for ppl who work & would get alot more business.

Stephanie the phlebotomist is a great worker and it's so courteous

Better then bio life for sure

Beautiful people top notch

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.