Grifols Biomat USA Des Moines, IA

Grifols Biomat USA Des Moines, IA

Reviews Summary

The majority of reviews highlight exceptional staff, particularly praising their friendliness, professionalism, and skill in phlebotomy. Many donors appreciate the positive atmosphere, with specific mentions of smooth, efficient, and painless experiences. A few note issues with needle sticks or deferral policies, but overall, the facility is highly regarded for its welcoming environment and dedicated team.

About This Listing

Ages 18-69
In order to donate plasma at Grifols Biomat USA Des Moines, IA, you should make an appointment.

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
In order to donate plasma at Grifols Biomat USA Des Moines, IA, you should make an appointment.

Contact Information

Address

1223 6th Ave

Des Moines, Iowa 50314

Customer Reviews

This was the absolute worst customer service/care I've ever received anywhere! The first day I donated the person helping me, forgot to clamp the line shut which cause my blood to pour out everywhere. It was air contaminated, which the tech had no clue if she should continue, which she did. She wasn't suppose too. The second time I came I waited for 40 minutes to be hooked to the machine. A machine I sat at the whole time while 3 workers talked with each other, gossiping & speaking poorly of this location.

I'm leaving a 3. Because it's a 5+ for friendliness and atmosphere. The people and place are great. Unfortunately the sticks are not. I often and up walking out looking like I've been through war to the point I'm not eligible to donate next time. It's my favorite of the options in Des Moines, but I have to move on after my last appointment tomorrow because the bad sticks are costing me $$$

Ethan has helped me each time I have came in to donate and it's been the smoothest process I've experienced. He is quick and efficient and very kind and attentive. Tay Tay is always near by when I've been here and she's a riot. Super personable, both of them. Definitely feels like I'm in good hands here, so thank you! :) (my name is Ebony, ignore my account name, it's my gaming email lmao)

I have been donating a few years at this location and hands down, Ethan and Tay are my favorite employees. They are both quick, efficient, gentle and a riot on the floor. You can definitely feel the positive vibe when those two are working. They also do a wonderful job training new employees and demonstrating the culture that gets them such positive feedback.

I have been going to this donation center for almost a year. They have one of the highest payouts, as they have opportunities for bonus money. The entire staff is extremely friendly to the customers/donors. I have had a couple poor experiences there, such as having to get re-stick due to them not doing it right. That's just something that is going to happen if your donating a lot and a trainee is sticking you. One time I was waiting over 15min to get disconnected.. This was during closing time and not many

Tay Tay is amazing! She is always happy and makes the time there fun. Ask for her you won't be disappointed she is the best!

It was an amazing donation due to Tay Tay! I barely felt her stick me and no adjustments were needed I was in and out within 43 mins! If you have the chance have Tay Tay be your phlebotomist!

I have always had trouble at many other donation centers with my difficult veins. But here?let me tell you?Ethan and Tay Tay both have never missed my difficult veins and ALWAYS make donating enjoyable. The make Grifols a great environment to save lives. ??

Y?all better give tay tay a raise . Sticks are impeccable, customer service is beautiful, hospitality straight from the south. So speedy and always got a smile on her face. Top tier employee <3

I have been coming here for 2 years. Everyone is very friendly. Ethan does a excellent job. He is very efficient and friendly. Tay Tay always has a smile on her face and will make you laugh. She is full of energy and after I have had a hard day of work she makes me smile.

Tay Tay Did a great job today. They got slammed towards the end of her shift which was around 1pm and I watched her keep her team fully functioning while under pressure. Awesome personality too.

I have been going there for a few years now. They have a lot of fun people working there one called Tay Tay is very upbeat and entertaining everyone. She stuck me how she did it with out me feeling anything I don't know. Keep her she is just a good person, and keep up the good work. I will recommend this place to anyone who wants to donate plasma. Thanks for being so kind and thoughtful of the donors.

I'm trying to find words to describe Scheila & Tracy.. some that come to mind to describe my experience with them include professional, patient, humility, and grace. Overall a great staff Itzul , taytay, and Luke are always all smiles and very kind !

Taytay and Ethan were amazing as usual. Makes the experience very easy and makes you want to come back

Tay Tay always does good poking me. I've donated over 12 years so I have a lot of scar tissue and others can't get my vein. She has to fix a lot of others who try to poke my arm. She always has good energy and a smile on her face. Thank you so much for being you and please don't ever leave Grifols!

All the employees are very kind and courteous. Tay Tay and Ethan do a great job!

Tay Tay done a great job today with my plasma I came in today again December 17th and yes Tay Tay done a wonderful job with my plasma. I LIKE it when there's people that work there and that dies their job like she does.All of the employees there do a great job and they understand I have picky veins at times.They know what arm to use each time.

Ethan and Tay Tay are hands down some of the best to stick you! Carefull and respectful when it comes to your comfort and they past time by having a good time while also working.

Great atmosphere and Everyone here is and has been amazing. There are times when I forget my stress ba and Alexa will make me a "ball" using a glove and blowing it up. She definitely has always gone above and beyond in her position when it comes to clients. I'd recommend this center to anyone wanting a enjoyable donating experience.

Ethan was awesome! Very attentive and got me on the first poke! One of the many reasons I choose Grifols over BioLife!

Ive been coming twice a week for a few months now and it is always quick and easy to get the donation done. Alexa is very friendly and gets my poke done with ease every timw

Tay-Tay is awesome! I always trust she will get it done right and she never disappoints

The young lady Tay Tay is great at her job! I know I will be in the best care when I see her face. Totally recommend giving this donation center a try. You won't regret it.

I like the staff there very good and they need more people like Ethan and Tay Tay

Absolutely amazing experience as a first time donor here! Iam so pleased with the staff especially Tay Tay she was very sweet, informative & I barely left the poke! She needs a raised she very great at what she does and I can tell she loves her job which made me feel secured that I'm in the right hands! 10/10!

Great experiences every time I visit. TayTay, Ethan and Jace are always in good moods, as well as experienced in their trade. I never have any issues under their care, and I always leave with a smile. Thank you for your skills and for the energetic and entertaining personalities while I donate.

I love the employees here, I've been coming 3 years now and recommend an employee named Raven which you can request. They have been working on speed getting you in and out and I can't say enough about how quick it is even when busy. I've been to the other places and here I am with grifols. It's hard to beat the service to the comp here. Raymond Thompson

Always has issues donating at biolife, so was very wary to come here but oh my gosh it's been SUCH a great experience(never thought I'd say that about plasma and needles but I had such a good experience today I had to write about it!) Been coming here for almost a year now and this place is so well run I've even recommended it to friends and family. Never had to wait-even without an appointment-they get us right back within five minutes of being there. Also, the employees have been there for years and are

Great atmosphere. New donor, I was in and out within 2hrs. Tay performed my stick, she did amazing. I would recommend this place to friends and family.

It's a great place and tay tay is a great worker she goes above and beyond she is awesome

Taytay and Ethan are the best. They are always being funny but doing there job great at the same time. Always a great donation when they are there.

All staff are professional & friendly everytime I come in. Tay Tay & Ethan really make my donation process smooth & enjoyable. I look forward to my donation days not only for the compensation, but to be able to see & chat with them is always nice. I highly recommend.

I was very nervous about donating and the team there made me feel very comfortable! Terry made sure that I ate a good meal before and talked me through the process and Tay Tay was making me laughing and helping me keep my mind occupied! I'm so glad I choose Grifols Biomat to donate!

Taytay was great and walked me through everything making my first plasma donation a breeze. Tracy was fast, efficient and super helpful with the physical!

They had me waiting for almost 30 minutes to get stick. Then I have gotten stick wrong. Have to use the bathroom and told me I couldn't and if I do I wouldn't get paid.

I've been coming here for a while and the staff are pretty chill. Ethan and Tay Tay know their stuff and are hard workers. They will get you in and out quickly. Hats off to them.

Tay tay, Eathen they are both funny and i really enjoy coming here when they are here. They both make my day and hope there is more staff like them. Thank to both of them for making my day.

TT and Ethan are great at what they do. My vein is tricky and they get it every time, with no problems. Like this place, recommended.... ??

Tay Tay and Alexa are amazing techs, they're very knowledgeable about their jobs and they are so quick! The positive attitudes they bring to work make the place fun and relaxing.

Got in quick. Staff was very friendly. Especially Tay Tay! Good energy. Always smiling!

Been great. Esteban and Tay Tay are the best. You guys are great.

I'm a first time donor and I absolutely love the staff here. They've made my experience very easy and enjoyable. I'm very happy to be a returning donor here.

Great work from Tay Tay She sticks the needle right no problem Also Alexia is a great worker helping here out when needed

Taytay is super funny, i have little veins and she is one of the only people that can stick me without it hurting.

I have been donating here for several months. It is a place filled with wonderful people. Their attentiveness to their patients is above and beyond. From Kyky, Raven, Joci and Alexis, I know things go fast and painless, except for the tape pulling my arm hair(lol). I highly recommend this facility!!

I've been donating at grifols for years. Tay Tay is always very helpful considering my vein is shot and needs to be poked in a certain area in order for me to complete my donation. The employees are all nice and helpful but Tay Tay has helped me with almost everything since coming there to donate.

Tay Tay makes donating fun with her friendly and entertaining personality.

I would just like to make a shout out to all of the employees that put in that work work, Plasmapheresing or which ever way the proper term is spelled and applied to the process of extracting plasma. Specifically though, I'd like to thank Alexa for always being super-professional and friendly at the same time, which believe it or not, its a hard skill to come by in a employee or anyone for that matter, outside of the work zone. Definitely knows what she's doing, nice to feel comfortable (as comfortable as

Ta Ta is the best my girl in and out with no problems wonderful spirit keep being you

Ethan and Tay Tay do a great job, and they're entertaining

Hi.... i m writing this review with outmost gratitude and respect for the staff of Grifols 6th ave Des Moines I've been donating at this location for the past six months and wanted to acknowledge the hard work and deligence of the entire staff, particularly ms. Alexa for always having a friendly and caring attitude towards others and myself ever since my first donation... *I've always have a very positive experience * the staff have always been welcoming and always ready to answer my question and concerns

Always a great experience when you have tay-tay in the building. Does a very good job at her job????

Always in great spirits, always has a positive attitude and always very professional. Did I mention will most definitely give you a laugh or 2??

I would like to say that Tay Tay is a very up lifting with a very positive attitude. I would also like to mention that she is respectful, always has a smile, and cares for the donors.

Staff is super friendly and quick. Ethan is really professional and effiat what he does. Did not even feel anything when being stuck or withdrawing needles. Def recommend him

Tay Tay does her job to the best that I see thank u for helping me

Abdul, the best phleb I ever had

I truly appreciate Alexis, Ethan and Tay Tay, They are great at what they do and try to get me in and out in a timely manner, which is important to me as I'm usually squeezing myself in during my work day. Thanks guys!!

Very unprofessional 1 1/2 hours into my new donor appointment the over staffed nurse is refusing to do anymore physicals so I am just out of luck don't waste your time or gas

Tay is a awesome and friendly. She is always trying to get people sense of humor and get a good energy flowing. She always does a good job at not having to readjusting the needle in your arm.

Tay Tay and Ethan definitely make you feel welcomed and bring great energy to floor!

Tay Tay and Ethan are very friendly and caring. They do an awesome job with everyone

Tay Tay is an exceptional Phlebotomist. She is attentive and make the donors comfortable and laugh

This place is chill and the employees are fun and lively won't go anywhere else S/o to the ?? All-Star Squad (Ethan, Tae-Tae, Alexa, Jace, Itzel) they all make me feel welcomed you guys are the best!

This is by far the most professional donation place in the area! Shoutout to Tay Tay she makes the experience that much more pleasant!!

Great staff and excellent service. Ms. Tay is great and the staff really makes it fun!

Been goin here few years and it's always great atmosphere specially with tay tay and Ethan great sticks and always so upbeat.

This place is amazing. Tracy is such an amazing person same goes for Shannon she constantly here 24/7 and everytime she always has a positive attitude! i always am so excited to see those two! Overall The whole staff is so amazing and 10/10 recommend comming here. Not just for the money but to meet such amazing people who do there job right while making you feel welcome!!

The staff is pretty laid back which makes it less stressful if you aren't super comfortable with needles. Today I had to have a second arm stuck.Tay Tay was actually successful in finding my vein in that arm! Many others have tried over the years with no luck.

Tay Tay she is a really good worker and funny, and always happy and good at what she does I don't ever feel her stick me. So keep up the good work

Been going here for about a month now, staff is absolutely amazing and treat there people like family. Ethan, tay-tay, and Shannon always know how to make me laugh I recommend any of them!

Tay Tay and crew are 2nd to none. Also Go Chiefs

Tay Tay is always smiling and helping us feel warm and welcome. She is also the best at sticking my veins correctly being I have rolling veins. Ethan was generous and helpful as well.

Everyone here is professional, was in and out smoothly. Alexa is a good phleb!

I've been donating at biomat for over a year now and I've had nothing but good things to say , they're quick , efficient and knowledgeable about the process, the place is always clean and most importantly they're all kind and caring, specifically tay-tay , Ethan and Alexa. Thanks for putting up with my terrible dad joke's ??????

TayTay?s professionalism and skill as a phlebotomist are truly impressive. Not only did she make me feel comfortable and at ease during the blood draw procedure, but her enthusiasm and positive energy are contagious. TayTay's friendly demeanor and attention to detail are commendable, making the entire experience very enjoyable!

Tay Tay and Alexis as well as Ethan are very helpful and makes the process a lot easier and great at what they do.

Tay was awesome! Loved her energy ??

If i could give zero stars i would. I called to see if i could have a defferal lifted the guy refused and this was from back in 2013. So over 10 years ago and when i asked why its because they leave those alone for a "safe" inviroment...yet they are located in a horrible part of town where all the drugs and gangs are. You would think they want business. Wouldnt even go to that location i was wanting another location. I hope none of their employees come into my work i will send them away.

Love this place, they make you feel very welcome and do an amazing job! Taytay does great Everytime ??

Place has gone downhill recently, the people doing the screenings are rude and impatient and I think using equipment with issues cause they consistently have issues with that part.

Taytay 5 stars is the reason I like coming here

Staff here are great!! They are proficient, kind, and always helpful. Scarlet, Krystal, and Shannon are all great. Honestly, prefer this smaller center over some of the larger, busier centers that tend to be a bit more hectic. Another bonus - you are able to complete the prescreen questions on their mobile kiosk app. I have the questions answered before I walk into the center. Saves a ton of time.

Tay Tay and Alexa are fun to have back here together definitely entertainment

Great place to donate. The staff are friendly and attentive. They get you in and out as quickly as possible. Shout out to Tay Tay and Ethan, but really all of the staff rock!

TayTay is always great. Smooth donation every time!

Very helpful and friendly staff. Allyse, Raven, Tay Tay, Scarlett, and Misha always make people feel welcome and are very good phlebotomists.

I had a good experience with Taytay. I usually have difficulty with finding a vein but she found it right away. She was professional and checked on me frequently to make sure I was doing okay.

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.