Octapharma Plasma Atlanta, GA

Octapharma Plasma Atlanta, GA

Reviews Summary

The reviews consistently highlight exceptional staff professionalism, kindness, and expertise in blood and platelet donations, particularly emphasizing their importance for cancer patients. Many reviewers praise the smooth donation process, thorough care, and the critical role of donations in supporting chemotherapy treatments. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of staff going above and beyond to ensure donor comfort and education. A few questions about donor compensation arise, but the focus remains on the life-saving impact of donations and the staff's dedication.

About This Listing

Ages 18-70
Walk-ins are accepted, and online appointments, for both new and repeat plasma donors

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 18-70
Walk-ins are accepted, and online appointments, for both new and repeat plasma donors

Contact Information

Address

3363 Buford Hwy NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Customer Reviews

I donated double red cells for years but recently transitioned to platelet donations which is more involved but so critical for cancer patients undergoing chemo. These guys are the very best. Have never received a bad stick, always thorough, efficient and not a single minor problem. For those of us who donate regularly, it's nice to visit with such a professional clinic.

The entire staff are awesome ! They take great care of you and know their stuff. Donate if you are able, it's greatly needed by cancer patients there.

Less than 25% of people can donate and only about 10% of those people actually do. Donating platelets is not the same as blood. Takes a bit longer, but they help a lot more. Especially for cancer patients. They use 3 units of platelets every time they get chemo. And platelets can only be stored for less than a week. Northside is the leading hospital in Atlanta fighting cancer and ABS plays a big part in that. I'm also proud to play my part by donating as often as I can.

I'm home now and want to take this time out to give a big warm Heart Felt "SHOUT OUT and THANK YOU" to a wonderful and caring Tech during my Plasma Freeze treatment Hats off to Mrs.Brook Jarvis. Please recognize,Salute and award her for her dedication and passion in during her job. Going over and beyond to make sure I understood the treatment I was receiving, always on time and making sure I was comfortable and had what I needed during the process. Thank you Brook for your help in my healing process. Carol

They always appreciate your blood and platelet donations. All donations help people in the ATL area. Platelet donations are necessary for people with blood cancers like Leukemia and Lymphoma.

Everyone in the office is super nice and helpful. I donated platelets for the first time yesterday, and ABS was so informative and great every step of the way.

Does Atlanta Blood Services compensate the donors at all?

The staff is nice and strives to take good care of you.

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.