Octapharma Plasma Aurora, IL

Octapharma Plasma Aurora, IL

Reviews Summary

The consensus shows mixed experiences, with many praising the friendly, professional staff and clean facilities, while others criticize payment issues, long wait times, and poor communication. High ratings highlight efficiency and kindness, but low ratings cite unprofessionalism, accessibility problems, and misleading information. Payment delays and referral disputes are recurring complaints. Overall, positive reviews dominate, emphasizing comfort and care, but significant frustrations persist around logistics and transparency.

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

418 Hill Ave

Aurora, Illinois 60505

Customer Reviews

Is this location still open? A couple weeks ago everyone was abruptly pulled off all machines and sent home and I haven't been able to contact them since. Loved it here but put the review midrange because of the am recent absence

Donated earlier this month, never got paid. Was told we were given wrong information about basically everything we were told. They don't answer their phones, return calls or handle situations even when it gets escalated. I've called twice this week and been told you'll get paid tomorrow, been told a manager will call me back, no one does. Totally unprofessional and unreliable.

This place is very well put together. The machines may not be as quick as others however the atmosphere and the employees are amazing! It has gorgeous interior detail , cleanliness, and high moral. Give the gift of giving. New to the place but they recently celebrated 1 year anniversary ! Give away shirts for one year and give away shirts for Halloween ! Shout out to Breanna, Miladys, Jailani. Kind, Caring and compassionate healthcare workers! As a previous medical assistant and phlebotomist..... highly rec

This place is not worth the waste of time..the managers and the workers are very rude to people I guess they feel like if you are not from around the area. I was referred by a person that donated here and when I go to donate they tell me I can either help the other person get the referral bonus or I cannot use my code to get an extra $50 on my first donation. They didn't even know how to put my name in off of my driver's license the correct way I had to tell them how to do that!! Zer??? Stars this place is

Been going here for about 10 months. Great staff. Always friendly & professional

Clean facility, fast payment and kind workers. I went in on Friday for the first time and i was surprised how efficient they were despite having a lot of walk-ins

Professional, painless, very clean. They came around to check on me several times during the donation process. Very kind and caring people. They even give out snacks.

Amazing team. I feel a warm and friendly atmosphere when I am there.. Thank you for your kindness and great staff

The staff is awesome and they are always so nice. They always make me feel welcomed.

My payment problem was solved the day after I posted the negative review so I'm updating, the place is great, clean and the employees are very nice

Building and staff are nice. When it comes to payment they are seriously lacking and need to do better. They use mypaymentvault to pay your funds. You do not get a physical card and you can not withdraw your money. You can do a ach payment like it's 1957 but nothing else. If the account you are trying to transfer to is not one that mypaymentvault uses you will get an error. For plasma Source to make thousands off each vile of plasma and then try to force you on how to receive your money. It's 2024 no reason

Everyone here is extremely friendly. The initial onboarding process takes a bit of time, but that's the first visit. Everyone who I interacted with was so nice. Everything is explained to you when it's happening and they answer any questions you have. Definitely recommend plasma source to anyone looking to donate.

Staff is super friendly and facility is very clean. They have a cute snack bar and sitting area too. This place is top notch compared to the other plasma donation centers! Highly recommend!

Overall great experience. From the staff to the facilities. It was great. What they don't tell you is that you'll have to wait over a week to make a second donation while you wait on results from their lab. This should be listed on the site, not told as you've already donated and are looking to schedule second appointment. Not cool.

Thank all stuff, including employer Miladys helped me a lot and make my visit easier.

Intentionally unreachable by phone. Tried across several days; voicemail without ringing. Whitney responded to a medical-related voicemail an entire week later. These facilities are inaccessible for the physically handicapped. Is this acceptable to you?

Well let's see starting off. After u get past being a new donor the rest of ur pays r 60 dollars. Only downside is they don't give u a debit card. Like all other donor centers do. Let's work on changing this

They turn you away if you've been donating regularly somewhere else over the past year and they make you wait a long time to tell you that.

Staff are excellent. Nice and very helpful. Process is extremely inefficient though. It takes 10 to 14 days before you can donate the 2nd time. The sign-in process is so slow.

Great place to donate. The staff is wonderful! All the girls are extremely friendly and engaging. Very helpful and makes you feel appreciated for your time and donation. Highly recommend

This place is open and welcoming. The staff are world class and show a lot of pride in the work they do in how they care for us clients. Always greeted with a smile and very professional at all times

The ladies there are the friendliest and make the donating process fun and relaxing. The refreshments after are a bonus also. A clean, comfortable environment. Geat music too.

Great friendly staff/techs/nurses, my donation is quick and simple. Facility is clean and they provide excellent variety of snacks. 10x better than biolife. Highly recommend plasma source!

HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO PASS IF THEY KEEP TALKING TO YOU THIS PLACE IS A JOKE SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN THEY PURPOSELY TEY AND MAKE YOU FAIL THE BLOOD PRESSURE TEST

I was scheduled today with plashma source I travel all the way from Yorkville to rt 59 on empty no gas really thinking I would able to donate but I was told that I couldn't because I was out of there 20 miles radiant but that's not true from my door to there door is 18 miles so I wasn't able to donate got stranded and was told there was nothing they can do I was told this by a supervisor and a office manager only thing the office manager could do was take my name and give me a call once my zip code is adde

Great experience. And if there are any hiccups they definitely make up for it. Glad I came.

I had a great first experience here , facility is clean and the staff are so nice ??

Everyone is super nice and professional

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.