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Octapharma Plasma Durham, NC

Octapharma Plasma Durham, NC

Reviews Summary

Most reviews are highly positive (5 stars), praising the friendly, professional staff and clean facilities. Many highlight the rewarding experience of donating blood or platelets, with excellent care and gratitude shown. However, a few negative reviews cite issues like long wait times, understaffing, poor organization, and COVID safety concerns. The overall consensus is that the Red Cross provides a positive donation experience, though occasional logistical problems arise.

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

Suite 1-A, Durham

Durham, North Carolina 27704

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Customer Reviews

Always awesome. They make giving easy And giving helps saves lives.

I recently donated platelets at the Durham branch, and it was a positive experience. The staff was efficient, friendly, and made the process comfortable. The center is well-organized, and I appreciate the important work they do in facilitating donations for those in need. Highly recommend for anyone looking to contribute to a great cause!

Avoid donating blood here. They are chronically understaffed, high turnover, excruciatingly slow. I showed up today for an 8 am donation appointment and they were closed! Waited 15 minutes and finally a manager showed up and said sorry, someone was supposed to have called me. Didn't happen. I give it 1 star, mainly for the nice volunteers and snacks.

I was a walk-in. They gladly took me in and got me registered. Staff were very sweet and talked me through every step of the way. When my iron wasn't high enough in one hand they always asked if they could check my other hand. They made sure I was comfortable during the whole process. Even scratched my nose for me when I couldn't do it my self. Lol! The after care was awesome they explained all my questions and when she didn't have answers she went to someone else to get it. Over all amazing experience

Very nice welcoming front desk, and excellent phlebotomists and end greeters, they made it very pleasant to donate.

The young lady at the checkin counter, was Super Sweet and very Friendly. Then I met Indyah ( I think that's how she spelled it) was the Sweetest, Most Friendly Young Lady around. Kudos to these two Young Ladies.

Meh, I feel weird writing a negative review of a place I've only tried to donate blood at once, but this is more of a review of a full experience I had with the Red Cross, both service over the phone from a call center and the experience from my visit to this site. I have previously given Power Red donations in Atlanta, and this was the first off experience I have had with the RC. I called today to the call center to ask some questions about any problems from a possible medication, and instead of getting a

The people that work there are great. But the Red Cross REALLY needs to get their act together. I get emails constantly about how bad they need donations. I've attempted to give blood FIVE times in the last three weeks and this location was either NOT TAKING donations that day or Stopped at 2pm like today. You desperately need blood? Yeah right

I called to confirm COVID safety measures and was told staff do not have to be vaccinated and probably aren't and that they are still using those small poorly ventilated interview rooms. I canceled my appointment to donate. I know there is a high need right now and had planned to donate this week, but the donation process needs to be safe for donors and not expose them to increased risk of exposure to COVID

The nurses are extremely friendly and show their gratitude for your blood or platelet donations. Plus you never leave without some kind of gift like Red Cross t-shirts, socks, bags, jackets

Super fast! Great staff! They got me a blanket because it was a little chilly and gave me a juice box while I donated! I'll definitely be coming back to donate!

A warm welcome to Addison who helped me through the process today ?? Thanks again for answering my questions ??

I have been dealing with the RC for over 50 years and have given something between 85 and 140 units of blood (not sure which because the RC has quoted both numbers to me) and will continue to donate blood thru the RC since they seem to have a monopoly on whole blood donations. That said this is one screwed up organization. Several examples; - a number of years ago after dozens of blood donations, I received a form letter from the RC telling me I was at risk for a strand of hepatitis and needed to see my d

Donation of platelets is separate from the donations of whole blood. I am frequent donor of platelets with over 80 donations, so have some things which I want to be done in specific way (working for me and thus contributing to the success of 2+ hour-long process). My requests are always met with understanding and sincere attempts to accommodate.

I donate every 8 weeks and I love the staff here. They're always sweet and professional 10/10 will donate here.

Great Organization! Not only a Blood Donor (8+ gallons so far) but also a 12 year Volunteer!

Great place, please donate to help with the need for blood in emergency cases.

Friendly and professional staff! In and out quickly for my blood donation.

Great place to do your civic duty.

This facility is filthy and they overbook. Quite a long wait to be seen for my appointment.

Has an American Red Cross Blood Drive there every 56 days and they feed you good!

Pls donate! This place is awesome for blood or platelet. Pls donate!

Excellent place, the staff is very friendly and professional

Wonderful people who are doing their best for their community.

Always a great experi nice here.

Great nurses, who treat you well!

Great location and awesome volunteers ??

The people are very nice and friendly

Large facility, easy to donate blood.

Great group of folks, great service.

Nice folks, clean facilities!

Staff is friendly n caring

Red Cross does a good job

A good place to lose blood

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.