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Octapharma Plasma West Covina, CA

Octapharma Plasma West Covina, CA

Reviews Summary

StemCyte receives mixed reviews, with many praising its affordability, payment plans, and professional service, particularly noting easy processes and helpful staff. However, several customers criticize hidden fees (like a $165 cancellation charge) and poor customer service, calling the company deceptive or difficult to contact. While some strongly recommend it for cord blood banking, others warn to avoid due to contractual issues and lack of transparency. The divide highlights satisfaction with core services but frustration over billing and support practices.

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

1234 W Francisquito Ave

West Covina, California 91790

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Customer Reviews

I would like to share my personal experience with Stemcyte. I strongly recommend this company for everyone that is currently considering provide a piece of security to you new baby. First of all, the pricing, I have compared three big cord blood companies, and they all cost about 6-7K for 18 years of storage. Stemcyte is about 4-5K for the same services( cord blood and cord tissue) during promotion. Second, their customer service is excellent. I ordered my kit about 2 months before my baby?s due day. I plac

For my wife and I, it wasn't a question of "Do we invest in cord blood banking for our daughter?" But "Which cord blood bank do we choose to safeguard our daughter's stem cells?" After thorough research and consideration of services, we chose StemCyte. As a global leader in cord bank therapeutics, they provide the peace of mind that my daughter's umbilical cord blood (UCB) and tissue is handled and maintained by the best professionals in this field. Although we hope her UCB is never needed, we know it's saf

We chose StemCyte to bank both cord blood and cord tissue for our sons. They are affordable, offer a great payment plan, knowledgeable, and professional. The kit arrived quickly and even the nurses were impressed with how well thought out the kit was, making it so easy for them!! We would definitely recommend StymeCyte to anything interested in cord blood/tissue banking!!

Proud to be part of the StemCyte family. During the initial process of choosing a bank, my husband and I felt that Stemcyte felt our needs. They had MaxCell processing, and would bank both my daughter?s stem cells AND tissue. The prices were reasonable for unlimited storage and the company worked with us on payments. Overall, we've been happy with their service since enrolling. I pray that my daughter never needs these cells but if she does, it's available for her.

It's been a year now since we had made a decision to choose Stemcyte, so far so good. The collection and transportation was barely noticed to us, very fast and easy going process. Everything was done exactly as we had been told. We chose a year payment plan, which worked great for our family. Overall experience is perfect, for sure we would do the same for our next children, hopefully soon)

We chose StemCyte to bank our daughter's cord blood and have nothing but great things to say about about the entire process. They answered our many questions and made it so easy at a time when things can be overwhelming. They also have affordable payment plans making banking accessible to everyone. I highly recommend them!

On page 7 of their contract, it says: "I have the right to specify in writing my desired disposition of the stored Cord Blood. Any reasonable costs associated with the requested disposition shall be paid by me." In other words, if you decide to cancel, there are additional fees that they don't tell you upfront. In my case, they wanted me to pay an additional $165 to cancel my subscription. When I signed up, no one mentioned such fees.

Terrible customer service and not a honest company. Much better experience with Americird.

The staff and experience was fantastic. They were fast with every response and answered every question I had. The whole process was extremely easy and I was informed the entire time as to where my kit was and the status. I highly recommend!

Stemcyte was my company of choice when deciding on a cord blood bank. After much research, I decided on stemcyte due to its reputation and affordability. The process was so easy and the staff was super helpful.

Calling customer service always no body pickup and I have to paid $165 to dispost the cordblood . Very disappointed with this company. Won't recommend to any of my friends or family.

They are scam. They never let you close account and even charge you $165 to close an account. Called more than ten times to close an account still charge money for more then ten 10 years. Please avoid those useless service.

Bad customer service. Deceptive shady contracts. Bad product. Avoid

Love this place will keep supporting...??

Too slow

Simple and Fast

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.