Plasma Donation

IRWIN BLOOD CENTER Of San Francisco
270 Masonic Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118

SITE PHONE
(415) 567-6400

APPOINTMENTS
1-888-393-GIVE

Hours of operation:
Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

This center is part of the Blood Centers of the Pacific. This organization is a non-profit blood donation center and has around 400 full time employees. They also help over 50,000 patients a year from folks that are donating the blood. BCP also has a mobile blood donation program that travels to main areas of a town to get people to donate off the street.

What is donated:
Whole blood donation as this Center.

What do they do with the blood?
The blood is used to help folks that need it. For example, transfusions put back needed blood after a surgery. Also, after a tramatic injury, one like an car accident or such, the blood can be replaced. Currently, there is no known substitute for blood, all of it must be derived from donors.

How much does the center pay per donation?
$0, this is a non-profit organization that gives the blood to hospitals like this one: UCSF/Mt. Zion Medical Center. There are many other local hospitals that get donations as well.

How often can one donate at the center?
You can donate blood once every 8 weeks.

What tests are performed prior to signing up?
New donors must have a driver’s license social security card or proof of residency. They conduct a brief medical history, and determine if you are in good health. Then they check vitals- temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, and check for iron level and protein level with a finger stick.
Also, donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

How long does a donation take?
On the first visit, the whole process which includes a quick physical exam and the blood donation it usually takes about 30 minutes. After that it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Are there any upfront costs for the potential donor to enroll in the program (startup costs)?
NONE, all are welcomed, but remember that it helps if you are in fairly good health to get accepted.

Advantages:
Juice and Cookies afterwards! Plus this center is near the Geary 38 bus line. A major bus route in San Francisco.