I've never had to go through such a headache to be able to donate plasma. When I went for my initial visit as a new donor, they were pretty busy so I was more than happy to wait knowing that I would have to do the new donor physical and other necessary paperwork. However, upon having already received my compensation card and ready to get my vitals checked, I was told that since I was on 3 or more prescriptions for the same diagnosis that I would not be allowed to donate. I was confused, as none of my prescriptions are on the list of medications that would affect your eligibility to donate. So I was told that I would need a letter from my provider if any of my medications were to change. I've donated plasma in the past, within the last month at another company, and I have NEVER received such push back about being able to donate, especially after having already completed the majority of the new donor processes and procedures. This information is nowhere to be found on the CSL website or anywhere else for that matter. It doesn't make any sense that the number of prescriptions you are on for one diagnosis should effect your eligibility to donate, especially if those medications aren't regularly taken -- for example, I am on a monthly injection for migraines, a medication to take for onset of migraine, and a daily migraine preventative medication. Therefore, I'm unable to donate due to being on 3 medications for the same diagnosis? How does that make any sense? Why make this process harder than it needs to be? Especially when honest people are just trying to make a difference by donating their plasma and you have people literally smoking and getting high outside before coming in to donate but I can't?? Nice.
I was told to bring a letter from my doctor if my medications changed which I did and I am no longer on 3+ medications for the same diagnosis but they STILL are deferring me and will NOT let me donate and aren't even giving me a reason since they can't use the "you're on too many medications for the same diagnosis" excuse anymore. It's been over a MONTH since I started this process of trying to become a new donor at this facility. At this point, it's not even worth it. I'll drive to another city and go somewhere else before I try to come back here again. read more