During a tight financial period a few years ago, I finally gave in to all the ads I kept seeing from the local franchise of a plasma-buying business.

Going in, I had no idea what to expect. I just focused on the money and how I could use it to buy school supplies for my kids.

I signed up online for an introductory session at a plasma center near my home. When I arrived, I filled out an extensive health history on a computer and went through through a basic physical.

It took more than an hour, including the waiting time. When it was time to give plasma, I brought along a magazine to read during the process. It was great being able to catch up on my magazine reading while reclining on a semi-comfortable chair. The actual donation took nearly an hour — not because it took that long for me to donate a pint of plasma, but because of the time it took waiting for the technicians.

They tend to multiple clients at once, all in various stages of donation. A working mom of two children, I quickly discovered finding time to donate was a challenge.

But after about three or four weeks of donating twice a week, I ran into trouble: On these days I was sent home — after spending about 10 minutes filling out the computer survey you need to do at every visit and waiting another five minutes for a technician to check my iron count and temperature — without a cent.

When I expressed frustration, one technician suggested an iron supplement on top of my regular multi-vitamin. I did the math and found one bottle would cost the equivalent of one plasma donation, so I decided to pass.

I was also worried what the extra iron would do to my sensitive digestive system. In addition to the low iron levels, I was also rejected once because I just had some ice water and my body temperature was too low. To make a long story short, I was only successful about half the time I tried to give plasma , so I decided to look for other ways to make extra money.

Americans are donating plasma to make up to $ a month | Clark Howard

Before your appointment, be sure to drink lots of water — being well hydrated is good for vein development, which makes the needle go in more easily. Eat food rich in iron, such as red meat, peas, spinach, iron-fortified cereal and poultry to make sure your level is high enough to give.

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Remember to bring a good book, magazine or an electronic device to keep you occupied during the donation process. The center I visited had free WiFi, so you could even work on an online business while you wait. Finally, before you sign up, go online or check the mail for bonus coupons that might increase your donation payment. MaryBeth Matzek is a freelance writer based in Wisconsin.

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