If you’re 18 and looking to make some extra money twice a week, then consider donating plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood without your red and white blood cells. It’s also necessary to create life- saving medicine that greatly improves the lives of people with various chronic illnesses. It’s not for everyone, but I’d like to help you decide if it’s right for you.

An obvious pro is making extra money. We need all the money we can get nowadays. Depending on where you go, you could make a few extra $100 a month. Your donation also helps hundreds of thousands of people with chronic illnesses. Some of the medicines made require hundreds of donations just for a year’s supply for one patient. 

However, there are cons for certain people. The first donation is a big time commitment, usually a few hours. There’s also needles involved. Mainly, the one your arm for however long it takes to collect the plasma. On top of that, you’re sitting still in a cold room with a bunch of strangers for about an hour. Afterwards you can feel some side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of vision or consciousness, and more. Though, these can be avoided if you’re properly fed and hydrated. Lastly, the needle site can become itchy or bruised and may develop a small scar.

If you’re considering plasma donation, do your own research to decide if donating plasma is the right decision for you.