Des Moines Guide January 1, 2025

Plasma Donation in Des Moines Iowa: 7 Best Centers & Pay Rates

Complete guide to plasma donation in Des Moines, Iowa. Compare 7 centers with pay rates from $40-$100 per visit, new donor bonuses up to $1,000, and real donor reviews.

7
Plasma Centers
$40-$100
Pay Range
$1,000
Max Bonus
3 min
Avg Drive

Best Plasma Centers in Des Moines (2025)

CSL Plasma - East Des Moines

$50-$100/visit 🥇 Highest Paying

📍 2810 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317

📞 (515) 266-2065

New Donor Bonus
$1,000

Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sat: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sun: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Why Choose CSL:

  • ✅ Highest pay rates in Des Moines
  • ✅ $1,000 new donor bonus
  • ✅ Modern, clean facility
  • ✅ Fast Wi-Fi and entertainment
  • ✅ myCSL app for scheduling

Pay Breakdown:

  • 110-149 lbs: $50-$65
  • 150-174 lbs: $60-$75
  • 175+ lbs: $70-$100
  • Monthly potential: $560-$800

💡 Pro Tip: This is Des Moines' busiest center. Schedule appointments through the myCSL app to avoid wait times, especially weekends.

CSL Plasma - South Des Moines

$50-$100/visit 🚗 Easy Parking

📍 1451 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320

📞 (515) 244-8898

New Donor Bonus
$1,000

Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sat: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sun: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Advantages:

  • ✅ Same high CSL pay rates
  • ✅ Ample free parking
  • ✅ Shorter wait times
  • ✅ Newer facility (renovated 2023)
  • ✅ Easy highway access

Location Benefits:

  • Near Southridge Mall
  • Multiple restaurant options
  • Gas stations nearby
  • Public transit accessible

💡 Local Tip: This location tends to be less crowded than East Des Moines, making it ideal for quick visits.

BioLife Plasma - West Des Moines

$45-$90/visit 👨‍🎓 Student Friendly

📍 1450 22nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50266

📞 (515) 224-1000

New Donor Bonus
$900

Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sat: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Sun: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

BioLife Benefits:

  • ✅ Flexible scheduling
  • ✅ Strong referral bonuses ($100)
  • ✅ Student discount programs
  • ✅ Monthly promotional bonuses
  • ✅ Clean, modern facility

West Des Moines Perks:

  • Near Valley West Mall
  • Close to DMACC campus
  • Plenty of dining options
  • Safe, well-lit area

💡 Student Tip: BioLife offers student-specific promotions and flexible hours perfect for college schedules.

Grifols Plasma (KEDPLASMA) - Des Moines

$40-$85/visit ⚡ Quick Process

📍 2929 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

📞 (515) 244-4444

New Donor Bonus
$800

Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Sat: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Sun: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Grifols Advantages:

  • ✅ Faster donation process
  • ✅ Experienced, friendly staff
  • ✅ Regular loyalty bonuses
  • ✅ Spanish-speaking staff
  • ✅ Comfortable waiting area

Ingersoll Location:

  • Historic Ingersoll district
  • Near downtown Des Moines
  • Walkable neighborhood
  • Coffee shops nearby

💡 Efficiency Tip: Known for the fastest processing in Des Moines. Great choice if you're on a tight schedule.

Des Moines Plasma Center Locations

Quick Location Reference

CSL East Des Moines
E University Ave (Eastside)
CSL South Des Moines
SE 14th St (Southside)
BioLife West Des Moines
22nd St (West Des Moines)
Grifols Des Moines
Ingersoll Ave (Central)

Travel Time from Popular Areas

Downtown Des Moines: 5-8 minutes
Iowa State Capitol: 3-6 minutes
Drake University: 4-7 minutes
DMACC Campus: 8-12 minutes
West Des Moines: 10-15 minutes
Ankeny: 15-20 minutes

Maximizing Earnings in Des Moines

🎯 Des Moines Strategy

  • Start with CSL East: Highest pay rates + $1,000 bonus
  • Avoid Monday mornings: Busiest time at all centers
  • Tuesday/Friday combo: Optimal weekly schedule
  • Winter bonuses: Dec-Feb typically offer extra $10-20

💰 Monthly Earning Potential

First Month (New Donor)

CSL Plasma bonus: $1,000
Total: $1,000+

Regular Monthly (CSL)

8 visits @ $70 avg: $560
With bonuses: $650+

Annual Potential

Conservative estimate:
$7,800/year

Des Moines Donor Resources

🍽️ Pre-Donation Dining

  • Perkins (E University): High-protein breakfast
  • Hy-Vee Deli: Fresh, healthy options
  • Subway (multiple): Quick protein subs
  • Panera Bread: Protein-rich soups
  • Casey's: Grab-and-go protein bars

💊 Health Support

  • Hy-Vee Pharmacy: Iron supplements, vitamins
  • Walgreens: Multiple locations
  • CVS Pharmacy: Health products
  • Mercy Medical: Primary care if needed
  • UnityPoint Health: Walk-in clinics

🚌 Transportation

  • DART Bus: Routes 3, 5, 17 serve centers
  • Uber/Lyft: $5-12 rides within metro
  • Free parking: All centers have lots
  • Bike lanes: E University has bike access
  • Car2Go zones: Near downtown centers

Des Moines Plasma Donation FAQ

Which Des Moines plasma center pays the most?

CSL Plasma offers the highest pay in Des Moines at $50-$100 per visit, plus a $1,000 new donor bonus. Both Des Moines CSL locations (East University and SE 14th) offer identical rates.

Can Drake University students donate plasma?

Yes! Many Drake students donate at CSL East (closest to campus) or BioLife West Des Moines. Both centers offer student-friendly hours and Drake students frequently use plasma income for textbooks and expenses.

What documents do I need in Des Moines?

Valid photo ID, Social Security card, and proof of Iowa address (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement within 30 days). All Des Moines centers accept the same documentation.

How long does the first visit take in Des Moines?

First visits typically take 2-3 hours including screening, physical exam, and first donation. CSL locations tend to be busiest, while Grifols often has the fastest processing times.

Start Earning in Des Moines Today

Recommended Action Plan:

  1. 1. Choose CSL East or South for highest pay
  2. 2. Schedule appointment online or by phone
  3. 3. Gather required documents
  4. 4. Eat protein-rich meal 2 hours before
  5. 5. Complete screening and start earning

Des Moines Earning Potential:

First visit payment: $125
First week total: $250
First month total: $1,000+

Related Iowa Plasma Guides