To the average college student, earning money for doing no actual work sounds like wishful thinking.

But for many ISU students, earning up to $200 each month by donating plasma is a common occurrence.

Sandy Walter, center manager of Community Bio Resources, Inc., 1618 Golden Aspen Dr., said the center has about 1,200 donors per week. But with school starting again, the numbers will go up to about 1,500 to 1,600 per week.

The plasma is used in injectable products worldwide for hemophiliacs, burn victims and HIV victims, among others, Walter said.

“Plasma donation, as well as blood donations, directly saves lives in our community as well as worldwide,” she said.

The requirements for donors include weighing at least 110 pounds, being between the ages of 18 and 59 and being in “good, healthy condition,” Walter said. Donors are allowed to give only twice a week with at least 48 hours between donations due to an FDA regulation. Donors are paid $20 per donation with a $10 bonus if they donate twice a week.

Walter said the procedure is similar to giving blood. On the first visit, potential donors take a physical exam and are asked about their medical history. On each visit, blood tests are taken and the body temperature is checked. Donors answer about 30 medical questions before blood is drawn.

The actual donation takes longer than giving blood, about 30 minutes to an hour, due to the filtration process that separates the plasma from the rest of the blood, Walter said.

This process gives the donor the rest of their blood back, she said.

Saving lives is very important, but it is not the first thing on most students’ minds when they donate.

Nate Engelberth, junior in journalism and mass communication, said he donates for the extra money.

“It is the only job I know of that you get paid $10 an hour for sitting there,” he said.

Plasma donator Amy Sheldahl, senior in biology, said she had the same motivation.

“Money,” she said. “Only money.”

Walter said giving plasma poses no serious health concerns and can actually be beneficial, because the blood always is screened for viruses and the health of the donor is constantly being monitored.

Engelberth said the center advised him to drink plenty of juice and not to participate in extreme physical activity after donating.

“I would not necessarily encourage students to give plasma, but it’s a viable option for earning extra money,” he said.

Sheldahl said she has no worries about donating her plasma.

“I’ve never had a bad experience,” she said.

Anyone interested in learning more about plasma donation can contact Community Bio Resources at 233-2501 or www.cbr-usa.com.