Plasma Donation Weight Chart 2026: Complete Visual Guide
See exactly how your weight affects plasma donation eligibility and pay rates at CSL Plasma, BioLife, Grifols, and other major centers.
Quick Answer: Plasma Donation Weight Requirements
110 lbs
Minimum Weight
No Max
Upper Limit
175+ lbs
Highest Pay Tier
Table of Contents
Plasma Donation Weight Chart 2026
Your weight determines two important factors for plasma donation: eligibility and potential earnings. This chart shows the weight tiers used by most plasma centers:
Weight Tier Chart for Plasma Donation
Note: Not all centers use weight-based pay. CSL Plasma has the most significant weight-based differences.
| Weight Range | Plasma Volume | Donation Time | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 110 lbs | Not allowed | N/A | Ineligible |
| 110-129 lbs | 690 mL | 35-50 min | $40-$70 |
| 130-149 lbs | 690 mL | 40-55 min | $45-$75 |
| 150-174 lbs | 825 mL | 45-60 min | $50-$90 |
| 175-199 lbs | 880 mL | 50-70 min | $60-$100 |
| 200-249 lbs | 880 mL | 50-70 min | $65-$110 |
| 250+ lbs | 880 mL | 50-70 min | $65-$120 |
FDA Plasma Collection Volume by Weight
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets guidelines for how much plasma can be safely collected based on donor body weight. This is why weight affects both eligibility and pay.
Why Weight Matters: Plasma is approximately 55% of your blood volume. The FDA limits collection to a percentage of your total blood volume to ensure donor safety. More body weight = more blood volume = more plasma that can be safely collected.
FDA Maximum Plasma Collection Volumes
110-149 lbs
Maximum 690 mL per donation
(~23 oz)
150-174 lbs
Maximum 825 mL per donation
(~28 oz)
175+ lbs
Maximum 880 mL per donation
(~30 oz)
Source: FDA Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
What This Means for You
- A 175 lb donor provides 28% more plasma per donation than a 110 lb donor
- This is why some centers pay heavier donors more
- Heavier donors typically have longer donation times due to larger volumes
Pay by Weight at Major Plasma Centers 2026
Not all plasma centers pay differently based on weight. Here's how major chains handle weight-based compensation:
| Center | Min Weight | Weight-Based Pay? | 110-149 lbs | 150-174 lbs | 175+ lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSL Plasma | 110 lbs | Yes - Strong | $50-$75 | $60-$90 | $75-$120 |
| BioLife | 110 lbs | Minimal | $40-$70 | $45-$80 | $50-$100 |
| Grifols | 110 lbs | Partial | $35-$55 | $40-$65 | $50-$80 |
| Octapharma | 110 lbs | No | $40-$70 | $40-$70 | $40-$90 |
| KEDPLASMA | 110 lbs | No | $30-$50 | $30-$50 | $30-$70 |
| B Positive | 110 lbs | No | $50-$70 | $50-$70 | $50-$70 |
Key Finding
If you weigh 175+ lbs, CSL Plasma is typically the best choice. A 200 lb donor at CSL can earn $150-$250 more per month than at BioLife or Octapharma due to weight-based pay.
CSL Plasma Weight Tiers & Pay 2026
CSL Plasma has the most significant weight-based pay differences of any major chain. Here's the detailed breakdown:
Tier 1: Light
110-149 lbs
Tier 2: Medium
150-174 lbs
Tier 3: Heavy
175+ lbs
Annual Difference by Weight at CSL
Over a year of twice-weekly donations, a 175+ lb donor could earn $1,800-$3,000 more than a 110-149 lb donor at the same CSL location.
BioLife Weight Requirements & Pay 2026
BioLife has the same 110 lb minimum but doesn't emphasize weight-based pay as much as CSL. Payment differences between weight categories are smaller.
| Weight | 1st Donation | 2nd Donation | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110-149 lbs | $40-$55 | $50-$70 | $90-$125 | $360-$500 |
| 150-174 lbs | $45-$60 | $55-$80 | $100-$140 | $400-$560 |
| 175+ lbs | $50-$65 | $60-$100 | $110-$165 | $440-$660 |
BioLife vs CSL for Heavy Donors
A 200 lb donor would typically earn $100-$200 more per month at CSL than at BioLife due to CSL's more aggressive weight-based pay structure.
Weight vs BMI: What Plasma Centers Actually Check
Plasma centers check your weight, not your BMI. However, understanding how these relate can help you understand eligibility.
What Centers Check
- Weight: Must be 110 lbs minimum
- General health: Physical exam at first visit
- Blood pressure: Must be within acceptable range
- Pulse: Normal resting heart rate
- Temperature: No fever
What Centers Don't Check
- BMI: Not used as eligibility criteria
- Body fat %: Not measured
- Height-weight ratio: Not calculated
- Ideal weight: Not considered
Important for Muscular Individuals
If you're muscular and weigh 175+ lbs despite having low body fat, you'll qualify for the highest pay tier at weight-based centers like CSL. BMI doesn't matter - only the number on the scale.
Maximum Weight Considerations
While there's no official maximum weight for plasma donation, practical considerations include:
- Donation chair weight limits (typically 350-450 lbs)
- Blood pressure cuff sizing availability
- Vein accessibility (may be harder to find in very large arms)
- General mobility to access the donation area
How to Maximize Pay Based on Your Weight
If You Weigh 175+ lbs
You're in the optimal weight tier. Prioritize CSL Plasma for maximum earnings - their weight-based system benefits you most.
Potential monthly earnings: $600-$960
If You Weigh 150-174 lbs
You're in the middle tier. Compare CSL and BioLife rates in your area - the difference may be smaller. Focus on centers with the best new donor bonuses.
Potential monthly earnings: $500-$700
If You Weigh 110-149 lbs
Weight-based pay matters less at this tier. Focus on finding centers with the best flat rates and promotions. BioLife or Octapharma may offer comparable pay to CSL.
Potential monthly earnings: $400-$550
If You're Close to a Tier Threshold
If you weigh 148 lbs or 173 lbs, gaining a couple pounds could bump you to a higher pay tier at CSL. Consider weighing in the afternoon (body weight is typically higher) and wearing heavier clothing.
A 2-pound difference could mean $50-$100 more per month
Pro Tips for Weigh-In
- Weigh later in the day (you're heavier after eating/drinking)
- Wear shoes and heavier clothing if near a threshold
- Stay hydrated - water weight counts
- Don't skip meals before your appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate plasma if I weigh exactly 110 lbs?
Yes, 110 lbs is the minimum threshold. You'll be eligible, though you'll be in the lowest pay tier at weight-based centers.
Do they weigh you at every visit?
Yes, weight is checked at every donation to ensure you meet requirements and to determine the appropriate plasma collection volume.
What if I'm just under 110 lbs?
You cannot donate until you reach 110 lbs. Trying to game the scale (heavy clothing, water loading) is not recommended as it's a safety requirement, not just a payment threshold.
Is there a maximum weight for plasma donation?
There's no official FDA maximum weight. However, individual centers may have practical limitations based on equipment. Most centers can accommodate donors up to 350-450 lbs.
Does being overweight affect plasma quality?
No, plasma quality is not affected by weight or body fat percentage. As long as you meet health requirements, your plasma is equally valuable regardless of weight.
Disclaimer
Payment rates shown are estimates based on publicly available information and may vary by location, time, and promotional periods. Weight requirements are set by the FDA for safety reasons. Always verify current requirements and rates directly with your local plasma center. This article is for informational purposes only.