Requirements
Bio-Donor ServicesRequirements for Bio-Donor Services
Basic Qualifications
Bio-donation has strict eligibility requirements that vary by donation type. These baseline qualifications apply to most donation types:
- Age requirements (typically 18-65, varies by donation type)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
- Social Security Number or Tax ID
- Good general health with no active infections
- No recent tattoos or piercings (typically within last 4-12 months)
- No history of IV drug use
- Weight requirements (typically 110+ lbs for plasma)
- Ability to pass medical screening and infectious disease testing
Donation-Specific Requirements
Plasma Donation
- Age 18-65
- Weight 110+ lbs
- Good vein access
- No history of hepatitis or HIV
- Acceptable protein and hemoglobin levels
- 2-3 hours available per donation session
Sperm Donation
- Age 18-39 (preferably under 35)
- College education (often preferred)
- Height requirement (typically 5'7" or taller)
- Excellent health history
- No genetic disorders in family history
- 6-12 month minimum commitment
- Ability to abstain from ejaculation 2-3 days before donation
- Consistent availability (1-3 times weekly)
Egg Donation
- Age 21-31
- BMI under 29
- Regular menstrual cycles
- No reproductive disorders
- No genetic diseases in family history
- Psychological evaluation clearance
- 3-4 week availability for medical appointments
- Willingness to undergo hormone injections
- Ability to abstain from sexual activity during donation cycle
Breast Milk Donation
- Currently lactating mother with excess milk supply
- Baby less than 1-2 years old (varies by milk bank)
- Non-smoker
- Limited alcohol consumption
- No illegal drug use
- Willing to undergo blood testing
Medical Research Studies
- Requirements vary widely by study
- Some studies seek healthy volunteers
- Others require specific medical conditions
- Ability to follow strict study protocols
- Availability for follow-up appointments
Equipment & Materials
Bio-donation requires minimal personal equipment as donation centers provide necessary medical supplies. However, these items can be helpful:
Plasma Donation
- Reusable water bottle for hydration
- Comfortable clothing with accessible sleeves
- Entertainment items (headphones, tablet, book)
Breast Milk Donation
- Breast pump (electric preferred)
- Milk storage bags or containers
- Cooler for transport
- Freezer space for storage
General Items
- Transportation to/from donation centers
- Calendar or app for tracking donation schedules
- File folder for medical documentation
Startup Costs
Bio-donation typically has minimal startup costs as most medical equipment is provided by donation centers. However, there are some associated expenses:
| Donation Type | Estimated Startup Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma Donation | $0-20 | Transportation costs to/from center; centers provide all medical equipment |
| Sperm Donation | $0-50 | Transportation costs; potential parking fees at urban facilities |
| Egg Donation | $0 | All medical expenses covered by recipient/agency; may include transportation reimbursement |
| Breast Milk Donation | $150-400 | Electric breast pump ($150-300) if not covered by insurance; storage bags ($20-50); cooler ($20-50) |
| Medical Research | $0-50 | Transportation costs; parking fees |
Legal & Regulatory Requirements
Bio-donation is heavily regulated to ensure safety of both donors and recipients:
General Legal Requirements
- Valid identification proving legal age (18+)
- Legal residence or citizenship documentation
- Truthful disclosure of medical history (falsification can have legal consequences)
- Signed informed consent documents
- Compliance with FDA donation frequency limitations
Regulatory Oversight
- FDA regulates blood, plasma, and tissue donation
- AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks) sets standards for blood collection
- Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/P) regulations apply to reproductive material
- IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval required for research studies
- State-specific regulations may apply, particularly for reproductive material
Tax Considerations
- All donation compensation is taxable income
- Donation centers typically issue 1099 forms for earnings over $600
- Self-employment tax may apply depending on classification
- Record-keeping responsibility falls on the donor
- Egg donation compensation has been unsuccessfully challenged as non-taxable "pain and suffering" compensation
Important Note
Bio-donation requirements vary significantly by center and region. Always check with specific donation facilities for their current eligibility criteria. Medical standards are subject to change based on current research and public health considerations.