NC
Noelia Cabral
Oct 9, 2026
I had a very unpleasant experience at this plasma donation center, and I will not be returning.
My son and I went in to donate plasma, and we both left feeling disappointed with the way we were treated.
A young woman with long blonde hair checked our veins first. Then, another employee, a white woman with short dark hair, checked my son’s veins but said she couldn’t find a suitable vein.
When it was my turn, I explained that my veins are usually difficult to find and confirmed that I had been drinking water. Unfortunately, she was unable to find a suitable vein either. What really upset me was her comment that, because hospital staff often have trouble finding my veins, plasma donation might not be for me.
I found that comment disrespectful and unnecessary. Her job is to assess whether I can safely donate, not to make me feel as though I should give up on donating altogether. If there is a medical or safety reason I cannot donate, that should be explained to me professionally and respectfully.
I left feeling frustrated and disappointed with the entire experience. Everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect.
I cannot say for certain whether race played a role in how we were treated or whether it had something to do with the fact that I spoke Spanish to my son. However, the experience left me questioning whether we were treated differently for either of those reasons.
I will be giving The Blood Connection a try instead. Hopefully, I will receive better customer service and a more respectful experience there.