Highly recommend this company and location. I have seen some sketchy donation locations. This is not one of one of them. Yes, we do this mostly because we need the money, but this place makes you feel good about it, not desperately. Professional. Friendly. Efficient. Enjoyable. read more

Love the staff! They are fast and friendly! 98% of the time, the poke me and get it right the 1st time around, which I appreciate. read more

Can I give them a ZERO ??????? I make appointments with Biolife to better manage my time, and theirs. However, I am really fed up with arriving there, only to find a life of 10-15 people ahead of me, standing in line to check vitals, and another hour long line to get seated. I plan my time to be there 60-75 minutes, and I'm really feeling disrespected when I arrive, and it takes 2+ hours. What is the point of making an appointment ? My time is valuable and it appears that Biolife really doesn't care. read more

Prepare your body to feel like it's literally ran a marathon. I personally did not feel capable of doing much physically after my morning draw, including working. The idea of supporting another human in need sounds like a wonderful concept until you realize how taxing it is physically for your body. The monetary exchange personally does not match the value of what you're contributing, including time investment and physical resources. Do your research to know what you are getting yourself into. This business is supported by pharma companies and your body is just another number in the game. A few stars go to the avenue of being able to help another human in need and the friendly staff. read more

Very Disappointing I booked an appointment at 11:15 via the website. I've donated over a year ago so I received an email saying I need a new physical. When I arrived there were 4 people in line and no one at the front desk; although the sign at the entrance states -stop at the front desk if you need a physical. A woman came to help me ten minutes later and informed me she couldn't find my phone number and I needed to update it so they could view my appointment. I wasn't previously informed I needed to "update my phone number" when I booked the appointment on the website. She was able to find my appointment using my name (I'm still not sure why they need a number on file). The woman directed me to sit in the new donor waiting area. I waited five minutes before I was called to complete additional information to get checked in with Lisa. Although it wasn't crowded the staff seemed very "busy" and a bit unorganized. Lisa asked me if there were any changes to my information before she left to answer a phone call. She didn't ask me to wait or excuse herself she just walked away towards the phone. She had an uncomfortably negative attitude with the person over the phone repeatedly stating "you need to fix your number in the portal the number isn't coming up !" Her tone grew louder before she hung up the phone. Apparently I wasn't the only person whose "phone number wasn't coming up" for the appointment. She returned minutes later and completed my check in. I waited in line before getting my vitals checked. ‼As I waited for my vitals the employee next to me complained about not understanding why she had to go on break. While another employee informed staff they would be closing a section and Lisa loudly stated "Why?!". There is clearly tension at this location and nothing is worse than customers/donors being exposed to a noticeably dysfunctional work environment. I was told my "hematocrit levels" were too low so I couldn't donate. I wasn't given any additional information as to what hematocrit was or what I needed to do to return. Therefore I will not be returning. It saddens me that people carve out time and energy to donate their blood/plasma and get treated so poorly by staff. Donating should be rewarding not only through compensation but friendly and helpful staff. I've donated at other facilities and had a much better experience. read more

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BIO-LIFE Plasma 2115 montiel rd 10/25/25 10:55 appointment The big fat dude(dont know his name) that works here cancelled my appointment at 10:47 while i was in the middle of the questionaire, in hopes i was still waiting to start the questionaire at my oroginal appointment date. Kassandra had an attitude right when it was my turn to go. doesnt take bandaid off and defered me for the day for high pulse. i think she pressed somethin on that machine to accelerate the pressure of the cuff. this is the second time Biolife has done this to me. i really believe its somethin personal they dont like about me. its not right and i want the higher ups to make adjustments or look into this please. theres more i need to tell over the phone. thank you read more

Do not go to the one on 87th street in Chicago. They almost killed me and did not return almost a pint of my blood. They put me on a broke machine after the supervisor phlebotomist said the machine was not working correctly. Now I have holes in each arm blood was squirting everywhere it was terrible.they don't care you are just another number. They lie a lot and when I said I'm going to call corporate the. Nurse pulled out a paper and said you agreed to this. They are crazy they want your plasma and to hell with of you are ok. You have been warned. read more

Heard about the promo. Check up exam all went well. Laid back in chair. Had needle put in arm. Was told to keep squeezing the ball. Saw blood coming out of arm where needle was. Everyday the bruise is spreading. 2 days now. read more

BioLife Plasma Services - Arm started leaking blood - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Marcos, California

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I've donated Platelets, blood and plasma before at Red Cross and sd blood bank, but this takes the cake at most disorganized waste of time place I've ever been in. I made a appointment. Arrived on time, went to the line that said new donor, 10 minute wait. Once talked to someone they told me I had to go to another line. After waiting in that line, 5 minutes go by and she told me I was late.... sigh. They would still take me, drink this ensure and cheese-its (not a fan of cheese its but whatever) wait another 15 minutes, the nurse finally takes my info, the Biometrics don't work. 45 minutes later, didn't even get to donate. Also, why don't you have me do the questionnaire or take my iron before wasting my time? Also, you only get $20 maybe if you donate first time. I'll go back to Red cross. read more

I have been coming to this BioLife since it has opened (almost 3 years) and felt I should leave a little review and some tidbits for potential and current donors. Review Staff; the staff honestly make the place and the visits something I actually look forward to. Most of the staff are wonderful people and I enjoy seeing them and catching up, and we are mutually looking forward to seeing each other. Some of them are amazingly talented and have years of experience like Daniel, Octavio, Carla, Paul, Alexis, Joselito, Rosa, and Raquel. There are definitely some that I will miss but those are the ones that regularly stick me. And I love making the front staff smile and chat with them while they check you in, while Lisa is a sweetheart always trying to manage all the new patients , outbound and inbound calls. Honestly they deserve to be paid way more than they do and they all work really hard to be professional and caring. System & Intake Questionnaire; honestly this is my one major gripe about BioLife. Their questionnaire is absolutely atrocious and could be rewritten and simplified down to like 3 questions and pages and take 30 seconds to complete. It is absurdly repetitive and obnoxious to go through. Everything can be asked and covered from a legal and informational standpoint much simpler. Also they do have a system that is older and connected to every BioLife so if it goes down then all are Facility; which is really nice and well laid out. Lots of room and very comfortable. With easy parking and fun music playing while inside. All very convenient and enjoyable. Advice tidbits 1. Hydrate! And start the day before. Make sure you are drinking a majority of your water more than 6 hours before and if you donate in. The mornings the night before. Try and get half w gallon or more. 2. Eat protein, and lots of it. Good lean protein is key. Have significant meals with good amounts of it throughout the 12 hours before and definitely within the couple hours before. Fast digesting proteins work best right before and slow the meals beforehand. You have to keep your protein high to keep donating and it is important to have your food beforehand to keep your metabolism high while donating. 3. Use the app, get your appointments early, and stay consistent. This is super important because when you adjust your second donation day you will have to loose a day/week of donation to fix it. 4. Use vitamin E oil after donating to reduce scaring and tissue build up. 5. Always wear a shirt a leave shirt and if you are prone to being cold being a sweater or blanket. The saline and facility will feel pretty cold at the end of you aren't wearing much. You will definitely get what you put into this experience like with anything. So if you make it a good time, and are friendly with the staff, it will be that way for you. Just don't forget that this is a medical procedure and it carries some risks. The best way to avoid those issues is by following my tips and remembering that this is still a medical procedure with a needle in your arm and pressure on your veins. So it may hurt a little bit and it isn't always the most comfortable, but what you are doing is rewarding both monetarily and because you help actually save lives through medicine and research. Good luck and hope to see you there read more

I can't say how professional this staff is here at the San Marcos location enough. Very well educated and efficient at what they do. From the front check in area to the people working the floor getting people hooked up. Everyone is very welcoming and professional. STACY who I believe to be one of the managers is always very nice friendly and helpful with any questions or concerns I've ever had. Having her and her staff truly make this experience enjoyable. It's become a nice place to come and let my hair down and get paid for it! Thank you STACY and staff! read more

So many reasons NOT to choose this location! This was my second time donating. The Vista location was closed on Monday so I tried San Marcos. 1) I arrived at 1:03 for my 1:15 appointment. Overheard the "Trainer" at the desk telling people to try to log in early. No luck. 2) "Trainer" said the computer system was not working properly so to "keep trying". No luck. 3) Tried to log in again at 1:10 (5 minutes prior to my 1:15 appointment). No luck. 4) Tried to log in again at 1:15. No luck. 5) "Trainer" took my name and told me that my appointment was actually at 1:05. She lied. She said I was LATE and the computer kicked me out. I didn't "keep trying long enough". Too bad for me. 6) The "Trainer" was making up stuff on the fly. She was rude and dismissive. I'll never go back to this location. Considering the rude staff that purports to be a "Trainer" and the crappy computer system, it's a huge waste of time. read more

BioLife Plasma Services - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Marcos, California

Great care and the staff is amazing especially Daniel... always with a smile and hello A very clean facility with a professional staff that sincerely cares read more

Rude staff. I was disqualified today because I said my one sneeze was perhaps because someone had on perfume. I was then accused of holding back information. I do not have a perfume allergy and even providing a panel won't get me back enrolled. All marketing materials say allergies are just fine but the word "perfume" is a bad word. This is after being given hematomas twice in only 4 donations. SCAM! read more

They fking suck! "Let us know if it ends up hurting or need something" mf how!?! There's no one in the section they're all gathered up in a group on the opposite side and laugh, giggle etc. I tried getting someone's attention, I was ignored. Pain was increasing..,rapidly I was gonna pull the needle out and patch myself up. Blood is not a problem with me, as a marine vet I'm capable of doing it myself. Worst mfs ever! Pathetic. I know half of you don't know how to poke! Go to the FRONT AND STAY THERE checking people in! Let the pros go and poke in the back! Before you get punched! Horrible care! read more

BioLife Plasma Services - Wtf? Pathetic do your job right! - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Marcos, California

Typical 'Medical Clinic' vibe. Fast pace, multiple movements happening at once, and under staffed. Vital assistance via phone or app is basically nonexistent. There is no dedicated 'customer service' employee who just stays upfront and answers phone calls. It's who ever is closet or not busy. "New Donor" experience. Overall not that organized, a 'RED Card' follows your movement. Station menthol system; Check in, Vein Exam, Vitals, Questionnaire, Physical, Waiting Room, Donation, Waiting Room and finally discharge. Spent a lot of time waiting, staff members would pass me but not assist since there no real way of tracking or assigned staff to a particular station. I have to ask, "So what do I need to next?" Bring headphones and wear warm comfortable clothing. Initial visit can take up to 2-3hrs and routine visits are typically 1hr according to 'regular' donors. When providing proof of SSN; make sure it's the full SSN. ***-**-1234 (NOT ACCEPTED) 123-45-6789 (ACCEPTED) Appointment: 10:30am Finished: 1:30pm read more

BioLife Plasma Services - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Marcos, California

Decided to donate for the new year. As a first time donor there's a while process to go through. Everyone there is very efficient. Nurses help me through out the process. Explained everything very thoroughly, including the reason why each vitals are significant. read more

Their sister facility had no staff so I went to this center to seek assistance. There was no care given to my issue and I was essentially shoed away rather than offering any service. No quality of care provided. read more

Very long wait times. You can make an appointment evert 5 min but only every 15 min someone leaves a bed. So if all who have an appointment show up you end up having long lines of 20-20 people waiting and no chairs to sit down. The water fountain does not work. I only donate because I have a personal cause to support but this place needs way better management which manage appointments better. It is very dysfunctional at this time. I am going to stop donating after waiting in line for a bed for 2 hours today. read more

Horrible service. Worst location they always leave big bruises. They always have 10 extra people standing around just gossiping instead of helping out patients. Zero accountability for the appointments. Why are people that show up later and get to the machines after get to be seen first. Seems like they only take care of Hispanics better than everyone else. read more

Staff was very nice, especially Daniel, he was very professional and respectful, he made sure the process went as smoothly as possible. I hope I continue having Daniel for all of my visits! read more

I've been coming here for the last 4 months. Everyone is professional and this place rund like a well oiled machine. They do get busy at times, but I've never had a bad experience. If you're not following the rules, then that's your issue, and the business shouldn't be reprimanded for your issue. They have rules in place to protect yourself and the patients who receive your plasma donation. Treat it like a medical office/clinic, and you'll be fine. They know what they are doing. Everyone I've encountered has been pleasant and helpful if there is a concern. This location is very clean and they use good sterile equipment and ppe. read more

Giving back never felt so great! Your life-saving donation will help all ages pursue a contented life not easily available to those born with compromised immune systems. Each donor receives a gift card that gets reloaded after each successful donation. There are also allocated ATM's where you can get cash without a fee charged. Well- trained Phlebotomists mindfully navigate you through the donation process. Some have been in this industry for decades like one of my favorites, Daniel. A healthy diet paired with excellent hydration is paramount, and will enable you to be a consistent, weekly donor--you got this! The staff are wonderful; a myriad of dynamic personalities, ages, and knowledge; each diligently, professionally, and competently doing their part to create a win/win experience. Lisa at the front desk is a good soul. read more

Decided to donate plasma to help those in need and get a little cash on the side, cuz why not. I've been here before but this visit stuck out enough to make a review. Everything went well but the older white man that works the floor to get people hooked up to the machines could not hit my vein to save either one of our lives. When he did find it, he punctured to far in. Another worker had to fix his mistake. He then went on to mess up (2) other patients after me. Other workers are great, kind, and attentive but he would be the odd one out. I had great quality treatment but this one specific time read more

Ouch! Week and a half later and I'm still bruised on both arms. I would feel safer going somewhere where someone is consistently monitoring me throughout the donation. Staff is bouncing around between patients here which feels concerning. read more

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The employee with the half black hair half brunette and wears glasses disconnected three people before me...even though I was done first. She didn't look at me or even acknowledge that I had been done. So I'm sitting there FREEZING and say Jesus Christ and she complains to management? Do a better job and actually look around your Small area of donors and I wouldn't say Gods name in vain. read more

Been sitting here in a bed for 43 minutes so far and no one has even started the IV... I used to get in and out of here in 38 min because I bleed fast but when they won't even start the donation because they're too busy chatting with each other, it's annoying. Big difference between $35/hr payout and $15/hr payout because it takes 90 min plus commute because they're not doing their job. I've been coming here for over 2 years so I don't even bother most weeks when the pay decreases because it's not worth the 2 hrs of my time due to their slow service. It takes 2 min to start the IV, idk why it should take them 43 min to get to me when half the beds are empty. read more

I started donating plasma as a source of extra income using my free time throughout the week to afford things I didn't necessarily NEED but stuff I wanted. San Marcos location is the only one I've been to but I've NEVER had an issue with the staff, the cleanliness, or any experiences in the past year. I've donated 12 different times now and besides it paying pretty good, I'm always comfortable there between the friendliness of staff and the chairs and overall experience you feel cared for. read more

POSITIVE REVIEW: Aside from the fact that I had to switch arms because the first attempt hurt too much, Paul (a different tech from the first ) came in and saved the day! He put a new draw needle in the opposite arm and things got going smoothly. I also learned NO COFFEE for 24 hours prior to donation, so take heed, fellow donors! read more

Just wanted to share a positive review in case anybody reading this is on the fence as to whether or not, they should go through with this process. From start to finish my entire experience at this location was nothing but pleasant and painless. From checking in reception (with the kind woman with the birthmark on her face) to the physical, donation etc. Every member of staff was informative, attentive and a pleasure to be in contact with. A little piece of advice, kindness and respect are a 2 way street. Do your homework beforehand, follow instructions and you'll have a great experience. read more

BioLife Plasma Services - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Marcos, California

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My first time ever coming into a plasma lab. I wasn't greeted and no one was at the front desk. I finally got to speak with someone and my mailing address is different than my physical address so the lady said they could not accept me as a donor because I could be in a rehab center for drug treatment for all she knows to summarize what was said. She was very unprofessional and that was offensive because I have never done drugs. To jump to conclusions like that is WILD! Don't come here if you want to be treated with dignity. read more

unless you STRUGGLING for money, dont give these people your plasma/DNA any of it. They make upwards of 5k per 800ml of plasma. They are paying you .01% of what you deserve fuck the system you are worth more read more

I'm an existing donor and I was finally able to give plasma after 28 days from having a Hep B vaccination... I was in line and had forgotten my phone in my car.. I return and a staff member asked if I was in line. I said yes and that I had forgotten my phone in my car to keep me busy while I donate. The staff member then said that be a use I left I cannot donate. I looked at him and asked why? And he said that at the kiosk it says that... I simply told him that's ridiculous. I know there's rules but really??! The urgency in need of plasma, life saving gift that's needed for people to survive and there's a stupid rule of not being able to donate? Utterly ridulous.. because of this incident I am no longer going to donate this precious life-giving plasma for your Company. Mrs. Arevalo read more

The staff is friendly, just to name a few Daniel, Jose (Joselito), and Sheila are some of my fav staff to talk to in the morning. Thanks for ensuring things goes smoothly. read more

I've been here quite a few times and every single time the care quality is different. Sometimes they're nice and attentive and sometimes they're rude and disrespectful. On more occasions than good ones I've had very bad experiences where they forget certain things, leak my blood, or management had friends come in to donate and they get front of the line like I haven't been waiting for an hour for a bed. The only good person that is always good is Tyler. Everyone else I've worked with has had an attitude or acts like I'm doing them a disservice for being here. Also on weekends only there is a gentlemen who I always only see working the front desk and that guy is always rude and disrespectful. He talks down to people and makes the room uncomfortable when a female walks in read more

Love the team at San Marcos! Daniel, Ocho, the future Mrs. Nieman, and all the rest of the team is incredible! You show up as a client and leave as a friend! They are so kind, caring, compassionate, and fun!! Wouldn't want to go anywhere else!!! read more

Honestly I used to donate out of state and recently started donating at this location. No issues at all whatsoever!!! The nurse was very nice, helpful and resourceful. Remember...if they defer you it's to protect YOU but I guess ppl don't seem to understand that. I just went in for my 75th donation and makes it my second time here and had no issues in fact the needle sticks here in CA seem a lot better than the ones I received in WI. Don't let the bad reviews keep you away. Yes sometimes there is a wait but there's a wait everywhere....the world is short staffed!!! Think about it this way...most of those complaining are the Karen/Kevin's that are angry about not being able to donate to Save lives with an incentive. Cmon let's accept it and move on. There's always blood donation too if you are not eligible to donate plasma.... That is if you are truly trying to SAVE LIVES!! PS it helps to look at the persons previous reviews. If all their reviews are 1 stars that's already speaking volumes about themselves!!! Nothing more difficult than assisting someone that's hard to please. read more

BioLife Plasma Services - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Marcos, California

Came back, against my better judgment LOL, since the coupons they send me are specifically for this location only. This time it was slightly better. The lady that helped me was extremely nice. However, I have a thesis; the machine where I've taken my vitals these last two times is not be calibrated properly. Why? I failed again. I did tell the employee I tend to get nervous for some reason but definitely shouldn't be over 100 bpm. She took my vitals twice and on the second go, boom! 101 bpm. Unfortunately my heart beat 1 over their max bpm range and I was sent home. I've only noticed this when sitting on the second station from the right, or the fourth? one from the left. Haven't gone back since. Next time, I'll request to sit elsewhere just to test this thesis haha! read more

I would give it a 5 but based on supervisor attitude it's one I went there and I have gone there multiple times. Her name is Stacy supervisor and she just the way she talk to me that way s demanded to put the thermometer in my mouth that way how she spoke to one of the workers when he was asking for help and she responded you should know how to do that instead of being a team player Show me the type of person that she is the way she talk to me with the attitude is what really bother me Today is my second time I had again rude demanding attitude as you are removing the needle out of me while talking to another client patient across me ? read more

Overall good place. Sometimes the wait is crazy long. But they work hard to get u in and out!!