Kristine and the rest of Team 8 were extremely fun to work with, and my double red donation went…read morewithout a hitch. Cool new shirt!

Fast & friendly just like family. I Always receive top notch care from any tech here. Clean,…read moreefficient & I never miss an opportunity to donate the life saving gift of life. I'm proud to be a part of the Guardian Family of donors who consistently donate & know the SDBB appreciates all of us.

I like donating plasma. In fact, you might call me a plasma aficionado. Or a plasmado. (But please…read moredon't.) It's a great way to make, depending on the location, about 50 clams per hour of tax-free money while helping science discover and aid people with blood disorders. (Plasma is the liquidy part of blood, in case you're curious and didn't know.) And those of us who have donated regularly know that a lot goes into the donation process, not the least of which is how you're treated. And on that point, Biomat USA completely misses the mark. There are four big plasma donation players in town: BioLife, CSL, Octapharma (I know. VERY James Bond-sounding.), and Biomat USA. Even their name screams rocks and torture and summer reruns. The problem here is twofold. One, the staff is temperamental. Or, at least it was until I stopped going there altogether. They're friendly, even ribald, among themselves. But when it comes to the interaction between staff and donator, it's like the difference between night and seaweed. Between the bruising on my arm, the coldness of the staff, the basic overall indifference to the comfort of the people who make a place like Biomat USA profitable, I just found it too much trouble to bother returning, ESPECIALLY when you have a lot of other good plasma donation centers to choose from. Now granted, I'm not saying all Biomat USA's are like a tray of expired kale, but the one at 7150 El Cajon Boulevard is like Disneyworld minus the sexual predators but with ants. My other beef is their big, big violation of HIPAA. (See my blurry photo below.) You cannot ask people to display personal information like that! Oy! I cringe. And since you can't lie or you won't be seen, it puts its donators in the unenviable position of exposing themselves to strangers by being asked to sign in in such a public way. Yikes! (Personally, I just put my mononym, Prince.) But it's not all random scraps and metal and dog hair. They do pay fairly, they're highly organized - the onboarding process was seamless and professional, kudos to that R.N. - and they do a good job of getting you in and out. But it felt understaffed and overrun and their was this weird tension; it was as if the hole place could be raided at any moment by government officials. It's hard to explain. (Unless you've been through said raid.) I know there are some very upset people who wrote some understandably angry reviews. I would, too. But, for me, their offenses don't rise to the level where the energy spent on bashing them was worth the return in satisfaction. I just think they don't do enough to show their appreciation for the very people who make those private moments of laughter between staff possible.

Today, my spouse and I came to donate plasma for the first time. We had an appointment scheduled in…read moreadvance for 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, a staff member informed us that they were unable to accept us at that time and that we would need to wait approximately one hour before the registration process could begin. The staff member was polite, and I understand that the delay was not her fault and was likely caused by a staffing shortage. However, the branch management should pay attention to this issue, as appointments should be handled according to the scheduled time.

Because the machine was malfunctioning I wasn't able to provide full plasma draw. I then proceeded…read moreto suggest my other arm but the machine still failed. I initially got to the facility at around 4:45pm. So I wasted 3 hours in the waiting room and then was penalized because of a failed machine that resulted with me not getting fully compensated for my time. When I spoke to the nurse, she stated I would still get full payment but I only received $46. I'm really disappointed and don't think I will come back in the future. I have two daughters that are autistic and my husband took care of them took them to the library but they closed at 6pm and they waited in the car outside of the facility for over an hour since I got out at 7:10pm. I was upset and asked to speak to a manager but nurse stated she was on the floor today because it is so busy. Left a note with my contact details and still haven't gotten a call or an email. Left it with the front desk and even explained my situation. This plasma place lacks customer service and I am definitely going to write a review for my experience.

Wouldn't recommend donating here tried using the bathroom after asking a nurse where it is the…read morebathroom was, after my appointment and before leaving. she knew I am on HRT and I am a trans woman and told me where the woman's restroom was. then a staff member complained and he pointed out everything I'm dysphoric about my voice the way I look the way I dress. it was a uncomfortable experience the whole time. using my dead name and getting called sir just to find out I can't even donate cause of my kidneys I probably should have told them when I got there that I'm trans. The other staff were great. Maybe donate somewhere else the stuff i was being asked to sign sounds sketchy too. I would do some research on the company before going. Care was ok from what I experienced though.

Alex was so cool! He was very nice , had a positive attitude and was very respectfu. My experience…read morewas very satisfying. Thank you Eric for your professionalism.

CSL has the greatest most professional staff of all the plasma . Been back and forth for the past…read morefew years and I can honestly say I love the flow of things and the staff . Ishmael, Franky, Paul, Royce , Liz , Rich , Ana Banana, Kel , Elizabeth ,Angelica and m any more names that I can't remember but their care is phenomenal across the board.

As I was heading to get gas at the Costco off market, I saw a sign that said 'Save Lives, donate…read moretoday' or something to that effect. As I turned the corner down Gateway Center drive, I saw another sign that read the same thing. Well guess what, I GOT TIME TODAY! After getting gas, I headed around the corner to the blood bank. They say, you either die a hero, or you live long enough to be the villain. Well today, I was a hero. Clinics have always had a hard time drawing my blood, so I didn't think I was a good candidate. Today, I decided to put that theory to the test. Check in was a breeze (without appointment), and although the ~50-60 question questionnaire was a bit of a drag, it's worth it to save 3 lives. Don't ya think? I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the donation accomplishments of fellow Elite inspiration Candace L., who has donated over 105 pints of blood! Her photos and commentary reminded me of the gift that is donating blood. Congratulations Candace! If you're able, I highly highly encourage you to donate. The life you save could make all the difference. Okay so after you're all good on paper, you'll wait a few minutes for them to bring you back. Before you're able to donate, they'll have to prick your finger to check your iron level. If it's too low, sadly you won't be able to donate at this time. You'd have to come back another time and try it again. Thankfully, your iron levels do fluctuate, so just because you didn't make it this time, don't fret, next time you might be perfect. Once you pass test number two, then you're heading to the back to meet the Dracula machine. All of the people are so nice, and there to support you along your giving journey. You can donate plasma, platelets, or blood, and each have their own criteria for donating, and their own "bleed" lengths. I was doing blood this day, so it only takes about 30 minutes or so, depending on your flow. Btw, they play some serious jams in here, so when I heard "Smooth Operator" pumping through the speakers, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. After they removed the fangs, I was sent to the waiting/observation area, where I visited with the sweetest volunteer. I think her name was Elaine. They have snacks and juices for you to replenish yourself while you wait the 15 minutes of observation before you can leave. They even have these built in buzzers on the table, just in case you feel faint. Oh and to top it all off, they were giving away Mickey Mouse Halloween t-shirts to everyone who donated. In September, everyone who donated got a ticket to Sea World's Howl-O-Sceam. Pretty cool. Approximately 48 hours after you donate, you'll be able to find out your blood type if you didn't know it already. Any other O+'s in the house? Where you at? You have to wait approximately 2 months between blood donations, so I'm due back next month. And wouldn't you know it, I ran into a dear old friend in the blood draw room. He donates platelets every two weeks...what a champion-you know who you are! Kudos to any of you who donate, or those that feel inspired to donate. About 2.5 weeks after my donation, I was alerted that my blood was sent to Long Beach Memorial Center.... SCORE! I just potentially saved 3 lives. Save Lives, Donate Today

All of the staff here is super genuine and nice. Shout out to Heidi who helped me today. I hate…read moreneedles but she made the process a breeze during my whole blood donation.

Octapharma Plasma techs treat their customers well and all are so friendly to us plasma donors…read more Make sure to donate plasma this holiday season to make more money as well as you making a LASTING contribution for those people in need of plasma. I wish there could be more parking spaces..

This Octopharma Plasma in University Ave is the best. I love coming over here because of Alex. He…read moretreat me like a families. He is very professional and amazing when taking care of me. Super gentle when he do the process of plasma procedure. He is the best phlebotomy that I ever meet in my life. Alex thank you for all you do. Appreciate. God bless you Alex. Thank you for your generosity and amazing employees. I wish I can give you a trillion stars. You are the best. This is the Best Octopharma Plasma in the whole state. I love coming this Plasma. Alex You Rock. Appreciate

Always friendly staff. Very professional, and the needle insertion never hurts!…read more I've done platelets here as well. A really cool thing they do for the comfort factor, is cover you in a blanket and give you warmers for your hands. Nice job!

Date of most recent visit: May 14, 2022…read more One pint of blood can save three lives. Three teaspoons of blood can potentially save a baby's life. These facts make my decision to donate blood bimonthly to the San Diego Blood Bank a lot easier (not to mention free ice cream; more on that in a bit). The Sabre Springs location of the San Diego Blood Bank is the closest physical location to me (outside of showing up whenever a Bloodmobile is making its rounds). The location is very clean, and the staff is very friendly and ready to assist. And... while you have to wait fifteen minutes in their canteen/lobby after donating, it's well stocked with water, snacks, and yes, ice cream. (As I usually schedule my appointments in the mornings, having ice cream a couple of hours after breakfast for a worthy cause is a sacrifice I'm willing to make.) And, if you're a regular donor, consider joining the Guardians Circle; you get free perks every month or so, such as gift cards and themed merchandise. There's always a shortage of blood - please consider donating, if possible.

I was thrilled this became the South-bay permanent location as for years they were rotating places…read more The staff is very welcoming as soon as you enter the door. I am a regular here and everyone knows my name. They will make you feel special each time you donate. The process from start to finish doesn't take long. They always have good snacks and sometimes ice cream.

The staff here is always friendly and caring. They always want to be sure you're comfortable and…read moresafe too.

My go-to place to donate. Well organized and very friendly staff…read more Check in is quick. They are always on time when I've been there. Remember to do your Rapid Pass prior. I take a screenshot of QR. Jakob was very nice and caring. He checked in on me frequently. The manager also walked around and checked in on everyone (nice touch!) Donate folks. It's easy and fast. App is easy to book appointments and track progress. I look forward to their window drawings. The person that does it is so talented.

My work is hosting a blood drive so I was happy to find a red cross donation center in the Kearny…read moreMesa area! It's a nice modern office. Overall, I had a nice experience and everyone there checked in with me regularly and made sure I was comfortable throughout my appointment. I'm a first time donor and booked my appointment online for a whole blood donation. In total, the appointment took about 1 hour. I had to complete the rapid pass once I got there, but I definitely recommend completing it prior to arriving to save time since it's a very long questionnaire, it took me about 10 minutes. After completing and scanning your ID, keep the QR code, which they will scan while they check your temp and blood pressure and confirm some info in a confidential interview. The actual blood draw took about 10ish minutes, unfortunately I was a bit dehydrated so it took a little longer for me, so be mindful of hydrating a week before your appointment! I stayed in the chair for 5ish minutes before going to the canteen. I stayed there for about 15 minutes since I was a bit dizzy. They have a ton of snacks, water, and juice to help you recover. I had a nice first experience so I definitely will consider donating again in the future.