I had an appointment for 12 o’clock today. I sat on a bed for 40 minutes and nobody ever came over to me. People were coming in after me and getting served first. I finally just got up and walked out. I will try again later today if I cool off.
MH
M H.
Might Switch to Grifols, Ames IA
My donation location is Ames IA. Might be switching to Grifols on N Loop Drive. Kept getting Biolife ads for an extra $800 for 8 donations in 30 days, thought it wouldnt hurt to try. Week 4, had a med change by my PCP. Did not take the new meds as I did not want them to interfere with completing the final donation. A very rude nurse made me wait an hour for med change review, while she completed new donor exams for people who arrived after me. Then, advised of the new prescriptions, despite not having taken the meds, she imposed a 30 day ban on donation from when the meds were prescribed, so I could not complete my donation. Manager Kyle seemed to want to be more reasonable, but acted like his hands were tied. I was offered a "comeback card" for a much lower amount, and only good if I return and do 2 more donations within 30 days (you know, the exact time of the donation ban). Nothing about this on the website.
Oh, and their app is supposed to not let you schedule if you aren't eligible to donate. But immediately after leaving, I wondered if that was true.. Found out I was able to schedule for the next day (I canceled it of course). But if I go back, that gives me zero confidence that I won't travel there next time and not still have a ban in place and it will be another big waste of time.
KC
Kim C.
The waits are LONG
The waits are LONG! Even with an "appt", I've waited in line for an hour or more before getting to a chair. I was there for over 3 hours tonight for my 8th donation! I don't know why they require a time commitment when they don't uphold their end of it. The skill of the phlebotomists really varies which results in longer times in the chair and possible sticks in both arms to ensure full payment for a donation. The staff have been super nice, so this mixed review is for that reason.
CJ
Christopher J.
There a girl by the name of Thomaria…
There a girl by the name of Thomaria that works there she amazing. It's people like this that's makes the differences.
LM
LAURA M.
David
David, at the Lombard location, as always, did a perfect job. My donation went smoothly and David is always friendly!
JD
Jerred D.
I have been coming and donating for…
I have been coming and donating for well over 2 years now and everything is usually awesome, even when the place is at its busiest, however today was very frustrating. I got to my donor bed and was waiting, (well past an hour from my appt. time). I observed the guy doing disconnects and then started getting someone else set up that came in way after I did. I told the lady at the front desk and she informed him that I had been waiting a long time and was supposed to be next. He finally came over, no sorry about that, no how are you today or anything. Then once done didn’t ask if I was okay ot to let him know if I needed anything.
LE
Leah
Not worth it, they don't respect your time
The staff is really nice but the really long lines and wait times that are usually 1.5-2 hrs before getting plugged in are crazy since we have "appointments". So I cannot be 1 minute late and can't leave the room after signing in, but it takes 3 hrs to be done which is really frustrating! The money is very low for the first visit of the week so you are pressured to come back. This makes it really hard if there 25+ people waitingi n line in front of you because then you are trapped. Been going for months but it just is not worth the time and effort anymore.
SP
Sheila P.
I am an eight gallon whole blood and…
I am an eight gallon whole blood and several platelets donor but was told I was ineligible to donate plasma because I fainted one time in my adult life. This would have been good information to have before I drove an hour and a half to the facility and spent 2 hours in the screening process. Should have at least been given the opportunity. Want the $100 I was promised at least for my time since it was not my choice to donate. Warning to new donors, don’t waste your time if you have ever fainted even one time in your life!