What is apheresis and how is it different than a whole blood donation?

Apheresis is an automated donation process that allows you to selectively donate only the blood components that are needed most, with the remaining blood being returned to you. The entire procedure uses sterile, single use needles and plastic bags just as in a whole blood donation. The donation procedure takes between 35 to 45 minutes. Your entire visit to The Blood Center will require a little more than one hour.

Is double red cell apheresis safe?

Yes. While you are donating two units of red blood cells, the volume of donated blood is less than you give with a whole blood donation. The apheresis equipment saves the red blood cells, but gives you back all the components not required, plus about 500 ml of a saline solution. So you not only give a little less, but you’ll feel better physically because we restore the liquid volume lost in the donation.

Who should donate double red cells by apheresis?

The Blood Center is offering this donation procedure to donors with blood types O and B. These are the types most in demand from hospitals served by The Blood Center and the types most difficult to provide in adequate quantities.

Are there any special requirements for donating double red cells?

Yes. The weight and height requirements are different for both men and women.

• Males: Minimum 130 pounds and 5’1" in height
• Females: Minimum 150 pounds and 5’5" in height
• Iron Level: For both men and women – 40 percent or
  13.3 hemoglobin
• Donation Interval: 112 days or 16 weeks
  (versus 56 days or eight weeks for a whole blood donation)

Other reasons to donate double red blood cells through apheresis:

• You will maximize your ability to help others without
  extra visits to donate.
• You will help The Blood Center better match your donation to the needs of patients.
• You will help stabilize the regional blood inventory, especially in times when blood donations are needed most.

IMPORTANT:
If you cannot take advantage of the double red cell apheresis procedure, we encourage you to give whole blood every eight weeks.

To locate the nearest double red cell donation site, call our Customer Service lines at
713-791-6219 or 713-791-6373 no more than 3 days before you plan to donate.