Dual Red Cell Donations
Dual red blood cell donation is an automated procedure where only the red blood cells are drawn. Blood is drawn and is passed through a cell separator where the red cells are collected and the remainder is returned to you. Apheresis is very safe. Each donation is medically supervised and is performed using a sterile disposable processing kit which is used only once.
Dual red blood cell (DRBC) process allows you to donate two units of concentrated red cells during one visit to the blood center and receive credit for two donations. The process takes approximately 45 minutes. You will receive saline (a salt solution) to replace the volume of blood that you donate. You will actually have a smaller net volume loss than you would with a traditional whole blood donation.
You will be deferred for 16 weeks before you can donate again. This is advantageous for donors with busy work schedules who find it difficult to donate every eight weeks.
Requirements:
Donors must be 17 years of age and in good physical condition. Female donors must weigh at least 150 pounds and be 5’5" tall; male donors must weigh at least 130 pounds and be 5’1" tall. Both must have an acceptable red cell (iron) count, which will be checked during the donor screening process.
If you cannot donate two units of red cells, you may still be able to donate one whole blood unit. Medical personnel at the blood center will assess this.
Why are red blood cells important?
Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s organs and tissue, and remove carbon dioxide. People who have been in car accidents and have suffered massive blood loss may require transfusions of 50 pints or more of red blood cells. Concentrated red blood cells are the most often ordered blood components for surgery. Over 60% of all needed transfusion units are red cells. Red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days.
Be an Automated Donation Hero!
Being an Automated Donor has its rewards!
Each double red cell donation earns 4 points towards the redemption of
Hero Merchandise such as, movie passes,
polo shirts, Spurs tickets, etc.
For more information and the list of merchandise, click here.
Other Types of Apheresis Donations
For answers to specific questions about being eligible to donate send an e-mail to donornotification@bloodntissue.org.