Red Blood Cell - Plasma Donation
Red blood cell/plasma donation is an automated procedure. Blood is drawn and is passed through a cell separator where the red cells and plasma 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.
You will be able to donate two units of blood products during one visit to the blood center. Concentrated red blood cells are the most often ordered product for surgery, and plasma is used intensively for patients with auto-immune disorders and patients suffering burn injuries. The process uses a smaller needle. 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 eight (8) weeks, just as in a regular whole blood donation.
Requirements:
The physical requirements for the RBCP are the same as for a whole blood donation. That is, you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health.
Other Types of Apheresis Donations
For answers to specific questions about being eligible to donate send an e-mail to donornotification@bloodntissue.org.