Donating Whole Blood versus Double Red Cells

Donating Whole Blood:
Donating whole blood is the traditional blood donation where a pint of blood is drawn from one arm. Whole blood donations can be made every 56 days. The donated blood is separated into its three components - red blood cells, platelets, and plasma - each with a life-saving purpose, and patients are given only the part of the blood they need.

Donating Double Red Cells:
This new automated donation program optimizes your blood donations help meet critical blood needs by providing two units of red blood cells. During a donation, your blood is drawn from one arm and sent through a sterile, disposable kit attached to a machine that separates out the needed blood components (red blood cells). The remaining components of your blood (platelets and plasma) are returned to you. By donating twice the amount of red cells today, you are helping increase the available blood supply. If donors who only give a couple of times a year or less participate in this program, they can significantly impact the ability to provide blood whenever and wherever it is needed.

How is donating double red cells different?
•Donate two unites of red cells in one visit
•Smaller needle is used
•Fluids are replaced to help maintain blood volume
•Takes about 20 extra minutes

Who can donate double red cells?
•Types O and B are needed.
•Your Iron Level must be 40%.
•Females: minimum height is 5'5" and minimum weight is 175 lbs.
•Males: minimum height is 5'1" and minimum weight is 150 lbs.

How often can I donate double red cells?
You may donate double red cells every 112 days or 16 weeks ( compared with every 56 days or 8 weeks for traditional blood donation).