LifeServe Blood Center » Did You Know?
Types of Donations
Whole Blood Donation
This standard type of donation consists of a donor giving one pint of blood. After the donation, the blood is separated into three different components, red blood cells, plasma and platelets. Donating whole blood typically takes 45 minutes. Eligible whole blood donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 120 pounds and be in general good health. Donors can donate whole blood every 56 days, up to six times per year.
Double Red Cell Donation
This automated procedure collects only the red blood cell portion of blood and returns the remaining components to the donor. Double red cell technology allows LifeServe Blood Center to collect twice as many red blood cells as a regular, whole blood collection and gives LifeServe Blood Center the ability to collect specific blood types to meet the patient's needs. Donating double red cells typically takes about 15-20 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. Eligible male double red cell donors must be at least 5'1" tall and weigh at least 130 pounds. Eligible female double red cell donors must be at least 5'3" tall and weigh at least 150 pounds. All double red cell donors must be at least 16 years old and be in general good health. Double red cell donors can donate every 112 days, up to three times per year.
Apheresis Platelet Donation
An apheresis platelet donation is a procedure where only the platelet and/or white blood cells are collected via a cell separating machine. The remaining blood components (red blood cells and plasma) are returned to the donor during the donation. Apheresis platelet donations are used primarily in cancer and leukemia patients, as well as transplant recipients, burn patients and patients suffering from bleeding disorders. Donating platelets typically takes two hours. Eligible platelet donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 120 pounds and be in general good health. Platelet donors can donate every two weeks, up to 24 times per year.
Autologous Donation
This special donation service allows patients to donate blood for their own upcoming elective surgery. LifeServe Blood Center collects, tests, and stores the blood, then delivers it to the hospital where the surgery will take place. Autologous donation is available at various LifeServe Blood Center locations, but must be arranged by the patient's physician.