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Hello Blood Donation Community!

Summer 2009 UPDATE:

Anyone catch the How it’s made blood donation episode? Well I’ve got it embedded below! It rocks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDsqlfd6cRQ

The key points are:

Unique blood banking machine, automated testing for hepatitis B and C and HIV (aids virus)

in only 8 hours, 5 different blood tests on 1000 donations

Between tests the machine is sterilized

Tests the blood type (there are 8 blood types!)

Cool how gravity natually seprates the blood into different types.

Blood is separated using a centrifuge into 4 types (red blood, white blood cells, plasma, platelets)

platlets only last 5 days, freeze plasma, use it for twelve months.

filter out white blood cells from red ones using a Leuko reduction filter.

Enjoy!

UPDATE: We are now in Canada…we added another 30+ blood and plasma donation centers and cord blood banks here: Canada Blood Donation Centers

I get a ton of questions around how to donate blood, so I thought I’d make a post of the best videos. So here are some videos that show you the process in action. I’ll comment after each one so you know what the video is about before having to use up time watching it.

Also, check out this Cord Blood Banking Technology, this is a VERY interesting field that people are doing extremely ($$$) well in.

If your looking to donate blood then find a bank and/or leave your own comments here: Blood Bank Directory

okay I have to call a spade a spade here…this video is pretty cheesy, but it does make a great point that plasma is SO needed everyday to help out people. For reasons of full disclosure…yes plasma blood is used for make-up and other cosmetic products. Here is how I got into supporting this cause: Why Donate Plasma

This one shows the quick and dirty donation process, its only 14 seconds long and will give you an idea of how you sit in a chair and get a needle poked in your arm…then the rest of the time you just chill in your seat. So if you just want the facts real quick, then here is my quick explaination to the plasma blood donation process

This video shows the guy getting the iodine on him (to clean up the spot where the needle goes) and then through the whole process of getting the blood flowing into the machine…it is kind of long, but gives you that 1st person view of what the donor sees. Also, check this out…If your interested in what are the best methods for making a healthy blood donation

This is one I put up a while back, it shows some kids painfully spitting out some lines around donating plasma…okay this one is pretty lame as well, but I like that it is an attempt to get the word out…give it an A for effort? If your interested in more Blood Donation Humor …here is a poor attempt at providing something funny.

I have to admit that this one is prolly the best for its plasma donation information, they really give you some good overview about the process and how to go about it. BUT, I also have to admit that the claymation aspect kind of freaks me out…so this video is not of the weak Also, if your interested in some cool stats about how far your plasma donation goes …then take a look at that page. I have to admit that I am still SHOCKED by those stats.

Hey I hoped you enjoyed these videos, spread the word of BloodBanker.com!
And again, go here to Find a blood donation center near you

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About every 2 seconds someone in the USA needs blood. That means...
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How to make a healthy blood donation

Here are some tips to getting your blood donation accepted. These practices are helpful in all kinds of blood donation including plasma, whole blood and platelet .

Drink lots of water the day before, as well as the same day you donate. Taking in extra fluids will greatly reduce your donation time and will help you not feel tired after donating.

Prior to donating, EAT A WELL-BALANCED MEAL and avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine or any other highly processed foods.

Avoid high-cholesterol and fatty foods.

Maintain your iron and protein levels by eating a well-balanced diet. Most donation centers test for iron, so a iron suppliment might be a good idea before your first visit.

Finally, drink plenty of water after you donate to replenish fluids.

Also, proper food and adequate fluid intake are essential keys to a successful donation. We recommend the following:
Fluids

Drink 4-6 tall (8 ounce) glasses of water, fruit juice or another caffeine-free liquid at least 2 to 3 hours before donation. In addition, if you wish to continue donating on a regular basis, consume adequate fluids daily.

Avoid caffeinated beverages because they dehydrate the body. Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate drinks, soft drinks (pop or soda unless they state “caffeine-free” on the label).

Avoid alcohol of any type for 24 hours before you donate.

Foods

Eat a meal prior to donation.

Adequate Sleep

A good rule of thumb is a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of sleep the night before donating.

After Your Donation

Eat a light meal and drink more fluids than usual in the next 4 hours.

Avoid consuming alcohol. This is key. It may seem like fun to get that 4 martini buzz on just one but just don’t do it, this can really mess you up for days

Keep your venipuncture site clean and dry. The bandage may be removed after several hours.

If there is bleeding from the venipuncture site, raise arm and apply pressure.

If fainting or dizziness occurs, either lie down or sit with head between the knees.

If any symptoms persist, either telephone the center, return to our center OR see a Doctor IMMEDIATLY.

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Find a Blood Donation Center

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About every 2 seconds someone in the USA needs blood. That means...
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How does the actual plasma blood donation work?
The process is quite simple. Basically a plasma donation company wants to separate your plasma from your red blood cells. What does this mean? Well, your blood consists of white and red blood cells which float around in a goo. For a better word the goo is called ‘plasma’, and this is what a machine will extract from your blood. So, a machine is hooked up to you for about 90 minutes to suck your blood out, separate the plasma from the other blood cells.

How does it separate the blood?
Not to bore you with the details, but a centrifuge is used pull the plasma down to the bottom of the funnel and into the collection unit (also known as a thick plastic bag).

What does the machine look like?
Well, it’s just a small unit that does the aforementioned extraction. You only have a needle in your arm, and the machine does the work of processing the blood.

Does it hurt?
No, not really at all. The only pain point is a very minor one when the needle gets stuck into your arm. Beyond that there isn’t much pain at all. So once that needle is in your vein, you won’t really even notice anything. That is why many centers will have a TV or other forms of entertainment you can partake in while you wait.

NOTE: Apparently platelet donation can be quite painful. These are totally different procedures and make note of the name.

I hope this helps explain how the system works. Please leave comments about your own experiences, rumors or any other question you might have on plasma blood donation.