Address:
1045 Gayley Avenue 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA, 90024
Phone: (310) 825-0888
What is UCLA Blood Center?
UCLA Blood & Platelet Center is the largest hospital-based collection arm in the west, which began in 1975. It collects more than thirty thousand pints of whole blood and platelets per year. After collection, the supply is distributed to Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital.
Hours of collection is 8:45 – 5:30pm (Mondays and Wednesdays), 7:45 – 4:00pm (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and 7:45 – 4:15pm (Fridays). Making an appointment is required.
What are their goals?
The UCLA Blood & Platelet has two missions. One is to assure the supply of blood to patients are nonstop. Second is to regularly provide rewarding donation experience.
The center makes sure the whole blood donation remains an easy procedure. The actual procedure lasts for ten minutes should you pass the physical examinations that include blood, temperature and pulse testing. An assigned medical staff will also perform prick exam to determine if your hemoglobin level is normal.
Platelet donation is another type of donation. The center assures that every platelet donor are well-treated. They are given a choice either to donate platelets or other components such as plasma or red blood cells. These components are used to supply treatments for patients who are diagnosed with malignant diseases such as cancer.
Procedures in platelet donation is entirely different from whole blood donation. This procedure makes use of an apheresis machine that separates your platelets from the other components of blood. Only the component that is needed enters the collection bag while the other components are safely returned to your system.
Who can donate blood?
It’s important to eat a nutritious meal three or four hours before arriving at the center. The common criteria for a donor are as follows:
1) Those seventeen years old and older. Donors who are under seventeen must provide a written content signed by parents.
2) Those who weigh at least 110 pounds. This is the required and the normal weight limit for all blood donors. Those who weigh less might only feel complications.
3) You must be 100% healthy during donation day. No fever, cough, sore throat or stomach pains.
4) You are only taking medications that are permitted by the center. If you’re on antibiotics, you are deferred for two complete days or until the completion of dose.
Statement of Accounts: The company has not divulged any financial accounts.
For more blood banks in Los Angeles, click this directory.
Source: UCLA Blood & Platelet Center