Plasma Donation

Some recent advances in blood donation technology make it possible to give more blood then ever. This technique is called “Double Red Cell Blood Donation” or “Double Whole Blood Donation".

Basically here’s how it works.

Special technology will be available at select community blood drives, not all donation centers have this technology so inquire within first.

Blood is collected from a donor’s arm, just as it is in a standard whole blood donation.

The difference with a double red cell donation is that a machine separates the red blood cells from other blood components , and returns the remaining components back to the donor. This makes it like a plasma blood donation.

By doing this, the machine is able to double the amount of red cells it would normally collect in a standard blood donation.

What is the main advantage of this new system?
While whole blood donors are eligible and encouraged to give every 56 days, those who donate using this new technology will be eligible every 112 days – ideal for those donors who have demanding professional and personal schedules, but who are also committed to continuously supporting the needs of patients in our local hospitals. This means that double red cell donors may give the same amount of red cells three times per year, as they would if they were to donate whole blood six times per year.

Other donor benefits include the use of a smaller needle, as well as the return of plasma to the donor’s bloodstream, which will ultimately send donors away feeling more hydrated than when they came in for their appointment.

Are they any risks to this procedure?
Not really any risks different from a standard blood donation, but it is important to note that the actual donation time is about 35 minutes, as opposed to 20 minutes for a standard whole blood donation. Fewer donors will be able to donate double red cells, however, and therefore this donation may actually save you time.

Who is eligible for this “Double Red Blood Cell” donation?
The eligibility requirements are slightly different then a standard blood donation

Refer to this chart below: