Whole blood donation is the most common type of donation.
- The blood is separated into different components – red cells, plasma, and platelets. Which can be used for several patient procedures.
- The whole process takes about 30 minutes, from start to end.
- Actual donation takes 8-10 minutes.
- Donors are eligible to give every 8 weeks.
Blood drawn from your arm goes into a sterile container within an Apheresis Machine that separates blood. Here, the platelets are separated and the remaining blood components are returned to you.
- Platelet donation takes one to 1 ½ - 2 hours from start to finish.
- Platelets are the tiny cell fragments that help form clots and control bleeding.
- Patients with leukemia, cancer or aplastic anemia need platelet transfusions because their disease and therapy decrease their body's ability to make these important cells.
- The need for platelets is continuous because they can only be stored for five days!
- University Health System donors are eligible to give every 2 weeks with a max of 24 times per year.
Direct donations can be given specifically for patients by a friend or family member.
- Donor must have the doctor’s prescription.
- Donor must consult with UHS medical directors to be educated of the implications associated.
Donating blood itself takes only about 10 minutes. Here’s what to expect when donating:
Step 1: Registration
- You will fill out a questionnaire of your medical history, and possible risk to infectious agents.
- You will be asked to provide a picture ID.
Step 2: Screening
- You will go over the answers you provided in a private and confidential interview with a University Hospital staff member. This is to ensure you meet the requirements for donating blood.
- A mini physical will be given to check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and iron level present in a sample of blood.
Step 3: Donation
- A technician will swab your arm (inside the elbow area) with an iodine scrub and carefully insert a sterile needle into a vein. It will feel like a small pinch.
- Sit back and relax!
- Once approximately a pint of blood is collected, the needle will be removed and a staff member will bandage your arm with a sterile wrap.
- Enjoy some refreshments on us!
- Don’t forget your parking voucher! (if you come to donate at the hospital)
