Blood Donation Month DAY is January TODAY!
Yes, it’s true – January is National Blood Donation Month but in reality Every Day is Blood Donation Day. For my wife and I, Blood Donation Day was today, April 12th, 2008.
Blood: Amazing Facts
Blood is an amazing drug that millions of people benefit from every year. In fact, 38,000 Americans receive donated blood every day and an average of 4.5 million lives are saved each year through blood transfusions. Here are five interesting facts about blood donation.
* If all blood donors gave two to FOUR times a year, it would help prevent blood shortages.
* THREE gallons of blood are used every minute in the United States.
* Someone needs blood every TWO seconds.
* The number ONE reason donors say they give is because they want to help others.
Today I donated “Double Red Cells” as opposed to the more common blood donation. It was new to me, but when the staff explained what Double Red Cell donation was and that it only takes about 15 more minutes, I immediately said yes.
Q: What is a Double Red Cell donation?
A: A Double Red Cell donation allows one donor to give two units of red blood cells in one sitting. The Blood Center of Iowa uses an automated technology that collects two units of red blood cells (Double Red Cells) from donors meeting specific criteria. By collecting two units of red cells, the Blood Center can simultaneously double the donation amount and improve red blood cell availability to the community.
Q: How does an automated blood donation work?
A: During an automated procedure, a qualified volunteer blood donor donates specific blood components. Blood is collected via a single-use disposable kit and separated while a person is donating. It is spun until the blood components separated by weight–denser blood products, such as red blood cells, are pushed to the outside of the disposable centrifuge bowl and lighter products, such as plasma, remain near the middle. This separation process allows for the collection of one or two complete units of blood components immediately ready for transfusion to a patient once testing is complete.
Q: Why is the Blood Center of Iowa beginning to use this technology?
A: For years, blood banks and the medical community have struggled with the challenge of maintaining a strong blood supply. Double Red Cell collections have great potential to help in our efforts to alleviate blood shortages. By collecting two units of red cells from just one donor, blood banks can simultaneously double the donation amount and improve red blood cell availability to the community.
Q: Who can donate Double Red Cells?
A: To qualify donors must meet the same guidelines as they would to donate a pint of whole blood: be at least 17 years old and be in good health. However, there are additional guidelines to insure donor comfort and safety: Male donors must be a minimum 5’1” tall and weigh 150 pounds, and Female donors must be at least 5’ 5” tall and weigh 175 pounds. An iron level of greater than or equal to 40% is also required. To ensure donors are in optimal condition to donate, they must wait 112 days between double red cell donations.
The Blood Center of Iowa is specifically looking for those with Type O or Type B blood and who donate 3 times or less a year to donate Double Red Cells. Type O red cells are “universal” because they can be transfused to any patient.
Q: Is it safe for donors to give Double Red Cells?
A: Yes, it is safe for eligible donors to donate Double Red Cells. In fact, there are benefits to the donor:
- They will have a lower total volume of blood loss because plasma and a saline solution will be returned to the donor, leaving them more hydrated.
- A smaller needle is used, and donors are seated in comfortably designed chairs.
- They will be called upon less often to donate because the donation deferral period is longer than with a whole blood donation.
Whether you donate blood the “normal” way or “Double Red Cell”, you are doing your part to help save lives in your community. The Blood Center of Iowa is always needing blood of all types. You can visit their website at http://www.bloodcenterofiowa.org/ or simply call 515-288-0276 or 800-287-4903. The Blood Center of Iowa has 7 Donor Centers that service 49 Hospitals in 44 Iowa Counties.
