Double Red Cell Donations

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Double Red Cell Donor Information Packet
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What are Double Red Cells?

Actually - there is no such thing as "Double Red Cells". Double Red Cell is actually a procedure that allows us to collect twice as many red blood cells during a single donation. (Red cells x 2)

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that with a Double Red Cell Collection, you actually donate less blood volume than with a standard whole blood donation. This is because the microwave-sized device that helps automate the donation collects only the red blood cells, returning to you all of the platelets and plasma that traditionally have been collected in the past.

Who needs red cells?

Many patients undergoing surgery require red blood cells. Donors can help more patients and prevent community blood shortages of the most needed blood types (O-, O+, A-, and B-).

• Accident Victims may require 4 to 20 units of red cells.
• Heart Transplants may require 4 to 6 units of red cells.
• Prostate Cancer Surgery may require 2 to 4 units of red cells.
• Bone Marrow patients may need 1 to 2 units of red cells every other day, for 2 to 4 weeks and 1 to 2 transfusions of platelets daily, for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Liver Transplant patients may need 6 to 10 units of red cells, 20 units of plasma, and 1 platelet transfusion.
• Open Heart Surgery (Adult) patients may need 2 to 4 units of plasma, 1 to 2 platelet transfusions, and 2 to 6 units of red cells.
• Open Heart Surgery (Newborn) patients may need 1 to 4 units of red cells, 1 to 2 units of plasma, and 1 to 3 platelet transfusions.

Who can be a double red cell donor?

If you have O-, O+, A- or B-, then you may be able to donate double red cells. Men must weigh 150 lbs or more and be at least 5ft. 1in. Women must weigh 175 lbs or more and be at least 5ft. 5in. In addition all donors must be at least 17 years of age and in generally good health with a 40% iron level (hematocrit). You must also meet the qualifications for donating whole blood.

How often can you donate double red cells?

Double red cell donors are eligible to donate every 112 days (every 16 weeks). Give us a call to donate Double Red Cells at 800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) today.