Special Donations

Special donation procedures fall into several different categories:

CMV

This procedure requires a blood donor to have type O blood and be CMV negative. CMV stands for cytomegalovirus. This is a virus that is present in the blood of a large number of the adult population. CMV does not have an effect on the health of adults, but can cause serious problems if it is present in blood transfused to infants. Therefore, we need CMV negative donors on a regular basis to help babies in local hospitals. A CMV donor is eligible to donate every 8 weeks.

Platelet Pheresis

Type A & O donors are rich in the clotting component of blood called platelets. Platelets are used for patients with certain types of cancers, leukemia, and aplastic anemia. Burn patients also have a need for platelets. The process requires a time commitment from the donor. The apheresis machine will collect, spin, and separate the platelets and return the plasma and red cell components to the donor, along with a dose of saline solution. This takes approximately 60-90 minutes on the apheresis machine. Because platelets have a 5-7 day shelf life, we are in constant need of platelet donors. Platelet donors are eligible to donate as often as twice a month (not to exceed 24 donations in a 12 month period.)

Plasma Pheresis

Plasma is used extensively in the treatment of burn victims and patients with liver disease, hemophiliacs, leukemia, transplant or cardiovascular surgery just to name a few. Donors with AB blood types should consider donating plasma because AB type plasma can be transfused into 100 percent of patients with any blood type. Donating plasma takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Plasma donors are eligible to donate every 8 weeks.

Alyx: Double Red Cell Collection

Red cells are the most used blood component. Red blood cells aid in the treatment of patients with certain types of cancers, surgery patients, and severe accident patients. Chronic and sickle cell anemia patients also require red blood cell transfusions. The Alyx process takes about 25 minutes on the machine and collects 2 units of red blood cells, while returning platelets, plasma and saline solution to the body. The deferral time for an Alyx donation is 16 weeks.