Donating Double Red Cells

Save More Lives by Donating Double Red Cells!

To meet the ever-increasing demand for blood, BCP is optimizing your blood donations with the double red cell program.

Double red cell donations enable donors to give two doses of red blood cells during one appointment. Or, donors can give one red cell dose and one plasma dose in the same donation.

How Does It Work?

During a double red cell donation, blood is drawn from one arm using a sterile, “single-use” kit. The needed blood components are separated and the remaining blood is returned to the donor along with the saline, thereby replenishing most of the lost fluids. Donors often leave feeling better than a standard whole blood donation because they are better hydrated. It usually takes 10 to 20 additional minutes for a double donation. However,
donors save time by saving double the lives with less visits!

How Your Donation Helps Patients

• Red cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. They are most needed after significant blood loss from trauma and surgery and are used to treat anemia and other blood diseases. An automobile accident victim may use anywhere from four to 100 units of red cells.
• Plasma is used for clotting deficiencies, intra-vascular volume deficits, bleeding disorders, burn victims and plasma exchanges.
• If donors participated in the double red cell program and gave one to three times a year, they can significantly impact the ability to provide blood whenever and wherever it is needed.

Eligibility Requirements

• Donors must be in general good health, and at least 17-years-old (16, with parental consent)
• Men have to be at least 5’1” in height and 130 lbs in weight with a hematocrit of at least 40 percent
• Women have to be at least 5’5”, 150 lbs with a hematocrit of 40 percent

How Often Can I Donate?

Double red cell donors are eligible to donate again after four months. And for red cells/plasma, two months. This means you’d be donating more in one visit and you’d have less disruption in your busy schedule.

For more information, call 1-888-393-GIVE.