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Donating Double Red Cells
BCP has a revolutionary way of collecting blood components - meet ALYX!  An automated red cell collection system, ALYX collects two units of red cells at once from eligible donors. This means, we won’t be calling ALYX donors for another donation for four months!
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, to be eligible to donate on ALYX, men have to be at least 5’1” in height and 130 pounds in weight with a hematocrit of at least 40 percent, while women have to be at least 5’5”, 150 pounds with a hematocrit of at least 40 percent. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
It usually only takes 10 to 15 additional minutes, to help save more lives! ALYX also uses a smaller needle than the one used in whole blood donation. HOW DOES IT WORK?
There are two phases involved, the draw and the return phase. Whole blood withdrawn from the donor is separated into plasma and red cells by a centrifuge. Plasma and saline are then returned to the donor while the centrifuge continues to separate the whole blood. The draw and return cycle is repeated until the target red cell volume is reached. During the final return phase, all the donor’s other blood components are returned to him/her along with the saline, thereby replenishing most of the lost fluids. IS IT SAFE?
Yes, of course! Like all our blood donation collection methods, all collection kits (needles, bags, etc…) are sterile and completely disposable. They are “single-use” kits and are discarded after each procedure.  WHEN WOULD I BE ELIGIBLE TO GIVE AGAIN?
Donors can give again in four months. This not only means you’d be donating more in one visit, but you’d have less disruption in your busy schedule and we won’t call you for another donation for four months!
WHAT ARE RED CELLS USED FOR?
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 blood cells! WHERE IS ALYX AVAILABLE?
ALYX is currently available at the Irwin Center – San Francisco, Peninsula Center – San Mateo, Marin Center—San Rafael, Redwood City Center, Cupertino Center, North Bay Center—Fairfield, Napa Center, Vallejo Center and some Bay Area mobile blood drives. MORE QUESTIONS? OR WANT TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
Call 415-749-6657. So, come on in and say hi to ALYX! |
