Blood Donors Now Receive Cholesterol Test With Every Blood Donation

May 1, 2007

In addition to receiving a “mini-physical” at every blood donation, blood donors are now able to learn their cholesterol levels too. As a way to thank blood donors for their generosity and to improve the health of the community, Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) has started providing cholesterol tests on all donated blood. Blood donors can access their “total cholesterol” results via the Web or phone after just seven days of making a blood donation.

With an increased interest in personal health, blood bank officials are hoping that offering cholesterol testing will help motivate first-time blood donors – and keep those who already donate coming back. Keeping blood donors informed about their cholesterol levels will also help ensure their blood can be used for transfusion (high fat content in blood sometimes interferes with infectious disease testing and renders the donated blood unusable).

After each blood donation, a sample will be given a “total cholesterol” test. BCP uses this test because it does not require fasting and it’s important for blood donors to eat a healthy meal before giving blood. The most accurate test, called a “lipoprotein profile,” measures different types of cholesterol levels and is performed after fasting for 12 hours. Blood donors are told that the test performed by BCP simply provides an idea of cholesterol levels and are encouraged to c ontact their doctor for more detailed results.

“All our blood donors are volunteers and we’re excited to be able to provide this valuable test as a ‘thank you’ to them,” said Nora Hirschler, M.D., President of BCP.

Blood donations are used to treat trauma patients, those undergoing organ trans-plantation, new mothers and their babies, and cancer patients, among others. BCP must provide 500 pints of blood every day to area hospitals to ensure they have an adequate supply. BCP, which has centers throughout the region, is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides volunteer blood donations to patients in 40 hospitals throughout Northern California.

To donate blood, call 888-393-GIVE or visit www.bloodcenters.org.

Contact: Lisa Bloch, BCP
415-749-6612