Blood Centers of the Pacific offers a comprehensive designated donation program. A designated blood donation is one by which a patient selects his/her own blood donor(s) for an anticipated, non-emergency transfusion. The donor is typically a friend or relative to the patient but can be a donor unknown to the patient who has attributes that benefit the patient. Designated donations are tagged specifically for the recipient.
Although the data does not support it, the patient may feel that blood they receive from people they know is safer than the community blood supply. In some cases, it may be less safe because donors known to the patient may be hesitant to reveal information about their personal or medical history.
Directed donors are qualified in the same manner as community blood donors. This allows transfusing facilities to release designated blood to other patients if the intended patient does not receive it. Units with abnormal test results will not be distributed for transfusion.
Male spouses do not usually make the most appropriate directed donors. Previously pregnant women can become sensitized against red cell antigens from their children’s father(s), causing adverse reactions in the transfusion recipient.
Optimal time of 5-7 days should be given from time of donation to time of anticipated need.
Units that are ABO/Rh incompatible with the recipient will not be distributed for the intended recipient or charged to the transfusion facility.
Advance notice to the blood center is always required prior to making a directed donation.
The patient and physician:
The donor or patient or physicians office can contact the blood center to schedule an appointment.
Blood Centers of the Pacific: