Automated System -- Benefits Donors and Patients
The Double Red Cell program is an automated system that collects two units of red blood cells, returning plasma and platelets back to the donor. Type O blood donors are encouraged to participate in the new program. Type O blood is needed more than any other blood type and, during times of shortage, is the first blood type to drop to critical levels.

The new technology saves time by collecting two units at once. Donors giving double red cells may actually feel better after the donation, since they will receive back plasma and platelets as well as a quantity of saline, leaving them well hydrated.

There are also distinct advantages for the recipient. A Double Red Cell donation reduces the patient's exposure to multiple blood donors and, with enough blood donors participating, the adequacy of the blood supply will be significantly enhanced.

Donation Criteria Different From Whole Blood
The Double Red Cell program is not for everyone. The donation criteria is different from whole blood donation. Male donors must weigh at least 150 pounds and be at least 5'1" tall. Women need to weigh 175 pounds or more and be at least 5'5".

To ensure that a safe amount of blood is collected, all blood donations, whether Whole Blood or Apheresis procedures, have a minimum weight requirement. Roughly 220 milliliters of red cells are collected from Whole Blood donors and 360 milliliters of red cells are taken during a 2 unit red cell apheresis donation. To ensure that a 2 unit red cell donor has an adequate amount of red cells to safely participate in the donation procedure, more stringent height, weight, and iron requirements have been defined.

While other factors play a part, the total amount of blood we have is primarily determined by our height and weight, also known as body mass. Gender plays a role as well. Recent studies with patients undergoing open-heart surgery show that even with similar heights and weights, women have lower blood volumes than men. Therefore, higher height and weight requirements were set for women to compensate for their lower blood volume and to ensure a safe blood donation.

16 Weeks Rather Than 8 Weeks Between Donations
The procedure takes about 35 to 40 minutes. Because donors are giving two units of red cells at once, the waiting period between donations is 16 weeks, rather than 8 weeks between whole blood donation, making it ideal for people who cannot donate blood on a frequent basis.

According to our Director of Operations, Susan Parmer, R.N., "The success of the new Double Red Cell program could significantly reduce seasonal blood shortages. Now that the summer season is here and concern about the availability of Type O blood grows, we hope many of our Type O blood donors will try this exciting new program."

For more information about the Double Red Cell Program, or to schedule an appointment, call the Red Cross Blood Center in Burlington at 658-6400, ext. 3265 or email us at dembeckc@usa.redcross.org.

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