Autologous and Directed Donation
What is autologous blood transfusion?
Autologous (au-tol-o-gous) blood transfusion is a procedure in which you are transfused with blood that you have donated only for yourself.
What is directed blood transfusion?
Directed blood transfusion is a procedure in which the patient is transfused with blood specifically donate for him or her by a friend or family member, with a doctor's orders.
How can I become an autologous or directed blood donor?
A written order must be faxed to The Blood Center's Autologous and Directed Program. Your physician can obtain a "Request for Autologous/Directed Donation" form by calling (713) 791-6608 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or you may download it here.
It is the responsibility of the donor to make sure the written order is sent to The Blood Center by the physician. The following information is mandatory to properly process the request.
- Patient's full legal name and date of birth;
- Social Security Number (If SSN is not available, then the patient's hospital medical records number);
- Hospital name and city in which it is located;
- Intended date of usage;
- Blood components needed (i.e. plasma, red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate); and
- Physician's name and office phone number.