Donating Double Red Cells
You can give two units of red blood cells with no side effects other than feeling twice as good about saving lives. Red blood cells are the most-used blood component for surgery, trauma and treatment of blood disorders.
When an individual donates whole blood, The Blood Center separates a single unit of red blood cells using manual procedures in the laboratory. Now, new technologies allow for the collection of two units of red cells from a single donation through a process known as double red cell aperesis. The special advantage of the procedure is that you are able to give two units of red blood cells without any ill effects.
You may donate double red cells once every 112 days.
Special requirements for donating double red cells:
- Males: Minimum 130 pounds and 5'1" in height
- Females: Minimum 150 pounds and 5'5" in height
- Iron Level: For both men and women - 40 percent or 13.3 hemoglobin