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Gulf Coast Blood offers two special donation options for patients who need blood for surgery or treatment:

  • Autologous donation: You donate blood for your own future transfusion. To donate, your hemoglobin must be at least 12.6 g/dL (38% hematocrit). If your level is a little low, don’t worry — you can come back the very next day. Eating iron-rich foods and adding an iron supplement can help bring your levels up.

  • Directed donation: A friend or family member donates blood specifically for you, with your doctor’s order.

Both programs require a written physician’s order.

How to Get Started

1. Obtain a physician’s order

    • Your doctor faxes the order to (713) 790-1782.

    • To request the order form, physicians may call (713) 791-6608 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.) or download it online.

    • Donors are responsible for ensuring the order is sent to Gulf Coast Blood.

2.  Schedule your donation

Schedule Your Donation

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