Discover the power of cell-based immunotherapy!
Gulf Coast Blood - Advanced Therapies utilizes the latest technology and a highly skilled team to collect blood products for research purposes. When you donate blood through Advanced Therapies, your donation propels ongoing medical research. Each person has the power to contribute to the incredible advancements in cellular therapy.
About Our Center
In 2026, Gulf Coast Blood expanded its Advanced Therapies program with a 4,522-square-foot apheresis center designed for cell therapy collections and donor comfort. The center features 14 donor beds, two private screening rooms and thoughtful amenities for a relaxing donation experience.
The core of the center is the Spectra Optia Apheresis System, advanced technology that allows our skilled team to tailor each procedure to specific collection requirements. This precise and efficient process supports the purity, consistency and reliability needed to benefit patients, clinicians and laboratories.
How it works
Step 1
Fill out the interest form
Step 2
Schedule a
pre-screening appointment
with a team member
Step 3
First visit:
Come in first for
a pre-screening
Step 4
Second visit:
Make your research donation
Who can donate?
- Age 18-65 years old
- Weigh at least 120 lbs.
- Be in good health
- Meet the white blood cell count requirements
- Willing to drive to our apheresis donation center located near the Texas Medical Center at 1400 La Concha Ln, Houston TX 77054
What is a Leukopak Donation?
A leukopak is a collection of white blood cells obtained through a process called leukapheresis. During your appointment, white blood cells are collected for research while the remaining blood components are returned to you.
Donating a leukopak is another way you can help advance lifesaving research. White blood cells play an important role in developing treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases and other serious conditions.
Researchers use these cells to study cancer, autoimmune diseases, immunotherapy, and cell and gene therapies, helping pave the way for future treatments and potential cures.
Another way to save lives with us.
Two Steps to Powering Medical Research
Because leukopak donation is a specialized type of donation, it requires two visits. Your first appointment is a pre-screening a few days prior to the donation to review your health history and confirm eligibility. If you're eligible, you’ll then return for a second appointment for your leukopak donation, where your white blood cells are collected to support important medical research.
Why Donate?
- Help advance groundbreaking research in cancer, autoimmune diseases, immunotherapy, and cell and gene therapies. Your donation may contribute to the development of future treatments and cures.
- As a thank-you for your time and commitment, you will receive $200 in rewards, redeemable through your Digital Donor account.
Sign up today and be part of the next medical breakthrough!
Your leukopak donation can make a real difference in advancing lifesaving research.
Fill the contact form below to sign up and help shape the future of medicine!
If you need additional help registering or have questions, please contact us at AT@giveblood.org.
Leukopak FAQs
A leukopak donation is a specialized donation process where only your white blood cells are collected.
A leukopak donation collects white blood cells rather than whole blood, platelets, plasma, or red blood cells. It involves a short pre-screening visit a few days before the donation appointment.
You are connected to an apheresis machine that draws blood, isolates and collects white blood cells, and the remaining blood components are returned to your body.
Plan to spend around 4 hours with us during your donation.
You may donate a leukopak every 56 days.
Your leukopak donation supports researchers discovering cures for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Your personal and health information is protected through strict security technologies and administrative procedures that restrict unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
