Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center launches non-invasive, painless way to check hemoglobin levels 

HOUSTON—Say goodbye to the finger stick! Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is the first independent licensed blood center in Texas to use OrSense’s NBM-200 to check hemoglobin levels for donors before donation to ensure healthy measurements.  

“Many donors say the most uncomfortable part of donating blood is the finger stick during the screening process.  With that in mind, the new OrSense NBM-200 device is an excellent addition to the donation experience,” said Theresa Pina, Vice President of Operations. “We believe donors will love how simple and painless the new technology will be for their next blood donation.”  

OrSense received FDA approval to use NBM-200 in blood banks in 2019. The device is a pneumatic finger sensor cuff and slides right on the thumb. It’s attached to a cord that plugs into a small machine where donor levels display.  

“In addition to determining a donor’s hemoglobin level, a great feature of the device is that it also measures a donor’s pulse, which we currently measure manually,” said Pina. “In essence, we are now able to capture two eligibility readings with one device.” 

The device can measure oxygen levels too. Donors do not need their oxygen levels measured for eligibility, but Pina said it’s nice to have the feature. 

The NBM-200 is now operational at our locations. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center welcomes all donors to check it out and donate blood to help save lives!  

Due to the high volume of requests, as of September 7, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will test for a limited time all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody in addition to our standard testing. While we intend to offer this community service to our donors for as long as possible, the program may be discontinued without advanced notice. To learn more about your body’s immune response through antibody testing, donate blood, platelets or plasma. Schedule your appointment at www.giveblood.org 

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood components 24/7 to more than 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county Texas Gulf Coast region. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is a nonprofit organization and is accredited by the Food and Drug Administration.