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Whole Blood Donation
When blood is collected, it still contains all of the blood components; thus it
is called "Whole Blood." This is the most common type of blood donation. During
processing, each whole blood unit may be separated into up to four blood
components: red blood cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate.
In order to donate whole blood, donors must meet all routine donor eligibility
criteria. The donation process generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Whole
blood donors may donate at mobile drives
or at one of our convenient donor centers every 56 days.
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Double Red Cell Collection (2RBC)
Unlike a traditional whole blood donation, Double Red Cell Collection (2RBC)
allows the donor to safely give two units of red blood cells, instead of just
one. The process separates blood into its components while it is being drawn.
Because only red blood cells are being collected, enough can be collected for
two red cell transfusions. The remaining components are returned to the donor.
The collection procedure takes just 20 minutes longer than a whole blood
donation and can be performed every four months. 2RBC donors must meet certain
height and weight requirements, as well as routine donor criteria:
Males
must weigh at least 130 lbs. and be 5'1" or taller;
Females must weigh at least 150 lbs. and be 5'5" or taller.
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