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BWH's Blood Donor Center unveiled a new way to donate blood this week. Automated Red Cell Collection technology allows for the collection of two units of red blood cells during a single visit to the center. Previously, donors were only able to donate a single unit per visit.
Formerly, whole blood needed to be sent to a laboratory for separation and handling. Now, the new collection technology separates blood components as it is being drawn. According to Richard M. Kaufman, MD, medical director of the Adult Transfusion Service at BWH, such automation allows for a donor's plasma to be returned to his or her body as part of the donation process. This translates into less overall fluid loss for the donor.
The advancement presents a great advantage for BWH's many busy donors. An automated donation will take about 30-45 minutes, which is slightly longer than a typical whole blood donation. However, the donor is able to donate twice the amount in one visit. “The need for red cells is so great. We hope this new technology inspires more staff, family members, and visitors to donate,” said Linda Perry, BWH's lead blood donor recruiter.
Eligible Automated Red Cell donors include men who are at least 5’1” tall and 130 pounds. Females must be at least 5’5” and 150 pounds. Those who donate using this technology are able to do so every four months.