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Types Of Donations
People can donate either a pint of blood or specific blood components using our automated technology. Our request to you may depend on your blood type, platelet count, date of your last donation and, of course, patient needs at the time of your donation. Listed below is a brief description of the different types of blood donations.
Whole Blood Donations
Most NYBC donors donate whole blood- approximately one pint. The actual blood drawing takes approximately 10-12 minutes but expect to spend up to one hour including time for registration, a review of your medical history and refreshments after you donate. After donation, your blood is sent to our processing laboratory where it is separated into its components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) for distribution to local hospitals. You can donate whole blood every 56 days.
Automated Red Cell Donations
Donors who meet minimum height and weight requirements, will be encouraged to make an automated red cell donation. In this type of donation, you give just red blood cells while your platelets and plasma are returned to you. This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, uses a smaller needle and collects enough red blood cells to be transfused to two different patients. If you qualify, we strongly encourage donors to consider this type of donation which can be made every 112 days.
Platelet Donations
A platelet donation uses automated technology to collect a concentrated volume of platelets. Platelets are necessary for clotting and are needed by cancer patients, accident victims and others with blood clotting problems. Please consider becoming a platelet donor.
Plasma Donations
A plasma donation uses automated technology to collect a concentrated volume of plasma. Plasma is most often needed to treat accident and burn victims and helps transport nutrients and proteins in blood throughout your body via the circulatory system.
Autologous Donation
An autologous blood donation is when a patient donates their blood and it is stored for their own upcoming surgery. These types of donations can be given once each week over a 5 week period. Donations may be made up to five working days before surgery. Each autologous blood donation is tracked through the processing, testing and delivery cycle. The hospital's blood bank double-checks the blood when it is delivered. It is checked again in the operating room to reconfirm before transfusion.
Directed Donation
A directed blood donation is when a patient selects a specific blood donor to donate for them. There are processing fees associated with both autologous and directed blood donations.
Other Donations
To learn more about other kinds of donations we accept, visit our National Cord Blood Program web site or visit our Bone Marrow Services section.
People can donate either a pint of blood or specific blood components. What we ask a donor to donate may vary based on a person's blood type, platelet count, their last donation, our inventory status, or patient needs. People can also donate for themselves or for someone specific. But what is important to remember is that each and every donation, whole blood or components, are critically needed and helps save lives. Please read more about the different donation procedures below.
