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Meet Amber

Sharing diverse, remarkable, and inspiring real-life stories is what the I am OneBlood movement is all about.

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Host a Blood Drive

Become an agent of change and host a blood drive.

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Our Service Area

We are committed to saving lives in your community.

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Earn Rewards

You get rewarded every time you donate with OneBlood.

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Following the Holiday, there is an Urgent Need for Platelet Donations. Please Donate Now!

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Double Red Cell Donation

During a double red blood cell donation, we only collect your red blood cells, excluding the platelets and plasma. This specialized donation process, known as automation or apheresis, focuses on extracting red blood cells.

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Double Red Cell Donation

During a double red blood cell donation, we only collect your red blood cells, excluding the platelets and plasma. This specialized donation process, known as automation or apheresis, focuses on extracting red blood cells.

Find a Donation Center or Blood Drive Save a Life

 

What Does the Donation Process Look Like?

Donating double red cells involves a few simple steps, and a special machine called the Alyx. Watch the video to learn more. 

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Quick Facts

Whole blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, all of which are suspended in a liquid called plasma.

How Often Can I Donate

You can donate double red cells every 112 days, which is approximately every 16 weeks, for a total of three donations a year.

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Time Commitment

The total donation process takes about 1.5 hours, with the donation itself typically lasting around 45 minutes.

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Double Red Cell Storage

Double red cells can be refrigerated for up to 42 days.

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Blood Types

People with the following blood types should consider donating double red cells:

O-  O+  A-  B -

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Making an Impact

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you hold the power to make twice the impact through double red cell donations. With each donation, a double unit of red cells is collected, magnifying the lifesaving potential. These double red cell donations are instrumental in the daily fight against blood disorders, traumatic injuries, and various critical conditions, ensuring patients receive the vital support they need.

Meet Khalil

Full of life and energy thanks to double red cell donors.

Khalil

Common Double Red Cell Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions that arise when individuals are asked to donate double red cells.

Does It Hurt?

At the beginning of the donation, you may only experience a brief pinch from the needle, while throughout the process, you should feel a sense of fulfillment, knowing that you are making a positive impact on patients within your community.

FIRST TIME DONOR STORY⁣ 🩸❤
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“It was my first time donating blood because I hate needles especially those that stay in me for a while,” says Katie. “But, I figured after giving birth to two babies naturally, I could handle a needle to save some lives.”⁣
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Way to go hero, we are so proud of you for rolling up your sleeve! Click here to start your donation journey: ⁣https://givelife.io/itg

Why Donate Double Red Cells?

There is no substitute for blood. Lifesaving blood transfusion can only come from generous volunteer donors. Their contribution is essential for providing support to those in need.

Alyse and her baby boy

Where To Donate Double Red Blood Cells?

All OneBlood Big Red Buses are equipped with an automation machine called Alyx, where double red cells can be collected. 

alyx machine

Learn About Donation Procedures

There’s more than one way to give blood. Let your blood type lead the way in targeting the best way for you to donate your powerful lifesaving gift.

Whole Blood

This is our most common procedure, drawing a pint of blood containing all blood components at one time.

Blood 101

Double Red Cell

During a double red blood cell donation, we only collect your red blood cells, excluding the platelets and plasma.

Blood Drive

Platelets

During a platelet donation, we only collect your platelets, returning the rest of the blood components.

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