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

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Red Cell Plasma Donation

During a Red Cell Plasma donation, we collect a single unit of red cells while collecting plasma and returning the rest of the blood components. This specialized donation process is know as automation, or apheresis. 

Red Cell Plasma Donation

During a Red Cell Plasma donation, we collect a single unit of red cells while collecting plasma and returning the rest of the blood components. This specialized donation process is know as automation, or apheresis. 

Find a Donation Center or Blood Drive Save a Life

 

What Does the Donation Process Look Like?

Donating Red Cell Plasma involves a few simple steps, and a special machine called the Alyx. Watch the video to learn more. 
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Quick Facts

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that helps replace lost proteins and restores vital clotting factors, helping stop patients from bleeding. 

How Often Can I Donate

You can donate Red Cell Plasma every 56 days, or approximately every eight weeks for a total of six donations a year.

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Time Commitment

How long does it take to donate Red Cell Plasma?  It usually takes 1.5 hours, with the donation itself typically lasting approximately 45 mins.

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Red Cell Plasma Storage

The single unit of red cells can be refrigerated for up to 42 days, and the plasma portion can be frozen up to one year. 

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Blood Types

People with the following blood types should consider donating Red Cell Plasma:



A+, B+, AB+, AB-

Making an Impact

Red Cell Plasma donation allows you to give two vital blood components in one single collection. Your red cells help support patients with blood disorders, traumatic injuries, and other critical conditions, while your plasma provides powerful clotting factors that help stop bleeding. A single donation can deliver up to three therapeutic doses of plasma, often used for trauma, burn, and transplant patients.

Meet Eric

A drunk driver hit the paramedic’s motorcycle head-on, causing him extensive injuries and severe internal bleeding.

Common Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions that arise when individuals are asked to donate Red Cell Plasma.

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 the sense of fulfillment, knowing that you are making a positive impact on patients within your community.

two happy women donating blood on the big red bus

Why Donate Red Cell Plasma?

Everyday, someone is in need of red cells and plasma. These two different blood components are essential in providing support for patients with blood disorders, traumatic injuries, and other critical conditions.

Alyse and her baby boy

Where To Donate Red Cell Plasma?

All OneBlood Big Red Buses are equipped with an automation machine called Alyx, where Red Cell Plasma 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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Red Cell Plasma

During a Red Cell Plasma donation, we only collect your red cells and plasma, returning the rest of the blood components.

Red Cell Plasma Icon