Blood Donations and Blood Banks

Blood Donations

  • Blood donations are collected for blood banks, which supply hospitals.
  • In autologous transfusions, patients donate blood for their own use.

Blood Banks

  • Blood banks collect, process, and store blood.
  • Hospital blood banks are usually part of the lab, screening and releasing blood products.
  • They work with regional blood centers for blood supply.
  • Therapeutic phlebotomy (removal of blood to lower red blood cells or iron) may be performed.

Collection Process

  • Wash hands and don gloves.
  • Identify the patient using two identifiers.
  • Perform venipuncture and collect appropriate tubes (red top and EDTA; some pink).
  • Label specimens with blood bank labels in the patient's presence.
  • Recheck information against the patient's armband.
  • Provide post-venipuncture care.
  • Deliver specimens and requisition to the blood bank quickly.
  • Ensure blood collection bags are lower than the patient's arm.
  • Monitor the patient during and after.

Blood Products and Apheresis

  • Donated blood can be processed into red blood cells, plasma, platelets.
  • Apheresis: Removal of one or more blood products using special equipment.
  • Plasmapheresis: Removal of blood plasma.

Blood Donation Requirements

  • Age: At least 17 (16 with parental permission in some states).
  • Weight: At least 110 pounds.
  • Donations: At least 56 days apart.
  • Apheresis Requirements (Males):
    • Age: 17 or older.
    • Weight: 130 pounds or greater.
    • Height: 61 inches or greater.
  • Apheresis Requirements (Females):
    • Age: 17 or older.
    • Weight: 150 pounds or greater.
    • Height: 65 inches or greater.
  • Must be healthy; complete medical history required.
  • Mini physical exam: Temperature, pulse, blood pressure.
  • Hemoglobin/hematocrit levels are measured.
  • Blood tested for HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis.

Autologous Donations

  • Patients donate for their own future use.
  • Requires a provider's written order.
  • Must be in good health.
  • Hemoglobin must be at least 11 grams per deciliter.
  • Surgery scheduled more than 72 hours after donation.
  • Collected and labeled for donor's use only.