| Red cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that carries oxygen throughout the body and gives blood its red color. The percentage of blood volume composed of red cells is called hematocrit. Every donor's hematocrit is checked prior to donation and people with a higher hematocrit may be able to donate more red cells.
Double Red Cell Donation
Using an automated process call apheresis, some donors may be able to give a double red cell donation. Automation allows donors to safely donate certain components of their blood in larger amounts. During an automated donation, blood is drawn into a machine which separates the needed component from the rest of the blood. The final component is collected in a donation bag, while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor.
 Blood Bulletin : Double Red Cell Donation (PDF)
 About Double Red Cell Donation (Windows Video:7MB)
Shelf life: |
42 days |
Common uses: |
trauma or surgery patients |
Best blood types
to donate: |
O+, O-, B- |
Estimated
donation time: |
1 hour and 15 minutes |
How often you
can donate |
every 112 days, 3 times a year |
Eligibility: |
To be eligible you must:
- meet minimum height/weight requirements
- be at least 5'1" tall
- weigh at least 150 lbs.
- Females
- be at least 5'5" tall
- weigh at least 175 lbs.
- be in good health
- have a hematocrit of at least 40 percent
- meet the minimum age requirement
- In Oregon 16-year-olds can donate with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form.
- In Washington, 16- and 17-year-olds can donate with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form.
- To obtain an American Red Cross parental consent form, please contact your blood drive coordinator or a Red Cross representative
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