which is better to donate whole blood or robe red

What is the best blood type for double red cell donation?

May 19, 2021 · Whole Blood Donation vs. Power Red Donation. As the name implies, “whole blood” donation includes all of the contents within the blood. This includes red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Whole blood donations are typically used to help patients fight cancer, blood disorders and traumatic injuries.

What is a red blood cell donation?

If you check the chart above, you will notice that each of these blood types can be received by patients with a variety of blood types. For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of O-, O+, A- or B- donate double red cells if they are eligible or a whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.

What type of blood can I donate to the Red Cross?

This process, which takes about an hour and a half, is a little longer than a whole blood donation. When you donate Power Red, you also have a longer wait time between donations—112 days compared to 56 for a whole blood donation. Platelets: Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that help it to clot and stop your body from bleeding if you get cut. Chemotherapy can destroy …

What happens during a double red blood cell donation?

Whole blood is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets. Every day, whole blood donations help save the lives of children and adults fighting to survive cancer, blood disorders, traumatic injuries and more.

Should I donate whole blood or power red?

Each procedure lets you give more of the product that is needed most by patients. Power Red (double red cell donation) takes approximately 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation and you can donate approximately every four months.

Which type of blood is best to donate?

Whole Blood Types O negative and O positive are best suited to donate red blood cells. O negative is the universal blood type, meaning that anyone can receive your blood. And O- and O+ blood are both extra special when it comes to traumas where there is no time for blood typing.

What is the most impactful blood donation?

Since platelets only last for FIVE days, they are always needed by patients. For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of A+, B+, AB+, or AB- to donate platelets if they are eligible or whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.

What is the golden blood type?

Rh-nullFewer than 50 people worldwide have "golden blood" — or Rh-null. Blood is considered Rh-null if it lacks all of the 61 possible antigens in the Rh system. It is also very dangerous to live with this blood type, as so few people have it.Jan 17, 2022

Does blood type matter?

Your blood type is just one factor that contributes to your risk for certain health conditions. “While your blood type may put you at a higher risk for certain conditions, nothing is definitive.Nov 10, 2020

Which blood group is best for health?

Of the eight main blood types, people with type O have the lowest risk for heart disease. People with types AB and B are at the greatest risk, which could be a result of higher rates of inflammation for these blood types.

Do I need to know my blood type to donate blood?

You don't need to know your blood type. Donors may be notified of their blood type following their donation when they receive their blood donor card or by creating a profile through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.Nov 6, 2019

Whole Blood

Types O negative and O positive are best suited to donate red blood cells. O negative is the universal blood type, meaning that anyone can receive your blood. And O- and O+ blood are both extra special when it comes to traumas where there is no time for blood typing. Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every eight weeks.

Platelets

A platelet donation may be a great option for any blood type, depending on the current blood supply and your unique body composition. Inquire when you make your appointment or at your scheduled donation if platelet donation is right for you!

Plasma

Psst: AB blood types, you’re the VIPs of this world. In fact, we could say you’re a member of the A (B)-list. This type is so elite, only 3% of people in the U.S. fit the bill. As the universal plasma donor, your plasma is safe for all.

What percentage of blood is donated to the Red Cross?

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood cell components to donors. Your blood donations are used for patients in need of surgery, cancer treatment and transfusions for blood loss from traumatic injuries.

Why is blood important?

Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant. But only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.

How many units of plasma can you donate?

One donation provides up to four units of plasma for patients in need. As you can see, blood donations are one of the most important things you can do to help others in need. There is no substitute for blood, and it can’t be manufactured. Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages from all backgrounds.

Why do people need platelets?

Platelets help your body create clots to stop bleeding. Platelet donations are critical for patients who are fighting cancer, chronic diseases and traumatic injuries. The collection process is unique and a bit different than the whole blood donations, both arms are involved.

What is plasma donation?

Plasma Donation: During a plasma donation, called plasmapheresis, blood is drawn from one arm and sent to the centrifuge that separates out the plasma. The red blood cells and platelets are then returned to you in the same arm.

What is the CMV virus?

CMV is known as the cytomegalovirus. CMV is a flu-like virus to which an estimated 85% of adults in the United States will be exposed by the age of 40. This means that the majority of adults in the United States carry CMV antibodies. Unfortunately, these antibodies might pose a danger to particularly vulnerable patients.

What is the number to call for blood donation?

If you have questions regarding why one donation type is more beneficial for your blood type, please call 1-866-256-6372. Blood Type. % of US Population.

How many different blood types are there?

There are eight different blood types: O+, O-, A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+ and AB-. Each blood type has unique properties. Find yours on the chart to learn more! If you do not know your blood type, you can find out approximately three days after you donate with us, by calling 1-866-256-6372.

How much blood does the Red Cross collect?

“The American Red Cross collects about 40 percent of the nation’s blood,” says Pollard. “But you can find other blood donation banks in your neighborhood or even organize an office blood drive—every bit counts and it could save someone’s life.”

How long does it take to donate platelets?

A platelet donation is the most time-consuming (it can take up to 2.5 hours), so it’s not uncommon to see many seniors making this type of donation.

What is power red?

Power Red: Also known as a “double red cell donation,” a “Power Red” donation means the giving of a concentrated dose of red blood cells— a machine separates your red blood cells from other blood components and returns your platelets and plasma to you.

When is Red Cross Month?

Published By Hilary Young on March 19, 2019. Since March is Red Cross Month, we spoke with Samantha Pollard, External Communications Manager for the American Red Cross, to learn more about various ways we can donate blood. It’s more than just whole blood that is needed.

What is plasma used for?

Plasma : Plasma is used to treat patients in emergency situations, like burns and trauma. The American Red Cross specifically takes AB plasma from donors, which is only found in 4 percent of the population but can be given to all blood types. During a plasma-only donation, blood is drawn from one arm and is run through a centrifuge ...

Who is Hilary Young?

Hilary Young is a writer dedicated to helping older Americans live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She currently blogs for HuffPost50 and Medical Guardian. You can find her on Twitter as @hyoungcreative.

How often can you donate blood?

The actual donation can be very quick, but you should plan on being with us for about an hour. You can donate whole blood as often as every 56 days.

What is whole blood?

What Is It? “Whole blood” is simply the blood that flows through your veins. It contains red cells, white cells, and platelets, suspended in plasma.

What is double red cell donation?

Double red cell donation. During double red cell donation, two units of red cells are collected. Red cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Red cells are typically given to people with sickle cell anemia or significant blood loss due to trauma or surgery.

How often can you donate blood?

You may donate platelets as often as every eight days, and up to 24 times in a 12-month period. Platelets from a whole blood donation or apheresis are good for only five days.

What is platelet donation?

Platelet donation (plateletpheresis) During plateletpheresis, only platelets are collected. Platelets help blood to clot and are commonly given to people with cancer or scheduled for major surgery. To donate platelets, you must meet all of the requirements for whole blood donation, and also: Have donated whole blood at Mayo Clinic ...

What is plasmapheresis used for?

Plasma is commonly given to people in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding. To donate plasma, you must meet all of the requirements for whole blood donation.

How many lives can you save by donating blood?

There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.

What are the benefits of giving blood?

According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can: reduce stress. improve your emotional well-being. benefit your physical health. help get rid of negative feelings. provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation.

What is the most common type of blood donation?

Whole blood donation is the most common type of donation. This is because it offers the most flexibility. It can be transfused as whole blood or separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma for different recipients. For a whole blood donation procedure: You’ll be seated in a reclining chair.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

You need to be 17 or older to donate whole blood. Some states allow you to donate at 16 with parental consent. You have to weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate. You need to provide information about medical conditions and any medications you’re taking.

Can you get dizzy after donating blood?

There’s no risk of contracting disease. New, sterile equipment is used for each donor. Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. If this happens, it should only last a few minutes. You can lie down with your feet up at the until you feel better.

Do you have to register to donate blood?

You must register to donate blood. This includes providing identification, your medical history, and undergoing a quick physical examination. You’ll also be given some information about blood donation to read. Once you’re ready, your blood donation procedure will begin.

Does blood donation reduce heart disease?

The research is mixed on whether blood donation actually lowers risk of heart disease and heart attack. . This may reduce the risk of heart attack. High body iron stores are believed to increase the risk of heart attack. suggests these observations are deceiving and are not a real physiological response.

Why is it important to donate blood?

Donating blood means that someone (or multiple people) somewhere will be getting the help they desperately need.

How often should I donate blood?

Donating blood at least once a year could reduce your risk of a heart attack by 88 percent, according to a study conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology. * This relates to the iron issue again, says Dr. David Dragoo, healthcare expert at Money Crashers.

What is the most common genetic disease among Caucasians?

Hemochromatosis is a disease that causes an iron overload and is labeled as the most common genetic disease among Caucasians by the Mayo Clinic. A committed blood donor herself, Patenaude recommends donation as a way to reduce the body’s extra iron stores.

How many red blood cells are needed in the US?

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Every day, roughly 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the U.S., the Red Cross reports. Simply put, that’s a lot of blood. Patients with sickle cell diseases or cancer need blood transfusions throughout their treatments, and a single car accident victim can require up to 100 pints ...

Does blood donation reduce cancer risk?

But research does support a reduced risk of cancer for blood donors with different maladies, one of which is hemochroma tosis.

Is iron overload bad for you?

Another danger of iron overload is the health of your liver. “In recent years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome, has reached epidemic proportions,” reports the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Is blood donation a volunteer?

Donating blood, especially on a regular basis, can be similar to volunteer work. You give of your time (and your literal blood) to help strangers in need. If you go to specific blood donation location each time, you’ll get to know some of the staff who are also dedicating themselves to the cause of saving lives.