Southcoast Blood Bank launches 'Double Red Cell' collection program

Whole blood donations of all blood types continue to be vital for our blood supply

Alex Borges, of New Bedford, doubles his donation with the new Double Red Blood Cell donation program at the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital. Also pictured Cynthia Beaulieu, Phlebotomist.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital announced its new "Double Red Cell" collection program to strengthen the local blood supply.

"Southcoast's new Double Red Blood Cell program addresses the critical demand for red blood cells at Southcoast Hospitals by using a new technology that collects two units of red cells, safely, in one blood donation," said John Laverty, MD, Medical Director of the Southcoast Blood Bank.

Red blood cells are critically needed for trauma, surgical, cancer and anemia patients. They are often in short supply because they are the most frequently transfused blood components and they have a short shelf-life. During the double red cell collection, two units of red blood cells are collected and separated from the rest of the blood components. The blood products that are remaining — platelets, plasma plus a small amount of saline — are safely returned back to the donor.

Blood types O and B are in the greatest demand for double red cell collection.

"Whole blood donations of all blood types continue to be vital for our blood supply, with the double red blood cell collections supplementing the high demand for red cells, especially for blood types O and B," Dr. Laverty said.

Type O blood is the universal blood type and can be transfused to all other blood types. It is the preferred type for accident victims and babies needing transfusions. People with type O blood can only receive type O red cells.

"If all blood types are in supply through whole blood donations, then blood banks do not need to depend on the more critical (universal) types of blood in emergency situations." Dr. Laverty said.

Doubling your donation — safe and easy

Similar to traditional blood donation, a single needle is used to collect the blood. The difference is the red blood cells are collected into two separate bags, while the remaining blood products and a small amount of saline are returned to the donor, all while using the same, smaller needle. The entire process takes approximately 45 minutes with the return of blood products, leaving the donor fully rehydrated. The criterion for donating double red cells is slightly more stringent including height, weight, and iron requirements. Also, the time between blood donations is twice as long — 16 weeks compared to eight weeks.

Blood donors are welcome to call the Southcoast Blood Bank to find out more information or see if they qualify for the Southcoast Double Red Cell program by calling the Southcoast Blood Bank at 508-961-5320. Currently double red cell donation is only available at the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, Mass.

Find out more about donating blood at Southcoast and the Double Red Cell program at www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/.