The Blood Bank Service Department operates independently from the main laboratory, dedicated to ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply for patients in need of transfusion. Committed to the highest standards of care, the department actively promotes voluntary blood donation to sustain life-saving treatments. To maintain an adequate supply, patients who receive blood transfusions are encouraged to have donors of any blood type contribute to replenishing the blood bank.
THE PROCESS
Apheresis is the process by which we collect blood using the Apheresis Machine. Apheresis machine is a cell separator that enables the Blood Bank to perform not only single donor platelet collection but also therapeutic procedures like plasma exchange and cell depletion. . It’s almost similar to a normal blood donation except that it takes a little longer as it returns your red blood cells during donation.
Who Are Eligible to Donate Blood?
Must be in good general health (no symptoms of infection e.g. sore throat, cough, colds, allergies, fever)
Weight must be at least 110 lbs / 50 kg
Age must be 18 – 60 years old (17 years old must be with parental consent)
Have a blood pressure of:
Systolic: 110-140 mmHg
Diastolic: 70-90 mmHg
No alcohol intake for the last 24 hours
No medication / antibiotic intake for the last 1 month
No tattoo (must be 12 months after the procedure)
2 weeks from the last day of menstruation (for female donors)
Donation Interval
2-3 weeks after last donation
Procedures
ABO & RH Typing
Therapeutic Phlebotomy
Blood Crossmatching
Blood Screening
Fill Out Forms
You will fill out some forms, read about donating blood, eligibility, and donation information will be discussed.
Valid ID and List of Medications
Donor Screening
You will be asked about your health and travel history. Donation staff will also check your:
Body Temperature,
Pulse Rate
Blood Pressure
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit with COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
Conduct Serological screening for Transfusion-Transmissible Infection (TTI’s)
HIV 1 & 2
HBSAG
Syphillis
Anti HCV
Donation
A blood donation typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. However, Platelet Apheresis-type of donations can take up to 2 hours.
Post Donation
Have an extra glass of liquids and snack after you donate blood. After 10 to 15 minutes, you can leave. Once you leave:
