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Giving Blood: The Rest of the Story
What happens to blood after the donation process?
Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. Each year, 3 million volunteer blood donors give approximately 5.1 million blood donations through the American Red Cross.
The process from the time of arrival until the time the donation is complete takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. Here’s an inside look at the rest of the donation process:
STEP 1: THE DONATION
Health history and mini physical are completed
About 1 pint of blood and several small test tubes are collected from each donor
The bag, test tubes and the donor record are labeled with an identical bar code label to keep track of the donation
The donation is stored in iced coolers until it is transported to a Red Cross center
STEP 2: PROCESSING
Donated blood is scanned into a computer database
Most blood is spun in centrifuges to separate the transfusable components – red cells, platelets, and plasma
The primary components like plasma, can be further manufactured into components such as cryoprecipitate
Red cells are then leuko-reduced
Single donor platelets are leukoreduced and bacterially tested
Test tubes are sent for testing
STEP 3: TESTING
Steps 2 and 3 take place in parallel
The test tubes are received in one of three Red Cross National Testing Laboratories
A dozen tests are performed on each unit of donated blood – to establish the blood type and test for infectious diseases
Test results are transferred electronically to the manufacturing facility within 24 hours
If a test result is positive, the unit is discarded and the donor is notified. Test results are confidential and are only shared with the donor, except as may be required by law
STEP 4: STORAGE
When test results are received, units suitable for transfusion are labeled and stored
Red Cells are stored in refrigerators at 6ºC for a shelf life of up to 42 days
Platelets are stored at room temperature in agitators for a shelf life of up to five days
Plasma and cryo are frozen and stored in freezers for a shelf life of up to one year
STEP 5: DISTRIBUTION
Blood is available to be shipped to hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Most importantly, each blood donation can help save up to three lives. Many blood recipients have shared their stories on redcrossblood.org. Don’t miss what they have to say.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. Donors can also use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, which is free and available for download now. It can be found in app stores by searching for American Red Cross, visiting redcross.org/apps or redcrossblood.org/bloodapp, or by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 for a direct link to download. Message and data rates for texting may apply.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Emergency is the one-download resource that puts vital information at your fingertips. This “all-inclusive” app combines more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts from natural to man-made, giving you real-time information to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Users can schedule appointments, track total donations, earn rewards and invite others to join them on a lifesaving team. The Blood Donor App is a great new way to help meet the constant need for blood.
Help your child become a confident swimmer. The American Red Cross Swim app puts the 100 year old Learn to Swim program in the palm of your hand. Brush up on your water safety knowledge, play parent child games together and track your child’s progress in the class.
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Be ready for wildfires with the Wildfire App by the American Red Cross. Get the latest state-by-state wildfire news and updates, prepare your family, home and pets, let loved ones know that you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an area that is susceptible to wildfires or has loved ones that do.
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First Aid App
The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Available for iPhone and Android devices, the official American Red Cross First Aid app offers videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid.
Monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an area where a hurricane may strike or has loved ones who do.
The Red Cross Shelter Finder is available in the iTunes store and works on iOS devices. The Shelter Finder displays open Red Cross shelters and their current population on an easy to use map interface.
Be ready for an earthquake with Earthquake by American Red Cross. Get notified when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an earthquake-prone area or has loved ones who do.