Why should you do it? Whole blood, the most common type of blood donation, contains red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells, although it is the red cells that are the most frequently used for patients. If you meet the criteria, a Power Red donation allows you to easily donate two units of red cells during one appointment. It is as safe as whole blood donation.
How is it different? During your Power Red donation, blood is drawn from one arm through an automated process. The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back to you through the same arm.
Save time and make your blood donation go further: If you are busy, Power Red may be the perfect donation for you. Each procedure lets you give more of the product that is needed most by patients. A Power Red donation only takes 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation and you can donate every four months.
Feel better: With all of your platelets and plasma returned to you along with some saline, you don’t lose the liquid portion of your blood and may feel more hydrated after your donation.
