About 7,000 units of whole blood are needed each year to treat patients at the NIH Clinical Center.
We collect red blood cells through a single-unit (500 ml) whole blood donation as well as a double red cell apheresis.
Red blood cells, which deliver oxygen throughout the body, can be donated two ways:
- one-unit (500 ml)
- double red cell apheresis.
Donated red cells are needed by patients during major surgery, as well as those with anemia (low iron) and inherited blood disorders like sickle cell disease (SCD).
Time it Takes
Approximately 1-hour for return donors; first-time donors should allow for extra time.
Frequency
You must wait 56 days between whole-blood donations to allow the number of red blood cells in your body to return to a pre-donation level.
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