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How It Works

UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEUKAPHERESIS DONATION

Who
Can Donate

To be eligible to donate, you must:

  • Be between the ages of 18-55
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs
  • Be in good health and pass our health screening
  • Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Be able to give consent
  • Have government issued photo ID (Driver’s license or passport)

Several factors could temporarily or permanently affect your eligibility to donate blood. These include certain health conditions, high or low iron levels, recent tattoos or piercings, certain medications, travel history, and certain sexual activities or history. Having a sexually transmitted disease or Hepatitis may also disqualify you. Additionally, if you have recently donated blood or plasma elsewhere, this may also disqualify you. In these cases, we will assess your eligibility and may or may not be able to draw your blood. If we are unable to draw your blood, you will not be compensated for your visit. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, please contact HemaCenter prior to your appointment.

VISIT ONE
HEALTH SCREEN

Your first visit will last about one hour,
and will include:

  • Finalizing registration, education about the donation process, and consent
  • You will receive your first payment for a health screen, which includes:
    • Blood draw
    • Infectious disease testing
    • Brief physical exam
  • Opportunity to ask questions

Visit Two
Donation

Your second visit will include:

  • Additional blood draw to finalize pre-donation testing
  • Leukapheresis donation:
    • You are set up in our comfortable, reclining donor chair
    • Blood is drawn from one arm and is separated using an FDA-approved automated system to collect white blood cells
    • Remaining blood is returned to your other arm with a small amount of anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent clotting
    • A nurse monitors you and the procedure continuously
    • We provide a TV or movies to keep you entertained during your donation
    • The typical process takes several hours
  • Once collection is complete, you are assessed to confirm stability, and then given instructions for post-donation care
  • You receive payment for your donation
  • We would love to have you back for future donations (you do not need to repeat the registration process)

Are You Ready To
Help Us Get One Step Closer to a Cure?

Donate