Whole blood. When a unit (a pint) of whole blood is donated it may be separated into three products: red cells, plasma and platelets. These blood products may be transfused to as many as three patients. Whole blood donation time is between eight and 14 minutes. Please allow 60 minutes for your visit. Donors can donate whole blood every 56 days.

Apheresis. To collect specific blood components, NCBB uses state-of-the-art equipment. Blood is collected, separated into its components with the remaining cells or fluid returned to the donor.

• Red Cell Apheresis. Red cells are the most needed blood product for transfusions. A red cell apheresis donor can donate two units of red cells in one visit. The donor’s plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Donors can donate red cell apheresis every 112 days (16 weeks).
  
  Red cell apheresis donors must meet basic donor requirements in addition to the following: 
  Men: minimum weight - 130 pounds, minimum height - 5’1” 
  Women: minimum weight - 150 pounds, minimum height - 5’3”
   
• Platelet Apheresis. During platelet apheresis only platelets are collected. Platelet apheresis donations can be made every two weeks, up to 24 times a year. The minimum weight requirement is 110 pounds.

Schedule a Donation Appointment