Types of Donations

Types of Donations

Donating lifesaving blood components is a voluntary action that has a huge impact on ensuring blood products are available for our patients.

Whole blood donation

When someone donates a pint of blood, we refer to this a whole blood donation. The blood is then separated into its components — red cells, plasma and platelets. The shelf-life for a pint of donated red cells is 42 days. Whole blood donations can be made on the bloodmobile or at the NCH Community Blood Center’s branch office located inside NCH North Naples Hospital: 11190 Health Park Blvd, Naples, FL 34110. 

Apheresis

Is an automated procedure where donors are hooked up to a cell separating machine that can be programmed to collect certain combinations of blood components, including red cells, plasma and platelets. Whatever is not collected is returned to the donor. People who do automated donations must meet regular donor eligibility criteria. Platelet donors must avoid aspirin products at least 48 hours prior to donation. 

• Platelet donation or plateletpheresis Platelet donations are done by appointment only by calling 239-624-4130. The amount of time it takes to donate platelets varies depending upon the donor. Platelet donors are always needed because platelets expire within five days of collection. People can donate platelets every two (2) weeks.

Donated platelets are commonly given to people with clotting problems or cancer and people who will have organ transplants or major surgeries.

• Double red cell donation allows you to donate a concentrated amount of red blood cells and can be done every 16 weeks by appointment only if openings are available and if certain types are needed. Double red cell donations can only be done at the NCH Community Blood Center’s branch office located inside NCH North Naples Hospital. Donated red blood cells benefit patients with severe blood loss, such as after a trauma, injury, or accident and people with sickle cell anemia.
• Plasma donation: Plasma can be collected through an automated procedure called plasmapheresis, but it is generally prepared from whole blood. Plasma helps blood to clot and contains antibodies that help fight off infections. It is commonly transfused to patients with severe infections, liver failure and serious burns.

Autologous donation: When a person donates blood for their own use prior to a scheduled surgery. Done only at the NCH Community Blood Center’s Naples branch office and requires an appointment. Call 239-624-4120 for details.

Therapeutic phlebotomy: When blood is drawn off from patients who have underlying medical conditions that are being monitored by a physician. Done only at the Naples branch office and requires an appointment. Call 239-624-4120 for details.