Donating Red Cells

A red cell donation is an automated blood donation collecting two patient doses of red blood cells in a single donation event.

Not all donations need to be separated in a lab. Hoxworth can actually separate the desired components while you're sitting in the donation chair. During this type of donation, your blood is processed through a machine, collecting your red blood cells while your platelets and plasma are returned to you. The procedure uses a smaller needle and collects enough red blood cells to be transfused to two different patients.

Type O donors are especially valued as red cell donors. Those who meet the minimum requirements (males must weigh at least 130 lbs. and be at least 5'1"; women must weigh at least 150 lbs. and be at least 5'3"), are strongly encouraged to make an automated red cell donation.

An automated red cell donation takes 15 to 20 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. Individuals who choose to make a red cell donation will be eligible to donate again in 112 days.

Please call (513) 451-0910 to schedule an appointment to donate red cells at any of Hoxworth's Neighborhood Donor Centers.

Red blood cells transport oxygen to the body's tissues and are transfused to treat anemia resulting from kidney failure, chemotherapy regimens, gastrointestinal bleeding or blood loss due to trauma or surgery.

O negative donors are always needed for red cell donations. It is the only blood type that can be safely given to everyone, whatever their blood type, so they are known as universal donors and are incredibly valuable.

We asked our local donors why they choose to donate Double Red Cells. See what our Hoxworth heroes across the tri-state had to say about their experience and the impact of donating Double Reds!

I donate in memory of my parents. My dad suffered from cancer for a year and required several blood transfusions. He passed away in 2007 at age 53. My mother had a variety of health issues and was anemic. She passed away in 2011 at age 57. I looked for ways to give back and my employer had a blood drive and I decided to participate. It was there that I learned that I was O negative and my blood was able to help any blood type. Since then I have faithfully donated to give back to help families like mine who needed blood donations for whatever reason. It has been a blessing to me to be a part of helping others. I just surpassed eight gallons of donations and will continue to donate as long as I am able to do so. Thank you Hoxworth for all that you do. - Deanna D.

I have type O+ and used to donate whole blood. When I was checking in for an appointment once I was told that I would be ideal for a double red donor. I'd never heard about it and once it was explained on what I would do and how important it was, I didn't hesitate. I've been donating double reds ever since. - Nate P.

Help others in need - Marion D.

When asked why I give a double red, lots of reasons ran through my head because my motivation has changed over the years. My first donation was a high school blood drive for a friend with Leukemia, it was literally all I could do to help. When I found out that my blood was most likely going to "help the babies", that was a huge motivating factor. Doubles weren't available for another 20 years or so, but when asked I reluctantly tried it only to find out that I feel much better after donating because I get my white blood cells back. When I had children and found out they were all also O- my motivation changed again because we could only donate to each other! All through the years, I have known people who have needed blood to get well for various reasons. I have a huge sense of pride as a blood donor over the last 30 years because of the almost 10 gallons of blood I have donated! - Julie W.

Since finding out that I was Oneg around 18 years old, I've decided to donate regularly to help those. At this point it feels like a civic duty.  When I learned about donating double reds, I decided to do those types of donations all of the time for the many benefits.  Those include 1) Fewer trips for me to the blood center (which became far more helpful when kids came along). 2) Fewer tests on my blood, saving cost to the whole system. 3) Less variety in blood to the recipient. Perhaps there are more benefits I didn't mention, but I happily donate every 16 weeks, and at this point I look forward to receiving my gallon pins in the mail. - Kevin W.

I choose to donate double reds mainly because I was told it is more helpful to the blood supply system, and that it goes further and has the potential to save more lives, particularly since I have type O- blood. I also find it more convenient since donations periods are 16 weeks versus 8 weeks. - Kurt R.

I donate double reds because many years ago, Hoxworth recommended that method of donating for my blood type.  In general, I give because the blood is needed, and I like free cookies. - Geoff W.

I gave double red blood cells at the Cincinnati Children's blood drive. Joe was the Hoxworth employee that helped with my donation, and he was phenomenal! I appreciated his attentiveness and approachability. - Alyson A.

After decades of donating whole blood I responded to information that double red is more valuable to the blood bank. - Frederick W.

In and out in an hour - Jerome P.

I donate double red because when I ask which kind is needed most, I'm told that it's the most needed type of donation for my blood type. For me, it's easier to keep my donations on schedule and less likely that I will delay the opportunity to donate. Also, I believe it's one of the few true charities. Blood is absolutely vital to have available to everyone. There is only one way for me to help make that happen. - Robert S.

I donate double reds because I don't react badly to the donation that way. If I do a regular donation, I get loopy. With a double red, I'm fine afterwards. No post-donation reaction at all - Sheryl B.

I donate double reds (power reds) because I donate 6 units in 3 visits!  Also I feel good about knowing the red cells are concentrated. I really like how friendly, professional, and efficient the Anderson staff is. I have been going there for years. And - yes - the facility is clean and sanitary. Recently I found out a friend needed an urgent 2-unit transfusion of red cells. I know they we not mine BUT it was so gratifying knowing my units helped keep the supply READY!  - Mark S.

I love to donate and prefer to donate double reds because there is a 16-week waiting period which does not interfere with my busy schedule. - Bayard P.

I donate double red cells because it's one thing I can do to help provide needed blood for our area. I'm physically disabled, and I'm O negative, so it's one thing I can do to give back. Usually it takes about an hour, and it's every 16 weeks, so I can give an hour to help supply the universal donor supply. - George E.

I donate double reds because my wife had leukemia and needed several transfusions after her bone marrow transplant – John H.

I donate double reds every time I'm eligible mostly because of my common blood type (O+). I also really like the experience of watching my white cells return to my body after each pint of blood is taken. - Jeremy C.

I have been donating blood to Hoxworth for over thirty years. It was possibly fifteen to twenty years back that I switched to Double Reds because I have type O Positive blood. My biggest reason for donating is in trying to help others. The most I have ever gotten from Hoxworth is an occasional T-Shirt. I have never tapped into the Hoxworth gift area as I am not sure how that works. My usual donation takes place whenever I am contacted to let me know that I am eligible. - Steve G.

The reason I donate double red cells is I feel the donation benefits more individuals. - Melissa F.

The ladies and gentleman are professional and I had a good experience. - Samuel C.

I donate double reds because I'm an O-Neg, so quality AND quantity! Plus, I reward myself by having a big iron-filled steak the night before. Besides, I'm a big chicken, so I can only muster up the courage a few times a year ;) – Steve B.

I started donating because my workplace was hosting a drive, and I wanted to help make it successful. Once I learned more about the different types of donations, and how I can make a bigger impact by donating Double Red Cells, I figured, "Why not!" I naturally have a high red cell count (I have to make sure I drink plenty of water the night before a donation to help get my number down below 57) and so I also see the natural benefit to donating on a regular basis. I love knowing that by consistently donating, there are people who can depend on a life saving supply in a time where few other things will feel dependable. – Brian M.

Because I can help others. Because it's free. Because I can. – Carol P.

I'm pretty impressed with the promotional items that are given out for the blood donation. – Albert S.

Donating blood is no big deal. I am in the fifty pint club I believe. I get to help those in need of blood and I get cookies for my time. – Vernon W.

I have always found medical team friendly and professional. – Charles A.

I donate red cells because I want to give back to my community and I am able to give this life saving gift. I'm a retired nurse, so I am used to being in a service mode. – Patricia P.

I donate double reds for 3 reasons. 1. It's the best use of my O negative blood. 2. It's an easy way to give back. 3. Since retiring I have the time required. – Don R.