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.