Double Red Cells

Red cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that carries oxygen throughout the body and gives blood its red color. The percentage of blood volume composed of red cells is called hematocrit. Donors must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 gm/dl to donate most blood products.

A special type of red cell donation is called a double red cell donation. Double red cells are donated through a special process called apheresis. Apheresis allows donors to safely donate certain components of their blood in larger amounts. During an apheresis donation, blood is drawn into a machine which separates the red cells from the rest of the blood. The red cells are collected in a donation bag, while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor. The chart below illustrates this process.

Apheresis Diagram

Double Red Cells:

Shelf life:
42 days
Patients who need red blood cells:
trauma or surgery patients
Best blood type to donate:
O+, O-, B-, A-
Estimated donation time:
1 hour and 15 minutes
How often you can donate:
every 112 days, 3 times a year
To be eligible you must:
Males:
  • be at least 17 years old
  • be at least 5'1"
  • have a hemoglobin of at least of 13.3 gm/dl
Females:
  • be at least 17 years old
  • be at least 5'5"
  • have a hemoglobin of at least of 13.3 gm/dl

Learn more about double red cells

Platelet, Plasma and Double Red Cell donations are not available at all Red Cross Operations.

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