Tag Archives: blood donation

April 4, 2013 · 10:31 am

Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process – Step Four

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Step Four: Refresh 

You’ve uncovered the quick and easy nature of blood donation via steps one two, and three. Now comes the best part – snacks and relaxation.

As the final post of the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you the last and final step of the donation process—refresh.

At Indiana Blood Center, refresh is seated, quite time to allow your body to adjust to its new levels of fluids and blood volume after blood donation.

The benefits of refresh are dual:
1) Allows the body to adjust
2) Provides the opportunity for immediate fluid and nourishment intake

Adjustment Period
It is highly recommended that you take a full 15 minutes to relax and take in nourishment. Sitting quietly helps your body’s ability to maintain a healthy blood pressure and heart rate, and give the body time to adjust to the mild decrease in the amount of blood in your circulation. Moving around, or even standing, too soon can make you uncomfortable since in the short term the body is slower to respond to the increased demand placed on your circulation by standing or walking. It is best to minimize the demand in the short term by taking a moment to rest before moving.

Nourishment
Fluids lost to blood donation are fully replenished within 24 hours, but increasing fluid intake during the first four hours after donation is most important. Eating and drinking plenty of fluids following blood donation are central to having a pleasant donation experience. Take in more fluids than usual; water is preferred, but any non-caffeinated nonalcoholic beverage will do.. For those not on low salt diets, salty snacks may help to hold those fluids. Keep in mind, moderation is key. Heavy eating may worsen any post-donation fatigue or lightheadedness, as blood will be diverted to your stomach and intestines to aid digestion.Eat several light meals throughout the day, and do not skip any meals (remember it is also important that you eat well before you come to donate – please do not skip a meal before you donate). It is also best to drink water slowly over a few hours, and avoid excessive caffeine (which causes you to lose fluids). Alcohol will also cause you to dehydrate, and is best avoided after blood donation.

Remember to eat a good, preferably iron-rich meal prior to donation. This too helps ensure the satisfaction of your blood donation experience.

And that’s a wrap. Four easy steps are all it takes and you will have someone’s undying gratitude. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Indiana Blood Center’s donation process. We encourage you to join our life-saving network by visiting DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 28, 2013 · 4:44 pm

Inside the Blood Donation Process – Step Three (Option 3)

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Step Three: Donating Double Red Cells

Moving forward with Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share an additional donation option —donating double red cells.

At Indiana Blood Center, you have a choice of donating whole blood, platelets, double red cells, or plasma. One double red cell donation results in twice as many red cells as a typical whole blood donation. Red cells transport oxygen to body cells, remove carbon dioxide, and contain iron in the hemoglobin.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • From start to finish the double red cell donation process takes about 60 minutes.
  • A donor can donate double red cells every 112 days.
  • Eligibility for donating double red cells is based on the donor’s hemoglobin and total blood volume, which is calculated using donor’s height, weight, and gender.
  • A double red cell donation can be made at all Indiana Blood Center donor centers and at some mobile drives.

Phlebotomy (process of drawing blood)
You will start by relaxing in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your red cells. Before your red cells are collected, it is important to determine which arm is best to use. If you think one side will prove to be more effective, feel free to share this information with your blood technician. Having identified the best suited arm, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. He/she will then apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause your vein to distend in preparation for drawing blood (you may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use, sterile needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 40mL of blood. The remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing into the collection bag.

To collect double red cells, your whole blood must be separated into its four components. Indiana Blood Center uses a process called apheresis to separate whole blood into its platelets, plasma, white blood cells and red blood cells components. The machine used then collects the components based on your physiology and blood count. Once the red blood cells are separated and collected in the blood bag, most of the platelets and plasma are returned to your body along with some saline to balance your fluids.

Well done! What a simple way to give back twofold.

Stay connected next week for more information on Step Four: Refresh (the last and final step of Indiana Blood Center’s donation process). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 21, 2013 · 4:14 pm

Inside the Blood Donation Process – Step Three (Option 2)

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Step Three: Donating Platelets

As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you another donation option – donating platelets.

At Indiana Blood Center, you have a choice of donating whole blood, platelets, double red cells, or plasma. Platelets (the yellow stuff in your blood) are small cell fragments in the blood that help control bleeding. They are needed by many types of patients, including those undergoing cancer treatments, bone marrow or organ transplants, trauma procedures or open heart surgeries.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • From start to finish the process of donating platelets takes about one and half to two hours.
  • You can donate platelets every seven days.
  • The shelf-life of platelets is five days and therefore, the need for platelets is constant.
  • Platelets can be donated at all Indiana Blood Center donor centers and on our platelet bus.

Phlebotomy (process of drawing blood)
You will start by relaxing in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your platelets. Before your platelets are collected, it is important to determine which arm is best to use. If you think one side is will prove to be more effective feel free to share this information with you blood technician. Having identified the best suited arm, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. He/she will then apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause the vein to project in preparation for drawing blood (you may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 25mL of blood. The remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing into the collection bag.

To collect platelets, your whole blood must be separated into its four components. Indiana Blood Center uses a process called apheresis to separate whole blood into its platelets, plasma, white blood cells and red blood cells components. The machine used then collects the components based on your physiology and blood count. Once the platelets are separated and collected in the blood bag, the plasma and red blood cells are returned to your body along with some saline to balance your fluids.

That’s a wrap. Feels good. How simple it was to donate.

Stay connected next week for more information on Step Three: Donation (Double Red Cells). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 14, 2013 · 9:42 am

Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process – Step Three (Option 1)

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Step Three: Donating Blood

You passed! Your mini-physical confirms you are eligible to donate.

As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you step three of the donation process—donating whole blood.

At Indiana Blood Center, you may choose to donate whole blood, platelets, plasma or double red cells. Whole blood is the most common donation type, during which the equivalent of one pint of blood is collected. Red blood cells from your whole blood donation have a shelf life of 42 days and donors can make a whole blood donation every 56 days.

The process of drawing whole blood (called phlebotomy) is quick and easy, and complete in about 15 minutes. To start, you will relax in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your blood. The phlebotomy process follows.

Phlebotomy
Prior to collecting the blood, it is important to determine which arm is best for drawing blood. If you think one side will prove to be more effective feel free to share this knowledge with your blood technician. Once the best suited side is identified, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. Then, he/she will apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause your vein to project in preparation for drawing blood. (You may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 25mL of blood, then the remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing to the blood collection bag. The bag has a maximum volume of 500 mL, and is placed upon an automated scale to ensure the correct amount of blood is withdrawn.

Indiana Blood Center Blood Technician providing blood donor with post donation instructions

Indiana Blood Center Blood Technician providing blood donor with post donation instructions

After filling the blood bag, you have fulfilled your donation requirement. At this time, the blood technician will disconnect the blood bag. Having completed this portion of the process, the blood technician will then clean your arm and provide you with post donation instructions. These instructions inform you of the dos and don’ts following blood donation.

That was easy. Can you think of a simpler way to make a life-saving difference?

Stay connected next week to gain more information on Step Three: Donation (Platelets and Plasma). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 8, 2013 · 2:11 pm

A True Hero

Judge Zore

Somewhere between balancing a successful career and family life, Judge Gerald Zore has found time to donate blood 739 times, dedicating an estimated 1,478 hours of his time at Indiana Blood Center to help people he will never meet.

Judge Zore began raising his sleeve to save lives while attending college. He recalls his biology teacher, Sister Adelaide, OSF, encouraging him to donate blood. Since his college years, he has continued to give.

Judge Zore, 71, was recognized as an Indianapolis Business Journal Health Care Heroes finalist at IBJ’s awards breakfast. He was one of three finalists in the volunteer category out of a large selection of nominees.

After donating whole blood a few times, an Indiana Blood Center blood technician explained to Zore the importance of  platelets, which are needed by many types of patients, including those undergoing cancer treatments, bone marrow or organ transplants, trauma procedures or open heart surgeries. Despite the two hours it takes to donate platelets, Zore didn’t think twice about making the switch. Again, he did it for one simple reason – because it is the right thing to do.

I always feel good about volunteering,” said Judge Zore. “I’m hoping this will encourage other people to do it.”

With each life touched by his blood donation, without ever knowing those he helps or expecting anything in return, Judge Gerald Zore is a true Health Care Hero.

Now it’s your turn, follow Judge Zore’s excellent example of selfless leadership and generosity by scheduling an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve at DonorPoint.org

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March 7, 2013 · 3:34 pm

Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process – Step Two

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Step Two: The Mini-Physical

You’re registered? That’s great, now you are ready for the next step of the donation process. As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, (after Step One: Registration) we would now like to share with you step two of the donation process – the mini-physical.

Indiana Blood Center’s mini-physical is one of donors’ health benefits of giving blood. During this time, a blood technician will examine your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin level and explain your results. The mini-physical is intended to protect the health of you, the donor, as well as the patient who will receive your blood.

Our mission is to connect healthy Hoosiers with patients in need. Thus, each and every donor must be feeling healthy and well in order to complete the blood donation process.

Temperature
Fever may be the first sign of an infection. Therefore, a donor who has a temperature exceeding 99.5°F will be ineligible to donate until the temperature has remained below 99.5 for more than 24 hours, and any symptoms (cough, congestion, diarrhea etc.) have resolved.

Blood Pressure
It is important for donors to have acceptable blood pressure levels, as well. Blood pressure that is too high or too low indicates that the donor may not be at his/her healthiest, and may not tolerate the donation process well. Donors’ blood pressure must be between 90/50 and 180/100 to be eligible to donate. Taking blood pressure medication does not make you ineligible, as long as your blood pressure is within the acceptable limits.

Hemoglobin Levels
Hemoglobin levels are tested to verify donors have enough red blood cells to safely donate blood, and to ensure an appropriate “dose” is provided for the patient. Those who have a hemoglobin level below 12.5 will be temporarily deferred. This is to ensure the donor has a sufficient level of hemoglobin to support the production of red blood cells to replace those lost to donation. A low hemoglobin level may be associated with anemia (too few red blood cells), often due to iron deficiency. A diet that is low in iron rich foods may explain low hemoglobin levels for some donors.

Weight
You must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood. You will not be weighed, but you will be asked to report your weight to the best of your knowledge. People of lower weight have a smaller blood volume and are less able to safely and comfortably tolerate the loss of fluid from a blood donation. There is no established upper weight limit for blood donation.

The mini-physical ensures that you are healthy enough to donate and that Indiana Blood Center is connecting hospitals, medical centers and patients with the best possible donors.

Stay connected next week to as we discuss Step Three: Donation (Whole Blood). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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February 27, 2013 · 12:11 pm

Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process – Step One

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Step One: Registration

You’ve scheduled your appointment to donate blood. Now what?
As a follow up to the introduction of the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series on scheduling an appointment, we want to tell you about step one of the donation process: registration.

Upon your arrival, an Indiana Blood Center associate will greet you and request your photo ID (a photo ID is required). Then, you will be asked to verify the information he/she has entered into the system. At this time you can make any needed corrections to ensure your information is accurate.

You will be directed to a private area where you will fill out a donor registration form.The donor registration form consists of 49 ‘yes or no’ questions regarding your eligibility.. After fully completing the door registration form, you will read and sign the consent portion of the form. Then, a blood technician will review the form to determine eligibility. He/she will answer any questions you may have at this time.

This concludes the first step of the blood donation process. From start to finish, this step should take less than 20 minutes.

Stay connected next week to gain more information on

Step Two: The Mini-Physical.

In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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February 15, 2013 · 4:39 pm

Common Misconceptions about Donating Blood

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Have you considered donating blood, but have yet to Raise Your Sleeve? Indiana Blood Center would like to know, what causes some people to fear or avoid the chair?

American Association of Blood Banks reports that less than 10 percent of eligible Americans currently donate. Many cite an assortment of reasons for not donating blood.

Needles are scary
Most often we hear, “I’m afraid of needles.” Many people have this concern well into adulthood. However, according to several Indiana Blood Center donors, the procedure is painless, quick, and easy.

Difficult to find time
Many people believe their lives are too busy to find time to donate. What those people may not know is that it only takes about an hour (start to finish) to donate blood. (FYI - this is equivalent to the amount of time it takes to watch an episode of NCIS).

Easy to forget
“I’ve been meaning to schedule another appointment, but I keep forgetting,” sound familiar? Remembering to donate blood is easier than you may think. Simply visit DonorPoint.org, schedule an appointment, and mark your calendar. Prior to your appointment, you will receive an e-mail reminder to help jog your memory.

So, why wait? Go to DonorPoint.org and make your life-saving appointment to Raise Your Sleeve today.

Did we miss anything? What reasons prevent you from donating blood?

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November 29, 2012 · 10:56 am

Donor of the Month

Congratulations to Indiana Blood Center’s Donor of the Month…

Daniel Orians of Carmel, Indiana

Daniel, a freshman at Ball State University, gave whole blood for the first time when he was 16 years old. Daniel felt uneasy and couldn’t stand the sight of needles, but it didn’t take long for Daniel to overcome his fear. He was back a year later and this time full of courage.

After learning from his mom (a dedicated platelet donor) about the lifesaving impact platelets have, Daniel decided to step up to the plate.

Daniel may be considered a “young” platelet donor, but young in this case does not indicate inexperienced. At the young age of 19, Daniel has donated 35 times (three whole blood donations and 32 platelet donations). Talk about dedication!

“Daniel rides his bike to his appointments rain or shine. That kind of dedication and passion isn’t something we see every day, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed,” said Chelsea, donor center specialist at Muncie donor center.

Daniel encourages all Hoosiers to take time to Raise Their Sleeves. The reward of knowing you helped save a life has proven to be well worth a small needle prick for Daniel.

“I love the feeling of knowing that within five days what I have donated could have saved someone’s life,” said Orians.

Follow Daniel’s lead and Raise Your Sleeve. The benefit is nothing short of lifesaving. Make an appointment today at DonorPoint.org.

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October 3, 2012 · 12:05 pm

Why Indiana Blood Center? And more importantly, why should I care?

We get these questions all the time. The answers should be easy enough. We’re here in Indiana. We collect blood. End of story. But, what we hear from Hoosiers now and then – either on the news, on Facebook, in donor surveys or just in regular conversation – tells us that people may not know us as well as we’d like. Plus – it’s really not all we do.

So, during the coming months, we’re going to answer that question here on RaiseYourSleeve.org as well as on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Through our BLOODSTREAM campaign, we hope to open the doors to Indiana Blood Center’s operations and better inform the public – yes, you – and describe exactly what it takes to be Indiana’s largest independent blood provider.

Why do we feel compelled to talk about ourselves?

Well, to be honest, when it comes to saving lives – we’re kind of a big deal. We help connect the dots drips from a volunteer donor all the way to a patient in need at your local hospital.  In fact, just one unit of blood donated from a single Hoosier can save up to three other Hoosiers thanks to the stable blood supply recruited, collected, processed, tested, labeled and stored by some of the 400 employees from … you guessed it … Indiana Blood Center.

If by talking about our work, telling our story (in addition to the stories of our dedicated donors and valiant recipients), and correcting some of the misconceptions out there about blood donations – then perhaps we’ll inspire more Hoosiers to become lifelong donors or organize blood drives.

Why Indiana Blood Center?

I’m glad you asked.

Stay tuned for more useful information about why Indiana Blood Center is the bloodstream of Hoosier community service.

Follow us on Twitter at @indianablood using the hashtag #BLOODSTREAM. In the meantime, be sure to check out our webpage on BLOODSTREAM by visiting indianablood.org/BloodStream.

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