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Double Red Cell Donation
Double Red Cell (DRC) donation is an automated process that collects two units of red cells during one appointment. This program allows us to maximize our red cell collection efforts for certain blood types. Type O+, O-, A-, B- red cells are the most commonly used when treating patients in an emergency situation.

Why Consider It?
1. Hospital patients needing more than one unit of blood have an easier time accepting two units from one donor, than from two different donors.
2. It counts as two donations for that one visit to our blood drive.
3. Since less fluids are given and some are replenished with a saline solution, you will feel better after the donation (for those that are affected by the dehydration of donating).
4. The process uses a smaller needle than the usual donation.
5. You will not be called about a blood drive again for 4 months.

DOUBLE RED DONOR - PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (NEW)
• Donors who are at least 17 years of age and in generally good health.
• Males who weigh at least 130 lbs and are at least 5’1” tall, 40% HCT (was 150 lbs)
• Females who weigh at least 150 lbs and are at least 5’5” tall, 40% HCT (was 175 lbs)
• O+, O-, A-, B- blood types only (or first-timers that don’t know their type).
*HCT refers to Hematocrit level or the percentage of red blood cells in a given amount of whole blood.

Note: the process will take approximately 10 minutes longer than the usual donation.

Call 734-3317 for further information or to make an appointment or email betsy@redcrosselmira.org.
You can also call 1-800-448-3543 or go to www.donatebloodnow.org