While there is no inherent risk of getting coronavirus when you donate blood, donors and staff are required to wear masks or reasonable cloth-based face coverings. Read our COVID-19 FAQs.

Power Red Donation

A Power Red Donation Doubles Your Impact for Patients with Chronic Blood Disorders or Facing Trauma Surgeries

The most common blood components transfused to patients are red cells. When you give a Power Red (also called double red) donation, you double the impact of your donation because you are giving two units of red cells.

What’s it like to donate Power Red? The process for donating Power Red is called apheresis, an automated donation process in which whole blood goes into a machine that separates out the red cells and returns the other blood components (platelets, plasma and white cells) back to the donor along with hydrating saline solution. The donation process takes about 25 to 35 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. Many donors say they feel better after a Power Red donation because the saline solution they receive leaves them more hydrated.

What are the benefits of Power Red donation? It can save time. If you are busy but want to maximize your donation, Power Red is a great choice. Though each donation takes a bit longer to make, you are doubling your impact for patients compared to a whole blood donation. You also may find you feel less fatigue since your other blood components are returned to you. Plus, a smaller needle is used!

What are the eligibility requirements for a Power Red donation? In addition to the same eligibility requirements necessary for whole blood donations, donors must meet a different height & weight requirement, and a higher hemoglobin level.

  • Males: height >5’ 1” and weight >130 lbs; Females: height >5’ 5” and weight > 150 lbs
  • Hemoglobin levels for both genders: Hgb >13.3 g/dL and Hct > 40%