The Versiti Blood Donation Bus will be at Indy International Festival 2024 on Saturday!
Ages 16 and 17 can donate under parental supervision.
See educational information below about the importance of blood donation from minorities.
Type O blood is routinely in short supply and in high demand by hospitals.
The African American, Latino, Native American and Asian populations carry a high percentage of type O blood.
The African American, Latino, Native American and Asian populations carry a high percentage of type O blood.
DOUBLE RED CELL DONATION: This allows those who are eligible to give TWO units of red blood cells, making our collection goal more attainable.
Double Red Cell Donation will become available on the pre-register site closer to event.
A standard whole blood donation equals 500 ml and includes your red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. A double red cell donation equals 360 ml and is red blood cells only. When a donor opts for a double red cell donation, we utilize an advanced piece of technology called the Alyx device. The Alyx device processes/separates the unit on site as the donor is in the chair. Because the unit is processed on site, it will land on the hospital shelf more quickly, positively affecting a patient in need. Alyx donors receive platelets and plasma back along with some saline, leaving them to feel a bit more balanced after the fact. There are height and weight requirements for this type of donation, so not all donors are eligible, but if they qualify, our staff does a great job working to recruit these double red cell donations. I will also note a double red cell donation takes just a bit longer – say 30 minutes rather than 10. Female donors must be at least 5’5” and 150 lbs. Male donors must be at least 5’1” and 130 lbs. A person's blood volume is proportional to their weight, height, and sex, and the body mass composition of men and women differs. The requirement is indeed higher for female donors.
Benefits of Alyx/Double Red Cell Donation:
Double Red Cell Donation will become available on the pre-register site closer to event.
A standard whole blood donation equals 500 ml and includes your red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. A double red cell donation equals 360 ml and is red blood cells only. When a donor opts for a double red cell donation, we utilize an advanced piece of technology called the Alyx device. The Alyx device processes/separates the unit on site as the donor is in the chair. Because the unit is processed on site, it will land on the hospital shelf more quickly, positively affecting a patient in need. Alyx donors receive platelets and plasma back along with some saline, leaving them to feel a bit more balanced after the fact. There are height and weight requirements for this type of donation, so not all donors are eligible, but if they qualify, our staff does a great job working to recruit these double red cell donations. I will also note a double red cell donation takes just a bit longer – say 30 minutes rather than 10. Female donors must be at least 5’5” and 150 lbs. Male donors must be at least 5’1” and 130 lbs. A person's blood volume is proportional to their weight, height, and sex, and the body mass composition of men and women differs. The requirement is indeed higher for female donors.
Benefits of Alyx/Double Red Cell Donation:
- Slightly smaller needle
- Leave feeling more fluid balanced
- Give the same amount but donate less frequently (every 112 days rather than every 56)
- One double red cell donation can impact 6 lives rather than 3
