Blood Donor Services
Blood Donation
Blood donation is a simple way to help save lives. AnMed Health Medical Center uses an average of 50 units of blood each day, and on some occasions, a single patient has consumed more than 40 units of blood.
Patients rarely receive whole blood donations. More often, blood is broken down into components:
- Red cells are used for accident victims and surgery patients.
- Platelets are used for treatment of cancer, leukemia, and aplastic anemia, as well as open heart surgery and other treatments.
- Plasma is used for shock and burn victims.
- Cryoprecipitated, AHF, (cryo) is used for patients with bleeding diseases, such as hemophilia.
There is a good chance that you or someone you love might need someone else's blood to stay alive. One out of every three people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime. In order to meet the needs of sick and injured people in the communities we serve, AnMed Health Blood Center needs ample supplies of many different blood types at all times.
Blood Assurance Program
AnMed Health's Blood Assurance Program ensures the safety and adequacy of blood at the lowest possible cost in the communities we serve. No blood replacement fee is charged to donors, families or organizations. Only a blood processing fee — to cover the costs of collection, testing and storage — will be charged at the health care facility. Blood processing fees are covered by most health insurance policies.
How to Donate
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old; eligible 16-year-old donors can give blood with the consent of a parent or guardian. All potential donors must have a valid picture ID. Donors 23 years of age or older must weigh at least 116 pounds; all other donors must weigh 120 pounds and be in good health. Donation takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You'll be asked to provide basic information, including your name, address, age and a brief medical history. Our staff then checks your blood pressure, temperature, hemoglobin and pulse. The blood draw usually takes four to fifteen minutes, and when it's over, you'll enjoy juice, cookies and rest period before heading out for the rest of your day.
We accept blood donations at our donor center at 600 North Fant Street on the AnMed Health Medical Center Campus. The donor center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of each month. Appointments are not necessary, but may be scheduled by calling 864.512.1135. AnMed Health is accredited by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). We also accept donations on our mobile Bloodmobile.
Apheresis Program
Apheresis is a blood donation process that removes specific components of whole blood, such as red blood cells or platelets, and returns the rest to the donor. The process feels similar to a whole blood donation, but the donor is able to give life-saving blood components more often than whole blood. Apheresis donations are by appointment only. If you would like to schedule an apheresis appointment, please call the blood center at 864.512.1135.
Host the Bloodmobile
AnMed Health Blood Center operates two bloodmobiles, which collect donations at business, school and organizational blood drives. For more information, or if you're interested in hosting a Blood Assurance Membership Drive, planning a blood drive or scheduling a speaker from the Blood Center, call the donor recruiter at 864.512.8573