Whole Blood     back to top

Why is it important to donate blood?
By becoming a blood donor, your single donation can be used to help several patients at once because blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. These components are given to patients suffering from leukemia or hemophilia, to accident victims, to patients undergoing chemotherapy or to patients who have lost blood during surgery. The need for blood always exceeds the available supply, so you can be sure that it will not be wasted.
Find out more on why you should donate blood




How long does it take to donate blood?
The actual blood donation will take 8-10 minutes, but you should allow 30-40 minutes for the entire visit. After registering, a medical history will be taken. The estimated time to donate blood also includes a few minutes spent relaxing in our refreshment room before you resume normal activities.

If you drive to the hospital, we will validate for you to park in our front two garages for your time spent as a blood donor.

How often may I donate blood?
You may donate blood every 56 days (8 weeks). Immediately after you donate, your body starts to replace the blood you have given

Platelet Donation

What is a platelet donation?
In addition to the collection of whole blood, the MGH Blood Donor Center also collects platelets through a process called Apheresis. This process allows the whole blood to be withdrawn from a donor and separated into its component parts (red cells, plasma, platelets), with all but the platelets returned to the donor.
Platelets are the clotting factor in your blood and are used extensively in the treatment of cancer, aplastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, transplant surgeries and other serious illnesses.

What is the process?
While the blood donor relaxes in a contour chair, whole blood is drawn from one arm and channeled through a sterile tubing system and the platelets are separated out. The plasma a red cells are returned through the other arm. During the process, donors can use the e-Chair that allows you to watch TV, a DVD movie, surf the internet, play games and listen to music. Donors can also enjoy relaxing and reading a book.

How long does it take?
The entire process from the time you walk in the door to the time you leave is about 2 to 2 ½ hours.

How often can I donate platelets?
Since you are getting your red cells and plasma returned to you, you may give platelets every 3 days for a total of no more than 24 donations a year.

Special platelet donation eligibility guidelines
In addition to the Eligibility Guidelines for Whole Blood donations, Platelet donors must not have taken aspirin or products containing aspirin for 2 days prior to donation. Tylenol is okay to take any time.

Hours for platelet donations
Monday -7:30 - 5:00
Tuesday - 7:30 - 5:00
Wednesday - 7:30 -5:00
Thursday - 7:30 - 5:00
Friday - 8:30 - 3:00

Making a platelet donation appointment
We suggest platelet donors make an appointment prior to coming to donate platelets. Also, if you want the later hours, you should schedule 3-4 days in advance. Otherwise, 24 hours advance notice is usually fine. To make an appointment or for more information on this special process, please call 617-726-8177– or e-mail.


Double Red Blood Cells     back to top

What is a Double Red Blood Cell (DRBC) Donation?
Blood contains red cells, plasma and platelets. During a DRBC donation we take just your Red Blood Cells, while returning your platelets and plasma, leaving you well hydrated and feeling great. At MGH we use the ALYX Collection system for your donation. The ALYX allows you to donate 2 transfusable doses of Red Blood Cells with comfort and ease. After donating DRBC you are deferred from donating any blood product for 16 weeks.

Why are Red Blood Cells Important?
Red Cells are absolutely essential in emergency situations, especially type O and B, and can mean the difference between life and death for trauma victims and those undergoing surgery. Red Cells are also used to treat people with certain types of cancer and sickle cell anemia. Because Red Cells are so essential, they are the most needed blood component.

How long does it take?
Donating DRBC on the ALYX take only about 15 minutes more than a whole blood donation. You should expect the entire process from check in to refreshments to take under 1 hour.

Are there Eligibility Requirements?
Donating DRBC is not for everyone. While the basic eligibility is the same as that of whole blood donations, DRBC collection on the ALYX is based on a donors' height, weight, and blood type. To qualify as a donor:

Males must be at least 5’1 and weigh at least 130 lbs
Females must be at least 5’5 and weigh at least 150 lbs

You must have type O or B blood.

Honorary Blood Donor Program      back to top

What is the Honorary Blood Donation Program?

When someone you know is in the hospital, you often find yourself looking for a way to help. The Blood Donor Center offers you a perfect way to help - an Honorary Donation. An honorary donation allows you to donate blood in the name of a specific patient here at MGH. It is a nice way to honor your patient, while contributing to the general blood supply. This is an especially nice way to help replenish the blood supply if a patient you know is using blood products as part of their treatment.