A reporter from KCBY in North Bend participated as one of the first double red donors on the Southern Oregon Coast this week, as the program expands state wide.

Double red cell donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you, which is a majority of the blood volume. What this means is that double red donors tend to leave feeling hydrated, almost as if they didn’t even donate. It does take a little longer to replenish your red blood cells, limiting donations to about once every four months (instead of every 56 days with a whole donation). This could be a time saver if you donate frequently.

There are additional requirements for the process, and generally we are looking for A-negative and O donors, primarily seeking O-negative (universal donors). Double red donations are offered at some large mobile drives, and have been present for awhile around North and Central Oregon. You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a blood drive with double red near you, or to answer any questions!