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Whole Blood

Whole blood is comprised of four main components: red blood cells, plasma, white blood cells and platelets. Donating blood lowers iron levels, and it takes about two months for those levels to return to normal.

• Frequency: Whole blood can be donated every 56 days (eight weeks).
• Length of Visit: Expect your visit to last up to an hour.
• The Process: A phlebotomist cleanses and sterilises an area of the arm from which the blood is drawn. The collection process takes approximately 25 minutes.

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White Blood Cells (Leukapheresis)

White blood cells help defend the body against disease and infection. The process of leukapheresis removes white blood cells and returns other blood components back to the donor.

• Frequency: Donors may participate every two to four weeks, depending on the volume collected.
• Length of Visit: Expect your visit to take between one and four hours.
• The Process: A phlebotomist cleanses and sterilises an area of the arm from which the blood is drawn. The blood travels through a sterile tube into an apheresis machine that separates the white blood cells from other blood components. The white blood cells are collected, and the remaining components are returned to the donor through the other arm. The time for this process varies.

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Other Biofluids

Beyond blood samples, scientists study other bodily fluids to detect and treat diseases. The CTLS staff will instruct you in collection protocol for the following sample types. Additionally, a few tubes of blood must be drawn for viral marker testing.