Donation Process

Component Preparation

Each unit of donated whole blood is separated into three components: Red Blood Cells, Plasma and Platelets. Red Blood Cells are then refrigerated and stored for up to 42 days. Platelets are stored in an incubator at room temperature on a rotator and have a shelf life of 5 days. Fresh Frozen Plasma is stored up to one year. Each component offers a vital function to the body and is used accordingly. Red Cells carry oxygen and iron, Platelets clog holes in vessel walls and help to heal open wounds, and Plasma contains clotting factors. Patients receive only the component needed for their treatment.

Testing

Each unit of blood collected by the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center undergoes extensive testing.

Donated units will be tested for the following:

• ABO Blood Type
• Rh Factor
• Atypical antibody screen
• Syphilis
• HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody
• HTLV I/II antibody
• HBc (total core) antibody
• Hepatitis B surface antigen
• Hepatitis C antibody
• NAT HIV
• NAT HCV
• NAT HBV
• NAT West Nile Virus
• Any additional testing as required by the FDA