Children with cancer, aplastic anemia, blood disorders and those undergoing certain types of surgery need blood products. Bone marrow transplant patients and newborns at Children’s Hospital of Orange County may need white blood cells to help fight off infections when their immune systems
are weak.

Children’s Hospital of Orange County’s Blood and Donor Services relies on volunteer blood donors like you, your friends, neighbors and co-workers to meet these needs. Many of our volunteers donate regularly. Every time they visit our Donor Center, they leave knowing they are having a direct impact on the recovery of a child.

What is Blood?
Blood consists of plasma, platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. Plasma holds blood clotting factors and immune complexes that regulate body functions. Platelets are needed to help clot blood and prevent hemorrhages. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. White blood cells fight infection. When a child needs a blood transfusion, they usually get only one blood component at a time.

Types of Blood Donation
There are two different types of blood donations. One type is called whole blood donation and the other is called apheresis.

Whole Blood Donation
The donor donates approximately 15 ounces of whole blood. The components most desired from this type of donation are the red blood cells and, at times, the plasma.

Apheresis
The process of apheresis is used to collect platelets or white blood cells. The word “apheresis” is Greek, meaning to separate. Machines called cell separators are used to make it possible to remove only the needed platelets or white blood cells. Approximately 8 ounces of the component is collected and the rest of your blood is returned to you.

Is Donating Blood Safe?
There is no danger in getting AIDS or other diseases from giving blood or blood products. Sterile, one-time-use disposable needles, tubing and collection bags are used to protect you. Registered nurses who are specially trained in
blood collection will remain with you during the entire donation process.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects as the result of blood donation are rare. The donor center nursing staff will educate you on any potential side effects that you could possibly experience. Healthy people have an excess supply of red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. The donated platelets or white blood cells are replenished in just two days and red blood cells are replenished within 56 days.