If you have not previously been able to give red power donations to the American Red Cross, an expansion in eligible blood types may change that.
During a recent interview on KVOE’s Morning Show, Red Cross Spokesperson Susan Faler stated that like many other businesses, the Red Cross has been experiencing supply chain issues. Because of this, the agency has chosen to expand its list of qualifying blood types for power red donations.
According to Faler, unlike whole blood donations where all “blood products” — red cells, plasma and platelets — are collected power red donations only collect the red blood cells and return the plasma and platelets to the donor.
Previously the only eligible blood types for power red were O negative, O positive, A negative and B negative. Faler says the Red Cross is now welcoming donations from residents with A-positive and B-positive blood types.
Donations for A-positive and B-positive blood types will be accepted through April. Faler says a significant benefit to power red donations is that the donor loses less “fluids” than typical whole blood donations.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to donate blood visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for more information on upcoming blood drives.
