NIH BLOOD BANK

Granulocytes by Apheresis Donation Process - What's Involved

Registration

  • All donors are prescreened to make sure their donation will be safe and effective. This takes place at the NIH Blood Bank located at 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD. During pre-screening, you will meet with a physician and may have blood samples collected.
  • With medical approval, we will contact you as needed to schedule your donation. This depends on patient need and may be several weeks or months after you have signed up to be a donor.

Medication

All granulocyte donors receive medication before donation to increase cell production. You will be given two different medications which work together to boost your granulocyte count.

  • Granulocyte Colony Stimulation Factor (GCSF) is a blood growth factor that stimulates the body to produce more cells. GCSF is an injection, given to you by trained personnel.
  • Dexamethasone is a steroid which acts together with GCSF to release cells into the bloodstream. Dexamethasone is given to you in tablet form, to be taken the evening before donation.

Donation

Granulocytes are donated using a blood separation process called apheresis, using a sterile kit and blood separator device. This device separates your blood cells, keeping the granulocytes and returning most of your blood to you.

  • Granulocyte donations take place at the Donor Center at Fishers Lane located at 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD.
  • You will be sitting in a reclining chair for two to three hours. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are recommended.
  • Entertainment is provided! The donor center has an up-to-date movie collection and cable TV.

Important Information

Granulocytes are given to patients by transfusion almost immediately after donation and always within 24 hours. Transfusion schedules are set in advance, so it is very important to let us know if you are running late or must cancel your appointment. Please call the donor center at (301) 496-4321 as soon as possible.

Sign up to be a granulocyte donor! Please contact us today to let us know your interest and schedule a convenient time for your donor registration.

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This page last updated on 03/22/2022

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