What Is Double Red Cell Donation? 3 Surprising Illnesses Linked To RBCs!

Are you thinking about what is double red cell donation? A double red cell donation is just donating your red cell instead of whole blood. It means that only the red blood cell is taken away from you, and the plasma, platelets, and white blood cells are returned to your body.

We all know that red blood cell, also known as erythrocyte or RBC, carries essentials to our body like oxygen, water, vitamins, and minerals. However, the red blood cells also carry body waste such as carbon dioxide from the different parts of our body back to the lungs.

what is double red cell donation

Whenever you give two units of red blood cells in one appointment, it’s called double red cell donation. So, in contrast to whole blood donation, when only one person is saved, this procedure saves two patients. There is so much more to know about this topic; just read on to find out!

 

What Sickness Can You Acquire That Relates To RBCs?

The importance of red blood cells in our blood cannot be overstated. A lack of numbers or low RBCs can put one’s life in jeopardy. So let’s look at what kind of illness or disease we might get if we don’t have enough RBCs and the importance of double red cell donation.

 

#1.  Anemia

A person who is anemic has a low RBC count. It’s a condition that affects red blood cells. The shortage of mineral iron in our blood is one of the causes. There’re several types of ane in the medical fieldman, with iron deficiency anemia as the most prevalent kind; it exists when there’s no sufficient iron in your body.

 

#2. Thalassemia 

Thalassemia refers to a set of blood illnesses that are passed down through the generations. Possibly, genetic mutations can impair the normal synthesis of hemoglobin, thereby causing these diseases. Organs are unable to operate correctly as a result. Having Thalassemia can result in ailments like abnormalities of the bones, cardiac difficulties due to an enlarged spleen, and delays in the growth and development of children.

 

#3. Polycythemia vera

We’ve all heard about strokes and heart attacks, but who’d have guessed that an excess of red blood cells is the cause? Yes, you read that correctly; having too many red blood cells is also unhealthy. Polycythemia Vera is a genetic abnormality that causes our bone marrow to create many red blood cells.

 

How Does Double Red Cell Donation Work?

So, what is double red cell donation? Donating double red cells is the same as donating whole blood. The sole difference is that the apheresis machine withdraws whole blood during a double red cell donation, but the red blood cells are separated and preserved. At the same time, the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

To be a donor, you need to be physically and mentally fit. The donor should be at least 165 centimeters in height and must weigh not less than 130 pounds. Their hemoglobin level is also monitored before donating. People aging 19 years of age and above can donate double red blood cells every four months.

 

What Are The Drawbacks In Donating?

Participants in double red blood cell donation had no long-term problems. When people donate, they are frequently given saline solution or a volume replacement to replace their lost fluids. Some of them experience dizziness, nausea, and discomfort in the area where the needle is put after donating.

 

Do Blood Types Matter When Donating?

To have a steady supply of blood in our blood banks, we require all types of blood. Specific blood types, such as type O, type A negative, and type B negative, are more commonly used and required than others. We can meet the demand for blood in our medical facilities with these.

Even if you are not planning on donating blood, knowing your blood type is essential. Knowing these simple things might be beneficial, and we never know when we will meet someone who requires blood, and we will be the sole match for them.

 

How To Increase Blood Cell Count?

Now we know that lacking red blood cells is crucial, let us find out what we can intake to increase our red blood cell count. Of course, this is not for people who have Polycythemia Vera, where too much RBC count is dangerous. Iron-rich foods like red meat, dry fruits, green leafy vegetables, beans, egg yolks, and organ meats like livers are all we need. Taking supplements containing folate and Vitamin B-12 can also aid in the production of healthy red blood cells other than iron.

 

Where Can I Donate Double Red Blood Cells?

Since we are curious about double red cell donation, we will also learn where we can donate. The most commonplace for donating blood is in our local blood banks. They run a few tests, and the process should only last for about 30 minutes. Hospitals and Clinics are also accepting blood donors.

 

It’s A Wrap!

We are now informed on what is double red cell donation. Donating blood is often considered a heroic act of kindness; you give not just blood but also hope and life to whoever receives it. You may inspire others to donate because the world needs a hero like you. You may be interested to read related articles; know how to raise iron levels for blood donation and why was my blood donation rejected.

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