Craig's blog

I gave blood today (as I do regularly). However, today was different. They asked if I'd be willing to use a new process, Automated Blood Collection (ABC), that would take 2 units of red blood cells out of me and give me back my plasma. Since it sounded like it was better for the blood center, I decided to give it a try. I'm a convert and I'll do it again next time. The only noticable downside to me was that it takes 25 minutes instead of the usual 5.

The upsides are:

1. They use a much smaller needle that didn't hurt as much and left a tiny hole instead of the big one that often reopens on me.
2. They got 2 units of B- blood from one donor that can both be used in one patient, which is better for the patient.
3. I don't have to (and can't) come back for 16 weeks, because I lost 2 units. The way I figure it, with the drive time, the questionnaire time and the waiting 15 minutes afterward time, I'll spend much less time giving blood if I do it twice as often and the needle is in my arm for 25 minutes instead of 5.

I highly recommend the process (and of course giving blood in general). You can make an appointment at the Stanford Blood Center.