A Power Red donation is a type of blood donation that allows you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one appointment using an automated process. This type of donation is similar to a whole blood donation, but a special machine is used to separate and collect two units of red cells, which are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion. The remaining blood components, along with some saline, are then safely returned to the donor through the same arm.

Power Red donations are especially helpful to newborn babies and pediatric patients, trauma or surgery patients, sickle cell patients, and people with anemia. Red cells from a Power Red donation are typically given to trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss. Power Red donations take approximately 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation, and you can donate approximately every four months.

If you are extremely busy, committed to donating blood, and an eligible type O, A negative, or B negative donor, Power Red may be ideal for you. Each procedure lets you give more of the product that is needed most by patients, and you can save time and make your blood donation go further. Power Red donations use a smaller needle than a whole blood donation, and you may feel less fatigue since your other blood components are returned to you.

To be eligible for a Power Red donation, you must meet certain criteria, including a different height and weight requirement and a higher hemoglobin level than for whole blood donations. Males must be at least 51" tall and weigh at least 130 lbs, while females must be at least 53" tall and weigh at least 150 lbs. Hemoglobin levels for both genders must be above a certain threshold[[3]](https://vitalan...