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Double Red Cell Donation

Donate double red cells and double your impact. Learn more about saving lives through donating red blood cells.

What’s the double red cell donation process? Find everything you need to know about volunteering to donate red blood cells below.

What Are Red Blood Cells and Who Do They Help

Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Because of this, they are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by every type of patient who requires a transfusion. Patients in the emergency room, accident victims undergoing surgery, those with sickle cell disease, and premature babies all need red blood cells.

 
 

After a ruptured aneurysm, Dawn needed 90 units of blood, platelets and plasma. Now she is a donor herself and thanful for these lifesaving gifts.

Dawn - Blood, Platelet, and Plasma Recipient
 

Double your impact by becoming a double red cell donor.

A double red cell donation allows you to donate two units of red cells in one appointment, which helps us meet the demand for lifesaving blood sooner. Not only is it more convenient than donating whole blood, many donors find it more comfortable too.  

Double Red Cell Donation Benefits

  • More convenient: You can make a double red cell donation every 112 days (vs. every 56 days for a whole blood donation), or up to 3 times a year
  • More comfortable: A smaller needle, with fewer negative reactions
 

Who Is Eligible to Donate Double Red Cells?

In addition to feeling well, being in good health and meeting the eligibility guidelines for donating whole blood (please review our Blood Donation FAQs) , double red cell donors must meet additional requirements for height and weight.

  • Male double red cell donors must be at least 5’ 1” and weigh at least 130 lbs. 
  • Female double red cell donors must be at least 5’ 5” and weigh at least 150 lbs. (this requirement is based on blood volume) 

How Often Can I Donate Double Red Cells?

You can donate double reds every 112 days, for a total of 3 donations a year.

Schedule Your Donation
 

Every day, patients in your community need blood transfusions to survive and thrive. They rely on the generosity of donors like you, who help ensure a safe, healthy blood supply. Make an appointment to donate blood today.

Explore donation opportunities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

 
Blood Donation Locations
Find a Versiti blood donation center and search for a blood drive near you. Make an appointment to donate blood today.
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Host A Blood Drive
Blood drive organizations save lives. Learn how to host a blood drive in your community with Versiti.
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Importance of Diverse Donors
Diverse blood donations improve blood transfusion outcomes for sickle cell patients and diverse blood recipients. Make an appointment to donate blood.
Learn More

Other Types of Donation
 
Whole Blood Donation
Volunteer to donate blood at a blood donation center near you. Find out how often you can donate blood and make an appointment to donate today.
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Platelet Donation
Volunteer to donate platelets at a blood and platelets donation center near you. Find out how to donate platelets and make an appointment to donate today.
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Plasma Donation
Volunteer to donate plasma at a blood and plasma donation center near you. Find out how often you can donate plasma and make an appointment to donate today.
Learn More

Related Content
 
The Beacon Club for Whole Blood Donors
Versiti’s Beacon Club donor rewards program celebrates the donation milestones of lifesaving blood donors. Donate blood and you are automatically part of the club.
Learn More
 
Importance of Diverse Donors
Diverse blood donations improve blood transfusion outcomes for sickle cell patients and diverse blood recipients. Make an appointment to donate blood.
Learn More
 
LGBTQ+ Donor Information
Members of the LGBTQ+ community may be able to donate blood, platelets or plasma, provided that they meet FDA eligibility requirements.
Learn More
 
Blood Donation Locations
Find a Versiti blood donation center and search for a blood drive near you. Make an appointment to donate blood today.
Browse Locations
Learn About Blood Types