Jonas comes into the local blood donation center. He says he is here to donate platelets only today. The nurse knows this process is called:
A. Directed donation
B. Autologous donation
C. Apheresis
D. Allogeneic donation
Correct Answer: C. Apheresis
The process of apheresis involves the removal of whole blood from a donor. Within an instrument that is essentially designed as a centrifuge, the components of whole blood are separated. One of the separated portions is then withdrawn, and the remaining components are retransfused into the donor.
Option A: Directed donation is collected from a blood donor other than the recipient, but the donor is known to the recipient and is usually a family member or friend. A directed donation is the donation of blood or platelets that is designated for a specific patient. There is no scientific evidence that designated blood is safer than blood from other volunteer donors. In fact, directed donors must meet the same eligibility criteria as other volunteer donors.
Option B: Autologous donation is the collection and reinfusion of the patient’s own blood. Although preoperative autologous blood donation is employed in elective surgery, this is declining because of the increasingly safe allogeneic blood supply. However, it continues to be used because of the public’s perception of allogeneic blood risks and increasing blood shortages. Patients may donate a unit of blood (450 ± 45 ml) as often as twice weekly, up to 72 hours before surgery. Preoperative autologous blood is most beneficial in procedures that cause significant blood loss.
Option D: Allogeneic donation is collected from a blood donor other than the recipient. Allogeneic donation, commonly referred to as whole blood donation, is the process of voluntarily donating a unit of blood (which is around 470mL) for the national supply.