Things You'll Need:
- Prescription for autologous blood donation
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Step 1
Appreciate the advantages of autologous blood donation. It decreases the risk of acquiring a viral disease from a blood transfusion. It prevents allergic reactions which can occur when people with rare blood types receive blood from others. It satisfies some religions and cultures which forbid blood transfusions from others.
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Step 2
Weigh the disadvantages. Blood has a short shelf-life. It is banked one unit at a time with a week long wait between donations and a four unit limit. Sometimes the body does not fully replace the banked blood by the surgery date, necessitating a transfusion. Major surgery can require more than four units of blood.
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Step 3
Obtain a prescription for autologous blood donation. The surgeon writes a prescription that indicates the date and location of surgery. It specifies the number of units and type of blood to be banked, either whole blood or one of its components.
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Step 4
Take an iron supplement. Begin taking it one week prior to the first autologous blood donation and continue until surgery. Do this under a doctor's care.
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Step 5
Schedule an appointment. This can be done through the American Red Cross. Plan on spending up to two hours per appointment depending on the component of blood being banked.
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Step 6
Bring the prescription and personal identification to the first appointment. Expect to complete a medical history and sign a consent form.
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Step 7
Make the autologous blood donation. A Red Cross staff member will check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and red blood cell level. He will insert a sterile needle in your inner arm and draw the blood. Afterwards a Red Cross volunteer will provide juice and a snack to increase blood fluid and sugars. The Red Cross performs routine tests on the blood and sends the results to your physician.
