NEW ORLEANS — The Blood Center announced the reintroduction of ALYX component system (Baxter Healthcare Inc.) allowing the automated collection of two Red Blood Cell units from one donor.

ALYX allows whole blood donors the option of giving two red cells when they donate. The process does not collect the donor’s plasma or platelets and uses a smaller needle taking 10-15 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. Healthy blood donors 5’1” or taller and weighing at least 130 lbs. should ask The Blood Center staff if they’d be a good candidate for ALYX. Because donors give two red cell units during an ALYX donation, they can give every four months versus the two-month space between typical whole blood donations.

“As the largest trauma center in the state, we see the need for blood donors every day” says Dr. Shaun Lawicki, Medical Director of Transfusion Service/Blood Bank with University Medical Center. “Being able to collect two units of red cells from one donor, especially type O which is used most often in our ER, is extremely helpful for us.”

“ALYX is an excellent opportunity for donors who give less frequently to make a huge impact on our community blood supply” says Paul Adams, Public Relations Manager for The Blood Center. “It’s best to ask blood center staff if you’d be a good candidate since hospital needs change and ALYX only takes two red cell units leaving platelets and plasma, which could be in high demand for certain blood types.”

About one in every seven people entering a hospital will need blood and blood is one of the few medications medical professionals use regularly that can’t be manufactured.

A Non-Profit community service organization, The Blood Center has a long-standing tradition of providing quality blood products to over 50 regional hospitals and outpatient facilities, and provides University Medical Center with the lifesaving components needed for patient care.

If you would like to schedule a blood drive with your business, school, community or religious organization, please call The Blood Center at 504-592-1596 or visit TheBloodCenter.org. Individual donors may also visit the website to find the center most convenient to them.