According to Chapter Manager Betsy Hollis, the compact ALYX system offers several advantages to blood donors. “ We can work by appointment, saving time for donors and utilizing staff more efficiently,” Hollis said. “But most importantly, the needle is smaller than that used in whole blood donations and most donors say the process is more comfortable. And because ALYX extracts only red blood cells, the blood component most in demand by hospitals, donors rarely feel any effects from fluid loss.”
ALYX is just one example of how your American Red Cross is using technology to increase the blood supply. In the ALYX process, the same volume of blood is given as with whole blood (regular) donations. The only difference is that the ALYX system specifically collects only red blood cells and returns the other blood components into the donor’s blood stream. For people who are eligible to use the ALYX system, and are willing to donate a few times per year, it is the key to saving more lives because one ALYX donation provides enough red blood cells for two patients.
Red blood cells are used to treat patients with cancer, leukemia and sickle cell anemia. Red blood cells also are given to premature babies and trauma patients and are the Red Cross’ most-requested blood component, according to Tracy Morris, ARC’s regional blood donor representative.
As with whole blood donations, prospective donors must be at least 17 years old and in generally good health.
However, there are additional requirements to become an ALYX donor. Males must be at least 5’1” and weigh at least 150 lbs. Females must be at least 5’5” and weigh at least 175 lbs. There is a difference in the height and weight requirements because men and women have different blood volumes. Eligible donors may donate red cells every 112 days.
“It’s a machine that is designed to take two units of just red cells which is the component that most people need,” said Tanya Crenshaw, technician. “In a blood donation, we take a little bit of everything, where this is specific to the red cells. It’s cutting-edge technology. It is designed to spin the blood, separate it. It keeps the red cells and returns everything it doesn’t use back to the donor along with some saline to replace the volume of the red cells. It is a completely closed kit. The kit never touches any of the machinery. It’s real safe and real cool and we really enjoy it.”
Cherokee County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Hollis said, is thrilled to have this latest technology. She noted that this is the first time in its 10-year history that the chapter has been able to offer a blood drive at the office. In the near future, they will start drawing whole blood the first Friday of each month.
Even if you don’t qualify to utilize the ALYX process, you may still be able to give whole blood. For more information – or to make a date for a blood donation – call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or your local American Red Cross Chapter at (256)927-3797
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