ABOUT
ALYX
AUTOMATED RED BLOOD CELL COLLECTION
Collection times and features can vary according to the type of
automated collection system used. The following answers are accurate
for the new ALYX Component Collection System now available at The
Community Blood Council of NJ.
1. What is the status of the blood supply and why is an automated
collection system for red blood cells needed?
An aging population and new medical treatments are contributing
to an increasing demand for surgeries and procedures requiring
blood transfusions. At the same time, more restrictive donor eligibility
criteria intended to protect the safety of the blood supply decrease
the eligible donor pool. This creates a widening gap between the
demand and supply of blood components, which can result in blood
shortages and treatment delays. Automated blood collection can
help close this gap by collecting two transfusion doses of red
blood cells instead of one from a single donor.
2. Why is there such an emphasis placed on red blood cells?
Of
the three components of blood used in transfusions – red
blood cells, platelets and plasma – red blood cells are typically
in greatest demand. Patients most likely to require transfusions
of red blood cells include surgery patients, severe accident victims,
and patients with certain types of cancers or chronic anemia. Annually
in the United States, approximately 14 million units of red blood
cells are transfused to patients compared to about 2 million doses
of platelets and 4 million units of plasma.
3. Who
can donate on this new automated red blood cell collection
system?
Because
donors on the ALYX System are giving two units of red blood cells
instead of one, the donor criterion
is slightly more
restrictive. The minimum requirements to qualify as a donor on
the ALYX System are as follows: men must be at least 5’1” and
weigh at least 130 pounds and women must be at least 5’5” and
weigh at least 150 pounds.
4. Why are the donor requirements different for men and women
on automated collection systems?
Men
and women have diff erent total blood volumes. Even for men
and women of the same weight, their blood volumes will differ.
Because of this difference, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has established different donor requirements for men
and women.
5. How often can you donate?
People can donate red blood cells on the ALYX System every 112
days, or 16 weeks.
6. How long does it take?
A typical donation on the ALYX System takes just 20 to 25 minutes
on average, about 10 minutes longer on average than a traditional
manual whole blood collection that captures only one unit of red
blood cells.
7. Are donations on the ALYX System safe?
Yes, clinical studies show that the donation of two units of red
blood cells on the ALYX system is safe. In addition, the FDA has
approved automated collections of two units of red blood cells.
8. Do you need to do anything different after donating on an automated
red blood cell collection system versus a manual whole blood collection
system?
No. Just as with a whole blood donation, donors should drink plenty
of fluids, relax and have a snack in the refreshment area, and
refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours immediately following
donation.
9. What is apheresis?
Apheresis is the medical term for using an automated instrument
to remove a specific component of the blood and returning the remaining
blood components to the donor. This process allows more of one
blood component, such as red blood cells, platelets or plasma,
to be collected from a single donor than could be obtained from
a manual, whole blood donation.
Other Questions?
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