AUTOLOGOUS BLOOD
Definition:  Blood drawn from an individual.  Then after storage (limit of 35 days), transfused to the same individual, usually during elective surgery.  The Autologous unit is the safest blood a person can receive because it is the recipient's own blood.  Autologous blood is never given to another person because not all Autologous donors meet the FDA requirements for blood donation.  Autologous blood not used by the donor is destroyed.  Autologous blood is, at times, preferred by both the patient and physician for pre-planned surgeries such as re-constructive surgery, back surgery, jaw surgery and hip or knee replacements.

Appropriate forms are required and various regulations must be met for Autologous donations

DIRECTED DONATIONS
Definition:  Blood donated by person/persons to be given to a specific patient.  Most blood transfusion authorities believe that blood from family and friends (directed donations) is no safer than blood from regular volunteer donors.  Directed donations are made available because of patient concerns and not because medical evidence has shown greater safety.  Directed donations are not intended for emergency use.  Donations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.  A list of names of potential donors must be supplied on a directed donation request form to the Blood Center before blood can be transfused.  Due to the rare potential of Graft VS-Host disease after receiving blood from a first degree family member, these units must be irradiated before transfusion.  (First degree members are parents, siblings, and children.)

Appropriate forms are required and various regulations must be met for directed donations.

BLOOD REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Even though your community blood center is a not-for-profit organization, there are charges for blood.  Every unit of blood donated must undergo a variety of tests.  The phlebotomists and laboratory technologists must be trained and licensed in order to draw and test the blood collected.  The most up-to-date products, supplies and equipment must be used for testing and drawing blood.  Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center receives no funding from any outside source.  Therefore, it is necessary for the Blood Center to place charges on the blood products.  As a special service to our donors, the Blood Center has developed a replacement blood program giving donors the opportunity to establish blood coverage for themselves and their family members.  Blood coverage simply means that the individual will not be charged a replacement fee for red cells used; and if the patient uses 20 units of blood (for example), the patient will not need 20 people to replace the blood.

Individual Blood Program:  By donating only twice a year, the donor acquires blood coverage for himself and immediate family.  Family members include spouse, children under the age of eighteen (18), parents and parents-in-law.  Once a donor has given eight units of blood, the individual acquires blood coverage for life.

If an individual needs to use blood credits, he/she should notify the Blood Center supplying the following information:  name of donor, date and location of last donation, first, middle and last name of patient, relation of patient to donor (if applicable), and name and location of hospital.

Group Blood Program:  Any business or organization can establish a group blood program.  Our staff would conduct a blood drive once, twice, three or four times per year depending on your preference.  A WKRBC representative will schedule a date(s) and time(s) most convenient for the employees or members.  If 25% of the organization donates, all members and their families will have blood coverage.  Family members include spouse, children under eighteen (18) years of age, parents and parents-in-law.  Provided the 25% quota is not met, coverage extends in the same manner to the individuals who donate and their families.

Should an individual in the organization need to use blood credits, simply contact the blood drive chairperson and advise him/her of the name of the patient, number of units transfused and the hospital.  The chairperson will then contact a representative of the Blood Center who will issue the credits to the hospital.