Blood Bank uses new technology

Siouxland Community Blood Bank is the first in the nation to introduce the Cymbal System created by Haemonetics.

The Cymbal System is a new generation of automated red cell collection technology for volunteer blood donors who choose to donate double red cells. The Siouxland Blood Bank has had double red cell donation capability since September of 2001, when it introduced the Haemonetics first generation technology. Now at half the size of the first generation series, the Cymbal System is highly versatile for a mobilesetup. It is battery operated and allows volunteer blood donors to donate twice as much blood in a single visit.

The Cymbal System is designed for ease of the donors. Donating double red cells takes about 15 to 20 minutes longer than a single unit donation, but donors only have to donate half as often. The donation interval with double red cells is 112 days as opposed to 56 days with a single unit donation, potentially allowing donors to donate the maximum amount of blood a year in only three visits.

Double red cell donation uses a smaller needle to collect blood in only one arm. Then, a machine separates the red cells and the donor gets back the platelets, plasma and white cells.

"At the Siouxland Community Blood Bank, we remain committed to being a leader in our field for introducing cutting edge technology," said Janette Twait, chief executive officer with the Siouxland Community Blood Bank.

"Our partnership with Haemonetics has allowed us to introduce the newest and latest technology that blood banking has to offer so that we are able to ensure that the needs of patients in 36 area hospitals are met safely and sufficiently.

"To be eligible for double red cell donations, men must weigh at least 130 pounds and be 5 feet 1 inch tall, women must weigh at least 150 pounds and be 5 feet 5 inches tall.

To be eligible to donate blood individuals must be at least 17 years of age; (16 in the state of Iowa with a signed SCBB parental consent form); however there is no upper age limit as long as the donor is in good health. In addition, donors need to weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated whole blood in the past 56 days. A photo I.D. is required at the time of registration.