The process of collecting apheresis donations has undergone a number of changes and improvements over the last few years. We really appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we seek to maintain and balance an adequate inventory of all blood components.

New in the last few years was the process of collecting "split" or "multiple" platelet donations. This technology allows us to literally "double" your donation, collecting enough platelets for two patients. This procedure is contingent upon the donor's platelet count. We asked those of you who had a high enough platelet count to stay on the machine a little longer in order to collect this "split" product. In return, we offered a small gift for the extra effort (in 2001, a pair of movie tickets and an invitation to the recognition dinner for donors with five or more split donations).

 This year, we introduced the "Trima" machine which allows us to collect a variety of different combinations of components based on the ongoing needs of patients. Donors with high platelet counts are asked to give double donations of platelets because platelets have a shelf life of just five days and are continually in need. Donors with rare blood types or a blood type that is in short supply may be asked to give a platelet and a red cell donation. Donors with type AB are often asked to give multiple plasma donations because AB plasma is universally compatible.

 Donors have overwhelmingly supported these new improvements, and we thank you for your continuing support and understanding as we do our best to give you a positive donation experience. You have been more than patient as we work through all of the technicalities of this new equipment. Today, more than ever, we need your help. When you arrive for your apheresis donation, we may ask you to donate what is most needed that day. Depending on your platelet count and blood type, we may ask you for any combination of platelets, plasma, and red cells.

Several months age, we randomly selected and invited a group of loyal apheresis donors to meet and discuss issues surrounding these new developments. This group came up with a number of recommendations for improving the apheresis program. Regarding recognition, the group felt that altruism was the main reason people donated, with personal recognition being of very low priority. However, they did acknowledge the impedance of making donors feel special for their contributions, but decided the best approach was to keep it simple and avoid a lot of complicated equations based en number of components donated.

The group's final conclusion on recognition was to count each visit, regardless of number of products given, as one donation, but to offer some additional "perks" for these making multiple donations. Basically, the 2002 recognition plan remains the same, but details follow. Other issues discussed by the focus group included hew to improve scheduling, utilize e-mail mere effectively, and fund-raise. If you think you might be interested in serving as a member of this focus group, please let us know. Your input and opinions are important to us. Special thanks to our first Focus Group members: Dan Anderson, Alan King, David Sidaway, Jesse Strauss, George Bottarini, and Frank Oheleski.

RECOGNITION PROGRAM FOR 2002

Each visit counts as one donation regardless of products donated.

Eleven and Fifteen Milestone gifts will be presented at annual recognition dinner.

The Blood Center of New Jersey
45 South Grove Street
East Orange, New Jersey  07018
1-800-NJBLOOD
1-973-676-4700

Copyright © 2001 by The Blood Center of New Jersey. All rights reserved.