Blood Donation Types

Our volunteer blood donors and patients requiring blood related treatments have the option to donate in several ways.

General blood donation – Most commonly, whole blood donation, will always be used by a patient at a RWJBarnabas Health hospital.
Designated / Replacement blood donations – May be whole blood or an automated donation and will help to maintain an adequate amount of blood in our hospitals blood banks. Replacement donors do not have to have the same blood type as the patient.
Automated Donation (also known as apheresis) is a special type of blood donation that allows a donor to give multiple blood components, such as red blood cells, platelets or plasma. During the procedure, all but the needed blood components are returned to the donor.

Patient Information

Autologous Donations: Offer patients the option of donating their own blood in anticipation of receiving blood during scheduled surgeries. With coordination of a physician, a patient may give up to four units of blood within 35 days of the anticipated surgery. Patients must have a prescription form sent or faxed to the Donor Center where the collection will be performed before the appointment can be made. Using one of the phone numbers provided below, please contact the hospital donor center where your surgery is scheduled, to receive the appropriate forms. Once completed by your physician, the forms can be to faxed to the New Brunswick Donor Center at 732-235-6683 or Somerset Donor Center at 908-231-6166.
Designated Donations: The donor must meet blood compatibility requirements. Allow loved ones to donate blood specifically for use by patients who are in need of a blood transfusion. This type of donation must be made at least seven days prior to the scheduled surgery or anticipated transfusion, and is coordinated by the patient's physician. ( download additional information and required forms here)
Therapeutic Apheresis
Stem cell and Advanced Cellular Therapy collections used as part of a treatment regime or therapy for complex diseases and conditions. https://www.aabb.org/blood-biotherapies/biotherapies/facts-about-cellular-therapies