Blood donation is a simple way to help save lives. AnMed Health Medical Center uses an average of 50 units of blood each day, and on some occasions, a single patient has consumed more than 40 units of blood.
Patients rarely receive whole blood donations. More often, blood is broken down into components:
- Red cells are used for accident victims and surgery patients.
- Platelets are used for treatment of cancer, leukemia, and aplastic anemia, as well as open heart surgery and other treatments.
- Plasma is used for shock and burn victims.
- Cryoprecipitated, AHF, (cryo) is used for patients with bleeding diseases, such as hemophilia.
If you are at least 17 years old, weigh at least 116 pounds and are in good health, you could be a blood donor. Donation takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll be asked to provide basic information, including your name, address, age and a brief medical history. Our staff then checks your blood pressure, temperature, blood iron content and pulse. The blood draw usually takes four to seven minutes, and when it’s over, you’ll enjoy juice, cookies and rest period before heading out for the rest of your day.
AnMed Health is accredited by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). We accept blood donations at our donor center at 600 North Fant Street on the AnMed Health Medical Center Campus. The donor center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of each month. AnMed Health Blood Center also operates two bloodmobiles, which collect donations at business, school and organizational blood drives.
For more information, or if you’re interested in hosting a Blood Assurance Membership Drive, planning a blood drive or scheduling a speaker from the Blood Center, please call (864) 512-1842 or (864) 512-8573.
AnMed Health Blood Center
600 North Fant Street
Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 512-1842