The Donation Process

Donors from outside the West Michigan area are greeted at the airport by our driver and brought to Country Inn and Suites.

Once the donor enters Michigan Blood, he is greeted by the receptionist and checks in.

Next he meets with one of two Michigan Blood Medical Directors on staff.

Then he'll meet with the Stem Cell Programs Department and begin the screening process.

After the screening, the Stem Cell Programs Department staff will lead the donor to the special apheresis room.

The apheresis procedure involves sitting in the chair for about four to six hours with a needle in each arm.  The donor's blood is removed through a sterile needle in one arm, passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplantation, and then remaining blood is returned through the other arm.

The donor will receive one-on-one attention from a nurse and can enjoy a range of relaxing activities during the procedure.

After the apheresis collection is complete, the donor will visit the canteen for at least 15 minutes for cookies and refreshments and to go over the post-donation procedures.

The donor will then check-out and his lifesaving role is complete.