Effect of Repeat Donations on Donors
Program Code: 5325-TC
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
David Stroncek, MD, Department of Transfusion Medicine, CC

SPEAKERS
Maria D. Gudino, MD, Baxter Healthcare Corp/BioLife Plasma Services
Ralph Vassallo, MD, FACP, American Red Cross Biomedical Services
Ritchard Cable, MD, American Red Cross Blood Services, New England Div

DESCRIPTION
This session will review the outcome and risks of frequent blood donations. Topics will include the repeat and long-term donation of red cells with special emphasis to iron depletion. Since platelets can be donated 24 times per year, the impact on donor health and cell counts will be reviewed with special emphasis on platelet and leukocyte depletion. The U.S. permits more frequent and larger volume plasma donations than any other country. The oversight of donors and potential impact on their health will be reviewed.