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INBC saves lives by providing blood and services to support transfusion and transplantation medicine in the Inland Northwest.

Types of Donations

The Inland Northwest Blood Center offers a variety of donation opportunities for individuals wanting to make a difference on behalf of patients in need. Other forms of donations include those that specifically benefit patients planning for their own possible surgical transfusion needs. 

Whole Blood Donation:
Whole blood is the most common form of donation and is offered at all INBC collection centers and mobile blood drives. A unit (approximately one pint) of blood is collected from the volunteer donor and is then processed and separated into components in the Regional Headquarters laboratory in Spokane. INBC needs approximately 150 whole blood donors each day to supply the local patient needs.

Apheresis Platelet Donation:
Apheresis (ay-fur-EE-sis) is a special kind of donation that allows a donor to give specific blood components, such as platelets and plasma, for the benefit of patient care. Through this automated donation process, a greater volume of components can be collected from a single donor than through a whole blood donation. Apheresis donations are by appointment only and are offered at the collection centers in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Lewiston.

Marrow/Stem Cell Donation:
INBC offers the opportunity to become registered on the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry at any collection center or mobile blood drive. A small sample of blood is drawn or a cheek swab is used to determine your inherited tissue type (Human Leukocyte Antigen, or HLA type). The results are entered into the NMDP registry, a computerized database of potential donors worldwide. If you become a match for a patient in need, INBC’s NMDP department will contact you to explain subsequent details including the actual donation process.

Autologous Donation:
Autologous blood is preoperative donation from a person who may need a blood transfusion during his or her planned surgery.  This blood collection is for the sole use of the donor’s own transfusion needs and is scheduled only by physician’s orders.  INBC’s Medical Director will also help determine whether the patient is suitable for an autologous donation.

Directed Donation:
Occasionally, a patient scheduled for surgery may want to choose his or her own blood donor(s), typically family members or friends.  A physician’s approval of a compatible donor is required prior to scheduling the donation. The Directed Donor will need to meet all INBC eligibility requirements.

Financial or In-Kind Donations:
Yes, there are “other” ways to help your Inland Northwest Blood Center.  Whether you are a blood donor or not, please consider making a financial or in-kind donation to help support, modernize, and expand services on behalf of patient care here in the Inland Northwest.  Fundraising is coordinated through INBC’s Development Department.


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