Types of Donations

Whole Blood Donation
Whole blood is the most common form of donation and is offered at all INBC collection centers and mobile blood drives. From start of paperwork to enjoying refreshments in the canteen, donations usually take about 45 min to an hour (with only about 10 minutes of that actually in the chair giving blood). One unit (approximately one pint) of blood is collected. Whole blood is rarely used in its current form.  After donation it is separated into components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) at the Spokane Collections Center. The Inland Northwest Blood Center needs approximately 200 donors each day to supply patient needs.

Double Red Cell Donation
Red Blood Cells carry oxygen through the body and are primarily used to replenish blood due to loss from traumatic injury or surgery. With a double red cell donation, you give two units of red cells instead of a single unit of whole blood. The process typically takes about 45 minutes for the donation and is offered at all INBC collection centers and selected mobile blood drives. Through new innovative technology, blood is separated into different components in a sterile, disposable kit. Two units of red blood cells are collected, while your platelets and plasma (which contains water and minerals) are returned to you along with a small amount of saline solution. Click here for more information.

Platelet Donation
Platelets help in clotting (stops bleeding) and are used to treat cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.  Through new innovative technology, blood is separated into different components in a sterile, disposable kit allowing donors to give specific blood components which can be beneficial to a blood recipient. Typically this procedure takes about an hour to an hour and a half. These donations are by appointment only and are offered at the collection centers in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Lewiston.

Plasma Donation
Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood that transports nutrients and enzymes that help control bleeding.  Plasma is very versatile and can be used to treat a variety of needs.  Through new innovative technology, blood is separated into different components in a sterile, disposable kit allowing donors to give specific blood components which can be beneficial to a blood recipient. Typically the procedure takes about an hour to an hour and a half. These 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, National Marrow Donor Program 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 support 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.