Alyx blood donation machine doubles lifesaving efforts for Hendrick Regional Blood Center

Donor blood plays a critical role in determining patient outcomes during trauma emergencies, cancer treatments or surgical procedures, which is why it’s often called “the gift of life.” At Hendrick Regional Blood Center (HRBC), the Alyx machine enables blood donors to significantly increase their contributions while enhancing the efficiency of the donation process.

The Alyx machine is engineered to optimize blood donations for donors and medical staff. During an Alyx donation procedure, the system collects two units of red blood cells – double the amount of a standard donation – and returns platelets, plasma and a saline solution to the donor to support optimal fluid balance. This process promotes increased comfort for donors post-donation and enables more patients to benefit from each donation.

The Alyx’s processing speed is its most significant benefit.

“The great thing about this machine is that it separates the blood components for us,” said Lauren Spindler, HRBC marketing and business development manager. “That allows us to utilize the blood much faster than a whole blood donation.”

Donors should plan for a slightly longer visit because the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, compared to 15 minutes for a whole blood draw. In turn, Alyx donors give blood only once every 112 days (16 weeks), rather than the standard 56 days.

Eligibility for Alyx donations is the same as for other donation types. Anyone who is healthy, feeling well and able to pass the standard donor questionnaire can participate.

For more information on eligibility and donation opportunities, please visit hendrickbloodcenter.org.