How Donations are Used

What happens to the blood once it is donated?  This is a common question, as there are many misconceptions about blood donation.

Stage 1:  Blood Donation 

Donors make their donation after passing the screening process.  Each donation is collected, labeled and prepared for testing.  This includes all blood and blood products.

Stage 2: Testing  test tube

Each collected donation undergoes 13 tests, to ensure that the blood is safe for use.  Even if you are a returning donor all blood is tested in the same way.  If the test results show any issues with the blood, the donor is notified via mail.

Stage 3: Processing     centrifuge

Once approved by the test results, the blood is then processed in our components area of the lab.  This prepares each product for use in a medical setting.  The blood is then stored in the appropriate temperature controlled environment and sent to distribution.

Stage 4: Distribution    distribution

In distribution, the units are stored and prepared for shipment based on the needs of our partner hospitals all over the state of Alaska.  Blood products are available 24 hours a day, as Blood Bank of Alaska is a critical part of the Emergency Response System in time of disaster for Alaska.

Stage 5: Hospital Use  hospital

Hospitals use the blood and/or blood products for many reasons.  These reasons include surgeries, traumas and treatment plans for many diseases.