Leukapheresis (lu-ka-fur-ee-sis)
All collections are made with one time use disposables. White blood cells are typically regenerated within a few hours of the leukapheresis procedure. 40–500 mL of white blood cells are collected in total during a leukapheresis. Each cell type in the blood is critical for life; however, white blood cells are most essential to scientific research. Since these cell types are a key component of your immune system, researchers use them to study how the immune system works and how to restore immune function in patients with compromised immune systems.
Examples of research supported: T cell engineering; Immuno-oncology research; Cell therapy applications; Drug and vaccine development
Duration: Typically 3–4 hours
Eligibility/Frequency: Every 35 days
Bone marrow collection
Bone marrow is collected using sterile needles to draw liquid from the posterior iliac crest, located at the back of the pelvic bone. This procedure is performed by a physician or advanced practice professional under regional anesthesia to minimize any discomfort during the collection. 25–100 mL of bone marrow is collected in total, from a maximum of four sites during the collection. Donors are eligible to donate bone marrow every 4 months.
Bone marrow is a good source of stem cells. Bone marrow contains two types of stem cells: hematopoietic (which can produce blood cells) and stromal (which can produce fat, cartilage and bone). Researchers evaluate both types of stem cells in their research by studying how disease affects these cells and how therapies affect these cells.
Examples of research supported: Stem cell research; Acute myeloid lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Duration: Typically 20–40 min
Eligibility/Frequency: Every 4 months
Whole blood donation
“Whole blood” is the blood that flows through all of our veins. It contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, suspended in plasma. Whole blood is one of the most flexible types of collections at Canventa. Whole blood collections typically consist of 10–500 mL of whole blood drawn through a vein, collected in tubes or a blood bag. Plasma, which composes the majority of your blood, typically regenerates within 24 hours, while red blood cells regenerate in 4 to 6 weeks.
Examples of research supported: in vitro diagnostics development; infection, inflammation, and immunity research
Duration: About 15–45 minutes depending on blood volume collected
Eligibility/frequency: Every 2 months
Note: Whole blood may be requested in conjunction with another donation type. It is not a stand-alone donation type.
