Baby Blood donation
I just went to give blood (which I try to do a few times a year) and I just found out that I have a special type of blood that is extremey good for babies and that my blood donation is marked to go to them. I always feel good after giving blood but now I feel kind of special.
Here's what it says about it on their web site:
Baby Donor Program
There are certain donors whose blood is of exceptional value for babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of our local hospitals. Currently South Florida Blood Banks, Inc. (SFBB) is providing these specialized blood units to seven area NICUs that include Wellington Regional Medical Center, Palms West Hospital, Jupiter Medical Center, Plantation General Hospital, Kendall Medical Center, Bethesda Memorial Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Babies primarily use type O blood that is negative upon testing for cytomegalovirus (CMV) or 'CMV negative.' CMV negative blood is preferred due to the underdeveloped immune systems of babies. These patients use only minimal amounts of blood because of their small size. Donations are separated into four small bags, which can be transfused to different babies. CMV negative blood is also necessary for certain cancer and organ and bone marrow transplant patients. Since the program's inception in February 2000 the SFBB has registered over 600 donors in this program.
Here's what it says about it on their web site:
Baby Donor Program
There are certain donors whose blood is of exceptional value for babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of our local hospitals. Currently South Florida Blood Banks, Inc. (SFBB) is providing these specialized blood units to seven area NICUs that include Wellington Regional Medical Center, Palms West Hospital, Jupiter Medical Center, Plantation General Hospital, Kendall Medical Center, Bethesda Memorial Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Babies primarily use type O blood that is negative upon testing for cytomegalovirus (CMV) or 'CMV negative.' CMV negative blood is preferred due to the underdeveloped immune systems of babies. These patients use only minimal amounts of blood because of their small size. Donations are separated into four small bags, which can be transfused to different babies. CMV negative blood is also necessary for certain cancer and organ and bone marrow transplant patients. Since the program's inception in February 2000 the SFBB has registered over 600 donors in this program.
