While Kentucky Blood Center urges families and friends to donate blood to replace what their loved one will use in a scheduled surgery, some patients choose to donate and store their own blood for their scheduled surgery. KBC is pleased to provide this service for anyone whose physician prescribes what is known as autologous donation.

Who can donate?
    Most people are candidates for an autologous donation. You should be in good health and free of infection at the tme of donation. Some conditions may prevent you from donating blood or may require consultation between KBC's Medical Director and your physician. These conditions include:

• A history of heart problems
• A history of circulatory problems
• Diabetes requiring medication

• Your physical condition
• The type of surgery
• The date of the scheduled surgery

     Since blood can be stored for up to 42 days, you may begin storing blood six weeks prior to surgery. Your last donation must be no fewer than 72 hours (three days) before surgery. The minimum recommended time between autologous donations is seven days. Remember to eat and drink something within three hours before you donate.

What is the fee for autologous donation?
    Your hospital bill will include the normal processing charge for each unit of blood you receive. This fee is routinely covered by most insurance policies.

What about testing?
    All blood collected by KBC -- including autologous -- undergoes the same extensive testing.

What if it turns out I don't need the blood donated for my use?
    Units of autologous blood not used are returned to KBC where they are stored until their expiration date (42 days from collection). Autologous donations are not made available for general community use.

    It is our sincere hope that every donor will become a regular volunteer blood donor to ensure an uninterrupted supply of blood for all patients.

    For more information, contact Pat Cooper, KBC Donor/Patients Services Coordinator, at 859-276-2534.