Student donates using the apheresis method that draws blood from the donor, separates it using a centrifuge or a filter, stores the desired part, and returns the rest to the donor.
SECOND BEST FOR SPRING IN CAMPUS HISTORY
Thanks to the unselfishness of the campus and community, Penn State New Kensington donated 42 units – second highest for the campus in the spring -- of blood during the semiannual blood drive on April 4.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends showed that the blue and white of Penn State could bleed red for the community. The donations helped to increase the blood supply in the local community in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The spring 2011 drive netted 50 units, best in campus history.
"The students at Penn State New Kensington are a pleasure to work with during the blood drives," said Debra Kaminski, a medical technologist for the Alle-Kiski Medical Center (AKMC). "They have that community spirit, and the number of donors seems to increase each year."
AKMC staff reported that not only did the red cell units increase their inventory, but that they were able to make platelets and fresh frozen plasma so several patients at AKMC could benefit from the one donation. The next campus blood drive is in October. Donors are eligible again in 56 days after giving.
For information, contact Elaine Zarichnak at emz3@psu.edu or 724-334-6066.