The South Texas Blood & Tissue Apheresis Center successfully screened and collected its first granulocyte donation on Wednesday, Oct. 11.
A granulocyte collection relies on communication and coordination among the hospital, Donor Recruitment, the Components Lab, the Apheresis Center and Hospital Services, said Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, Medical Director, South Texas Blood & Tissue.
It also requires a special screening and collection process.
Granulocyte transfusions are fairly uncommon and come only by special request, she said.
Donors must meet multiple requirements, including being a blood type match for the patient and having recently donated platelets.
“Granulocyte transfusions are used for really sick patients who are having trouble fighting an infection,” she said. “Granulocytes are white blood cells that help fight infection.”
