The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center test donations of plasma and platelets from women who have been pregnant and had a live birth.
Research has shown that between 10 to 20 percent of women who have been pregnant have Human Leukocyte Antibodies in their bodies, which can be harmful to recipients of donated platelets or plasma.
HLA are not harmful to the women who carry them. But studies have shown they can lead to a condition known as Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) in some recipients. TRALI is the largest cause of transfusion-related complications in the United States.
Anyone who tests positive for HLA will be informed by mail. And since the antibodies only are present in plasma and platelets donations, women who have been pregnant still are eligible to make either whole-blood or double-red-cell donations.
For more information, please call the STBTC donor advocate nurses at 210-731-5555, extension 2243.
For more than 45 years, the nonprofit South Texas Blood & Tissue Center has focused on a critical purpose: to save and improve lives.
Inspired by a group of physicians, our organization was formed to provide blood to the South Texas region – ensuring a safe and adequate blood supply through proper testing, storage and distribution to hospitals. This essential service allows front-line workers to focus on the direct care of patients, with confidence that this lifesaving resource will be there when it’s needed most.
But we didn’t stop there. Over the years, we’ve evolved as the needs of our patients and hospitals have changed, driven to save lives in as many ways as possible.
We couldn’t do this without donors like you. We understand that the gift of donation is a personal, powerful choice that has the potential to touch a life. Today, we offer many ways to make a difference that include:
Our team has also expanded its programs, partnering with leaders within the healthcare industry to develop a wide range of therapies.
