Blood Donation Center

The UNC Blood Donation Center was founded in 1997 to help supply UNC Hospitals patients with blood products, such as plasma and platelets, from volunteer donors.

Patients of all ages, from birth to the elderly, may benefit from a blood donation. These donations may be used for a variety of reasons, including:

• Cancer patients
• Patients with Blood Disorders
• Premature Babies
• Burn Victims
• Trauma and Major Surgery Patients (Including Transplants)

Currently, the UNC Blood Donation Center specializes in the collection of platelets and plasma by apheresis. During apheresis, blood is drawn from the donor’s arm and passed through a machine which separates platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood. Once the platelets or plasma is collected, the remaining blood is returned to the donor.

For questions about donating platelets, go to our FAQ or e-mail us at platelet@unchealth.unc.edu.

If you meet the donor eligibility requirements, schedule an appointment online or call (984) 974-8290. Directions and parking for our center can be found here.

The UNC Blood Donation Center is accredited by American Association of Blood Banks, College of American Pathology and the Food and Drug Administration.