An autologous donation is the safest possible blood a patient can receive. Almost anyone can donate. Individuals who cannot donate for others may still be able to donate for themselves. There is some flexibility regarding donor age limits. Pediatric donations (ages 12-16) require approval of the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center’s (STBTC) Medical Director.

An Autologous blood donation is one that a patient makes for personal use. For this reason autologous units cannot be crossed-over to the allogeneic blood supply.

A Directed Donation is a blood donation made by a specific individual who is chosen by the patient and/or family and intended for transfusion to that particular patient. However, should the unit(s) not be required for transfusion to the designated patient, the hospital may elect o crossover the units for homologous use.

The patient or designated person who requests directed donations must provide a list of potential donors who are acceptable to the patient. Please use the STBTC Directed Donation order form. The patient should provide the name of more donors than the number of units requested by the physician to assure availability of the required number of units. We recommend that patients select people they know well and who have donated blood since May, 1985 when testing for the HIV antibody was implemented. STBTC will draw blood from only the number of donors requested by the physician.

Directed Donations are scheduled by appointment no later than 5 days prior to the anticipated surgery date and only during the Center’s normal business hours. Additional time may be required if a weekend, holiday, or shipping to other facilities is involved. For an appointment, call the Autologous & Directed Coordinator at (210) 731-5555.