MGH is proud to announce that it will be the first blood center in New England to offer a new, state-of –the-art, automated blood collection system that provides donors a fast, comfortable and convenient way to maximize their donation with less visits to the donor center and help ensure a steady and continuous blood supply.

The ALYX Component Collection System, from Baxter Technologies, allows us to collect only red blood cells while returning the other blood components, platelets and plasma, back to the donor. This process allows 2 transfusable doses of red blood cells to be donated in 1 donation visit, allowing you to donate 6 units of blood in only 3 visits to the donor center! After donating double red cells, you are deferred from donating any blood products for 16 weeks.

A smaller needle is used!
ALYX uses a needle that is slightly smaller than the one used for whole blood collection, so you may find it more comfortable.

You save more lives in less time!
Time is precious and we never seem to have enough of it. Many people find they don't have the time to donate as much as they would like. Now, you can maximize your visits to the donor center and donate twice as many red cells in just half the visits!

You will feel fine!
During the donation, you will receive fluids to keep hydrated and your plasma and platelets will be returned to you. Many donors feel better after donating on ALYX than after donating a conventional whole blood unit.

It is quick and simple!
ALYX donations take about 15 minutes more than a traditional donation but you donate twice as many red cells.

To qualify on the ALYX System, males must be at least 5’1 and weigh at least 130 pounds, and women must be at least 5'5 and weigh at least 150 pounds. You must also be an O or B blood type.

Why are the donor requirements different for men and women?
Men and women have different total blood volumes. Even for men and women of the same weight, their blood volumes will differ. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established different donor requirements for men and women.

Why just type O and B ?
Type O blood is considered to be the "universal blood type." This is because all blood types can safely receive type O blood without complication. Type O is used in emergencies when there is not time for typing a patient. Only 10% of the population has type B blood. Because of this, it is easy for our supply of type B blood to be depleted. Therefore, we are all ways looking for more O and B red cells.

	Touch More Lives With Your Donation!