The current Canadian Blood Services location in the Melcor Centre. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge’s blood donor clinic will close in October in preparation of new plasma donor centre

Aug 6, 2020 | 2:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge will soon have the first dedicated plasma donor centre (PDC) in Alberta, but it will come at a cost.

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is planning to open the PDC at 3735 Mayor Magrath Drive South near Marshalls.

“This is an important step for Canadian Blood Services to increase the amount of plasma collected in Canada to meet rising patient demand,” reads a statement from CBS. “Plasma is the protein-rich liquid in blood that helps other blood components circulate throughout our bodies. The proteins in plasma support our immune system and help control excessive bleeding.  Plasma is used in the treatment of a variety of life-threatening conditions including bleeding disorders, liver diseases and many types of cancers.”

CBS says there has been a steady increase in the use and demand for plasma-derived products in Canada and around the globe.

The PDC will only collect plasma from donors.

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“The process for donating plasma is similar to donating blood. The main difference between a whole blood and plasma donation is the collection method—apheresis. Only the plasma portion of your blood is collected; the rest (red cells, white cells and platelets) is returned to you.”

A spokesperson with the agency confirmed to LNN that the last day to make whole blood donations at their current location in the Melcor Centre in downtown Lethbridge is October 3, 2020. After that, the site will close.

“When we close the whole blood donor centre, we will no longer be collecting blood in Lethbridge. When we open the plasma donor centre, we will be collecting plasma.”

“This change will not impact the availability of blood products for hospitals or patients. We operate a national inventory which ensures the quality and safety of our products and services while working efficiently to help hospitals get the right treatment to patients where and when they need them.”

To book an appointment, visit blood.ca, download the GiveBlood mobile app on iOS or Android, or call 1-888-2DONATE.

You can learn more about plasma donation and Lethbridge’s new PDC at the Canadian Blood Services website here.