(formerly American Association of Blood Banks) – the professional society for institutions and individuals involved in blood banking, transfusion medicine, and cellular therapies worldwide. Apheresis

generous platelet donors who have joined Memorial Blood Centers’ program that includes a more extensive typing procedure, are registered in our database and, when called upon, make a special platelet donation to meet a specific patient’s time-sensitive need for platelets. Amicus Separator

weakness, fatigue, and paleness resulting from a deficiency of red blood cells or insufficient amounts of hemoglobin molecules within the red cells. Antibody

a substance that prevents the clotting or thickening of blood. Antigen

caused by deficient red blood cell production by the bone marrow. Autoimmune

a situation in which the donor and recipient are the same person. Autologous blood donation

a national registry operated by the National Marrow Donor Program. See National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)

fluid that circulates throughout the body carrying nourishment and oxygen to the cells and tissue, at the same time, removing waste matter and carbon dioxide. Bloodmobile

often abbreviated ABO, everyone’s blood falls into one of four groups or types: A, B, AB or O, with each also identified as either Rh positive or negative. For example, A positive (A+), B negative (B-), O positive (O+), etc. Blood types are inherited. Bone marrow

caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). About 100,000 people in the U.S. are thought to be infected with it while up to 20 million people are believed to be infected in Mexico, Central and South America. Only about one percent of those infected show immediate symptoms, which can include fever, malaise, and swelling. Component