Called the TRIMA cell separator, this state-of-the-art machine collects traditional blood platelets and plasma. It also can collect red blood cells, a new feature for many blood centers, where blood donations have declined over the years. TRIMA saves the donor time, and allows for better use of donated blood.

"From a time standpoint, it does help cut down the amount of time the donor is there in the blood center. It also helps to maximize the products we are able to collect from that donor during the timeframe," said Martha Wieland of the DeGowin Blood Center.

TRIMA also increases safety factors during collection, allowing donors to have a better idea where their blood is going.

"That they can actually supply specific products that are needed by particular patients at particular times or groups of patients, perhaps is a more inviting prospect than simply donating a unit of blood," said Thomas Raife, M.D., assistant medical director of the DeGowin Blood Center.

"If they’re donating platelets and plasma and maybe a red cell or two units of platelets at one sitting, they can say, ‘Wow, you know, I’m helping this many people.’ They can almost see where it goes and how many people they’re potentially touching," said Mitch Overton, DeGowin Blood Center director.

This new technology is getting positive reaction from donors. The hope is that it will attract more people to give blood. For more information, or to donate blood, call the DeGowin Blood Center at the University of Iowa at 319-356-2058.