FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos)–Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos)’s Robertson Blood Center is seeking male A, B and AB blood types who are at least 175 pounds to donate blood plasma that will be used to create a new lifesaving product for the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP).
The new freeze-dried plasma (FDP) initiative, according to ABSP, is a dehydrated version of frozen plasma and will significantly increase the survival rate of Soldiers on the battlefield. Typically, it takes approximately 45 minutes to thaw frozen plasma, which hinders quick use in a deployed setting. Freeze-dried plasma does not require dry ice or freezing, ships easier and can be easily reconstituted with water when needed. These characteristics make the product a valuable tool for medics in the heart of battle. It also has fewer temperature restrictions, a longer expiration date and is more stable than the fresh frozen plasma currently used.
Interested donors should visit the Robertson Blood Center, Building 2250, 761st Tank Battalion Ave. call (254) 553-6972 to confirm qualifications, schedule an appointment or for more information.
