Mothers Needed Program or Rh Incompatibility Program
When a mother has a negative blood type and her baby has a positive blood type, there is a risk that the mother’s antibodies will attack the baby’s blood. This can cause the baby to become very sick and even die. Fortunately there is a medicine, Rho (D) Immune Globulin, which is used to immunize women with a negative blood type (Rh negative) during pregnancy and after childbirth to prevent their bodies from producing these antibodies. Although these antibodies are not dangerous to your body or the bodies of these preg¬nant women, they are life-threatening to their unborn children whose blood is Rh positive. It is this life saving medication that you can help produce.
With the success of the Rho (D) Immune Globulin, the number of women with naturally existing antibodies (Anti-D) is dramatically reduced, so in order to continue the production of the Rho (D) Immune Globulin to protect future pregnancies, we may need to develop or boost the antibodies in participants like you. This program is open to women who are no longer able to have children (i.e. surgically sterile or post-menopausal) and may also include men who are Rh negative.
Through a safe and highly tested procedure, small amounts of red blood cells from donors who match the recipient are introduced into the participant’s blood. The only incompatible factor is the Rh. The recipients system responds to these cells the same way that it would if the vaccine Rho (D) Immune Globulin had not been given after delivery. Because the cells remain incompatible, the antibody is produced.
The risks of the program are minimal, amounting to the same as could be expected for anyone receiving blood or blood products from another person. All of our immunization donors are normal, healthy individuals who undergo extensive screening and testing. We exhaust every means of testing to assure the safety of their blood. Prior to immunization a physician explains all safety measures and precautions.
Not all Rh negative individuals qualify for this program for a variety of reasons. If you are selected to participate in the Rho (D) Immune Globulin donor program, you will earn compensation for each donation. The Rh Incompatibility Program is a plasma program, and you can safely donate plasma twice a week. Each donation takes about 45 minutes. With each donation you will be producing 36 shots of Rho (D) Immune Globulin enough to safeguard 18 babies. Please contact your nearest center for more information about this program.
Red Cell Antibody Program
Do you think you may have an antibody?
Red blood cell antibodies are sometimes produced by your body during pregnancy or as a result of a blood transfusion. These antibodies are made by your immune system and are your body’s natural defense against red blood cells which are different from your own. Examples of these antibodies are D, Kell, c, E, C, Kidd, Duffy, M, S, and so on. If you happen to have one of these antibodies, your blood may be helpful in blood typing tests which are necessary for the safety of blood transfusions and organ donations.
These red cell antibodies are rare and each one is unique. In order to see if you qualify, we ask that you come to our centers and have a blood sample drawn so we can identify and measure your antibody. If you do not live close to one of our centers, please contact us and we will work with you to have a sample drawn at a physician's office closer to you. Our Red Cell Antibody donors live all over the Unites States.
If you qualify as a Red Cell Antibody donor, your blood will be used in production of blood typing materials, and you will earn compensation for each donation. The Red Cell Antibody Program is a plasma program, and you can safely donate plasma twice a week if your antibody is needed. Each donation takes about 45 minutes.
Please contact us for more information about this program.
Rabies Antibody Program
Rabies is a preventable virus that can be passed to humans by the bite of a rabid animal such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. The rabies virus infects the nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. While rabies is rare in the United States, worldwide it remains a significant health issue.
To participate in our rabies program, you will receive the rabies vaccine to develop antibodies against rabies. This is a three shot series given in your arm and spread out over a month’s time. If your antibody levels are high enough after completion of the series then you may begin donating. You may have already received the rabies series if you have worked in a research laboratory, veterinary office, animal shelter or animal control. If your levels are still high you may begin donating or receive a booster shot from us.
The antibodies you may develop from receiving the immunizations are used to produce the medicine, Rabies immune globulin. Rabies immune globulin is given to people at risk of rabies after an exposure to the rabies virus. It provides these people with temporarily immunity by transferring the antibodies you developed.
In order to see if you qualify, we ask that you come by our center to fill pout a questionnaire and have a sample of blood drawn. If you have had the Rabies series we will test your blood to see if it has an acceptable antibody level to participate. If the levels are high you may start right away or you may be eligible to get a booster shot to increase your levels.
As a Rabies immune globulin donor, you will actively participate in the production of this vaccine. Once you are a member of the program, you will earn compensation for each donation. The Anti-Rabies Program is a plasma program and you can donate plasma twice a week as long as your antibody level remains high.
Hepatitis B Antibody Program
Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause the liver to not function well. For some people, hepatitis B is a short term, illness but for others, it can become a long-term chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious health issues, like cirrhosis or liver cancer. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by vaccination.
If you have had the three-shot series for Hepatitis B, you may be able to help with a medication for people exposed to Hepatitis B. The antibodies you develop from receiving the immunization shots are used to produce Hepatitis B Immune Globulin. Hepatitis B Immune Globulin is given to individuals who have come in contact with the Hepatitis B virus.
To participate in our Hepatitis B program, you will receive the Hepatitis B vaccine to develop antibodies against Hepatitis B if you have not already received it. This is a three shot series given in your arm and spread out over a 3-month’s time. If your antibody levels are high enough after completion of the series then you may begin donating. You may have already received the Hepatitis B series and we are happy to review that with you.
The antibodies you may develop from receiving the immunizations are used to produce the medicine, HBIG (Hepatitis B Immune Globulin). It provides these people with temporarily immunity by transferring the antibodies you developed. This is especially needed for babies whose mothers may have Hepatitis B
In order to see if you qualify, we ask that you come by our center to fill pout a questionnaire and have a sample of blood drawn. If you have had the Hepatitis B series we will test your blood to see if it has an acceptable antibody level to participate.
As a Hepatitis B immune globulin donor, you will actively participate in the production of this vaccine. Once you are a member of the program, you will earn compensation for each donation. The Anti-Hepatitis B Program is a plasma program and you can donate plasma twice a week as long as your antibody level remains high.