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Our lab frequently needs blood donors for our research. This is because we culture malaria-causing parasites (Plasmodium falciparum) in human red blood cells.
On this page we will answer the frequently asked questions about donating blood for our research. If, after reading this page, you still have questions, please contact Dr. Evelien Bunnik via bunnik@uthscsa.edu.
Red blood cells cultured in the Bunnik lab, infected with malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasites
What is the compensation for my blood donation?
Each time you donate blood, you will receive $25 cash.
When will I receive my financial compensation?
You will receive your financial compensation immediately following the blood draw.
I want to donate blood multiple times. Do I receive financial compensation each time?
Yes, you will receive $25 for each blood donation.
How often can I donate blood?
You can donate blood for our research no more than 10 times a year.
Are there medical conditions that would exclude me from donating blood for your research?
We will not be able to use blood from people with blood-related diseases such as (but not limited to) sickle cell disease, anemia, and hemophilia.
Do I need to be a UT Health Science Center employee or student?
It is preferred, but not necessary. Because of their relatively short stay, we are not recruiting master students.
How much blood will be drawn?
We need about 50 mL (4 tablespoons) of blood, which is about 1/10th of a regular blood donation to a blood bank.
Will I feel weak after donating blood?
The amount of blood that we need is small. It is unlikely that you will feel differently after donating this amount of blood.
At what location and room will the blood be drawn?
Blood draws will be done on the Long School of Medicine on main campus in room 515C (5th floor).
Who will be drawing the blood?
All blood draws will be done by certified phlebotomists.
Are there any negative side effects or risks to donating blood?
The risks are comparable to a blood draw for your annual physical exam. There can be some bruising afterwards, and some people may feel faint.
How do I know if my blood type is O positive?
We will use an Eldon blood type test kit to determine your blood type. It's a quick and simple test that will only require a few drops of blood from a finger prick. It will tell you your blood type in just a few minutes. We will do this test for you.
Do I need to purchase an Eldon blood type test kit myself?
No, the Bunnik lab will provide you with this kit, at no cost.
When and where can I test my blood type?
We will schedule a visit for this. Testing your blood type will be done in the office of Dr. Bunnik.
How long does the test take?
The blood test will take about 10 minutes.
How will you contact me to schedule a blood draw?
We will use e-mail to schedule your blood draws.
Will my blood be used for any other studies?
No, your blood will not be used for any other research. We will only store your red blood cells for up to 5 weeks for use in our parasite cultures. After this period, your red blood cells will be discarded.
Can people in the Bunnik lab or from your department (Microbiology & Immunology) donate blood?
People in the Bunnik lab cannot donate their blood for this research. Anyone else working in the department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics can.
If you have a question that was not listed here, please contact Dr. Evelien Bunnik via bunnik@uthscsa.edu.
San Antonio, TX | 2024
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