For Donors
Your donation can save lives. Find out how you can become part of our donor pool.
Why Become a Donor?
As a donor at CytoCare, you make a valuable contribution to medical research and the treatment of seriously ill patients. The blood cells you donate are used for the development and manufacture of modern cell therapies — for example, CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancer or the research of new immunotherapies.
Leukapheresis is a safe and well-established procedure in which white blood cells are selectively collected from your blood, while all other blood components are immediately returned to your body.
Requirements
Who Can Become a Donor?
- Age between 18 and 60 years
- Good general health
- No serious pre-existing conditions
- No current infectious diseases
- Minimum body weight of 50 kg
- Willingness to undergo a medical pre-screening
We are happy to discuss your eligibility as a donor in a personal consultation.
The Process
What to Expect
- Initial consultation: We provide you with detailed information about the process and answer all your questions.
- Pre-screening: A medical consultation and blood test confirm your eligibility.
- Appointment scheduling: Together, we find a suitable date for your donation.
- Leukapheresis: The collection takes approximately 3–4 hours. You lie comfortably and can read or listen to music.
- Aftercare: After the donation, you are briefly monitored and receive a compensation allowance.
Your Path to Donation
Questions & Answers for Donors
Is leukapheresis painful?
Leukapheresis is generally pain-free. At the start, you will only feel the needle insertion, comparable to a standard blood draw. During the procedure, you lie comfortably and can relax.
How long does a donation take?
A leukapheresis session typically takes 3 to 4 hours. Please allow approximately 4 to 5 hours in total, including preparation and aftercare.
How often can I donate?
The frequency of donations depends on various factors and is discussed individually with our medical team. There is typically a minimum interval of several weeks between donations.
Do I receive compensation?
Yes, as a donor you receive an appropriate compensation allowance for your time and effort. We are happy to discuss the exact amount with you personally.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are rare and usually mild. Occasionally, a slight tingling in the fingers may occur, caused by the citrate additive (anticoagulant). This is harmless and resolves quickly. Our medical team monitors you throughout the entire donation.
Where does the donation take place?
The donation takes place at our facility at Traungasse 14-16, 1030 Vienna. We are easily accessible by public transport.