De Novo or Rh Incompatibility Program
How You Can Help Save A Baby's Life
A healthy baby is a mother’s dream. Until recently, however, the heartbreak of losing a child to Rh incompatibility problems was a way of life for thousands of women. Many could not safely carry a baby to term because of such complications as jaundice and cerebral palsy. Still other infants were stillborn or died soon after birth. Today – through the help of generous donors – women with Rh-negative blood can safeguard their Rh-positive babies. As you are aware, the sample of blood that we draw is going to be tested to see if the antibody Anti-D is present in your blood. This antibody is often produced when a mother whose blood is Rh negative is exposed to her baby's Rh positive blood.

With the success of the Rho D Immune Globulin vaccination (commonly referred to as RhoGAM®), the number of women with existing antibodies to the Rh factor has been dramatically reduced. In order to continue the production of the Rho D Immune Globulin vaccination, it has become necessary to aid in the boosting of this antibody.

If Southern Blood Services does not detect the antibody in your blood, we would like to discuss the possibilities of immunizing and producing this antibody in your blood. This program works with surgically sterile women to help them build Rho D Immune Globulin in their blood. This program may also include men.

Through a safe and highly tested procedure, small amounts of red blood cells from donors who match the recipient are introduced into the participants 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 Immune Globulin had not been given after delivery. Because the cells remain incompatible, the antibody is produced. This is similar to the approach of vaccinating against measles or other childhood illnesses. We have had significant success with this program. A number of our active donors are recipients of the Rh Incompatibility Program.

We would like to make you aware of the benefits of this program, as well as the risks. The risks involved are minimal, amounting to the same as could be expected for anyone receiving blood or blood products from another person. In consulting with candidates for the Rh Incompatibility Program, we have found that the major objection was the receipt of red blood cells. This is an understandable concern - no matter how minute the amount. All of our immunization donors are normal, health 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. The fact that we have never encountered any post-injection problems in any recipient makes us very comfortable in using this procedure.

As a Rho D Immune Globulin donor, you will actively participate in the production of this vaccine. Having probably received the vaccine yourself, you can understand its importance to women who are having their families now. Once you are a member of the 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.

The irony - for many of these infants - is that, because the vaccine works so wonderfully well, it has virtually eliminated its own natural source. Through programs like this, we ask the women who have already benefited from the vaccine to help produce it for those who desperately need it now - and in the future.

Please give this lifesaving program your most serious consideration. It would be our pleasure to further review it with you.
Hepatitis B Antibody Program
How your vaccination against Hepatitis B can produce a life-saving medicine.
If you have had the three-shot series for Hepatitis B, you can play a special role in helping individuals who have come in contact with 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 and to treat individuals undergoing liver transplants infected with the hepatitis B virus.

In order to see if you qualify, we ask that you come by our center and have a blood sample drawn (call for office hours). At that time we will draw a sample and send it off for testing of your HBs titer which is the level of antibodies in your system. The more time that has passed since your last Hepatitis B vaccination, the more likely it is that your titers will have decreased. We look for individuals with high Hepatitis B titers. If your levels are low, you may receive a booster shot. If your titer is high enough then you can begin donating.

As an 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-HBs Program is a plasma program, and you can safely donate plasma twice a week. Each donation takes about 45 minutes.

The Hepatitis B Vaccine is not available in all parts of the world and has only recently become a required vaccine for school age children in the United States; Hepatitis B Immune Globulin continues to play a major role in the prevention of Hepatitis B.

Please give this lifesaving program your most serious consideration. It would be our pleasure to further review it with you.
Red Cell Antibody Program
Ensuring a safe blood supply
Have you ever been told that you had developed an antibody during pregnancy or the result of a blood transfusion? The antibodies developed during these instances are used to produce blood typing reagents to ensure safe blood transfusion and organ transplants.
In order to see if you qualify, we ask that you come by our center and have a blood sample drawn (call for office hours). At that time we will draw a sample and evaluate your antibody.

As a Red Cell Antibody donor, you will actively participate in the production of these blood typing reagents. Once you are a member of the program, 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. Each donation takes about 45 minutes.

These Red Cell Antibodies are incredibly rare and each one is different and unique. Please contact us for more information about this program.