Q: Should I fast before my donation?

No, in fact we suggest eating and being well hydrated before you come in.

Question 1

What is a CGT Clinic?

Accepted Answer

It’s part of CGT Global, a life-sciences company that accelerates the prevention and cure of diabetes, heart disease and many other diseases by supporting the global biomedical research community.

All around the world, researchers trying to find cures and treatments for life’s significant medical conditions were looking for a reliable and timely source of human-derived samples and blood. CGT Global opened its first CGT Clinic location in 2013 to help meet that need and shorten the time it takes to find new treatments and cures to reach patients.

Question 2

What does a CGT Clinic do?

Accepted Answer

Our CGT Clinics welcomes community members willing to make a difference by becoming a blood or bone marrow donor. Our trained staff will educate you on the various types of donations, and will walk you through your entire donation.

Question 3

What happens to the samples of blood and bone marrow you collect?

Accepted Answer

In our own state-of-the-art facility, CGT Global performs extensive lab work to test and purify the donated samples so that researchers can use them. Sometimes this requires isolating cells, which is a complex process.

When CGT Clinics has been able to successfully prepare the samples, we ship them to scientists and researchers around the world relying on the cells of the human blood system to find new ways to treat and cure disease.

Donations are used for research purposes only.

Question 4

Who can donate?

Accepted Answer

All donors must be free of infectious diseases. We’ll take a small blood draw at your initial visit and test it and confirm.

Additional Donation Specific Requirements Include:

Blood Donors

Over 18 years of age

Bone Marrow Donors

Over 18 and under 55 years of age
Free of lower back or hip pain
Body mass index of 32 or lower (determined when we measure your height and weight at your first visit)

Apheresis Donors

We will check your veins at the health screening and let you know if you are eligible for Apheresis donations.

Question 5

Will you protect my identity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide researchers with donor identification numbers in place of names to keep our donors anonymous. We are dedicated to maintaining confidentiality.

Question 6

Will I be compensated?

Accepted Answer

Donors who complete a preliminary health screening receive a $25 reloadable credit card.

Qualified donors who return to a CGT Clinic to donate blood or bone marrow can get a gift card ranging from $25 to $1,000 depending on the size and type of the donation. Compensation is received upon completion of every appointment.

When you receive your gift card, you accept responsibility for that credit card.

CGT Clinics are not responsible for lost, stolen, or expired gift cards.

Question 7

What are acceptable forms of ID?

Accepted Answer

The specific details of our acceptable forms of identification are as follows:

Primary form of ID

You will need a valid version of one of the following forms of ID:

Driver’s license with a photo
Immigration and Naturalization Service card (green card)
State ID
Employee ID with a photo
Passport
Student ID with a photo
Military ID

NOTE: Any invalid (ie: expired) version of a Primary ID is considered a Secondary ID

Secondary form of ID

When a primary form of ID is not available, you will need two secondary forms of ID with your first and last name present.

Any invalid (ie: expired) version of a Primary ID
Student ID without a photo
Driver’s license without a photo
Credit card or bank card
Employee ID without a photo
Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
Personal checkbook with name and address
Social Security card
Voter registration card
Payroll stub
Vehicle registration
Fishing or hunting license
Grocery store frequent shopper card or VIP card
Club or museum membership card
Library card
Professional license (ie: RN, LPN or MT)
Selective Service card
Insurance card

Question 8

Should I fast before my donation?

Accepted Answer

No, in fact we suggest eating and being well hydrated before you come in.

Question 9

Will I need to provide a urine sample?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. If so, a staff member will tell you when you schedule your appointment.

Question 10

I have gotten a tattoo or piercing in the last twelve months, can I still donate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because our donations are for research purposes only, our restrictions differ from some other donation centers.

Question 11

I take medications, can I still donate?

Accepted Answer

While some medications may rule you out, there are many medications that will not. When you come in for your screening, please provide a complete list of all medications you are currently taking, including vitamins and as-needed medications such as inhalers. If you have questions about your eligibility to donate due to a medical condition, please contact your physician or call us.

Question 12

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

There can be some discomfort during and after the bone marrow procedure. The level of pain donors experience varies widely from donor to donor. Soreness should lessen each day and go away entirely in one to two weeks.

Question 13

Can I bring someone with me?

Accepted Answer

You can bring someone to the appointment, but they will have to wait in the waiting room during your bone marrow procedure.

Question 14

When can I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Before scheduling you for this procedure, we will have to screen you by scheduling at least one regular white blood cell donation appointment in order to see how you donate and if this procedure would be a good fit.

Question 15

Are there side effects to the G-CSF injections?

Accepted Answer

There is a potential for side effects with the G-CSF injections, the most common of which are achiness in your bones and flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, fatigue, and nausea. A complete list of potential side-effects is provided in your informed consent notice.

Question 16

Why does it take so long to donate white blood cells?

Accepted Answer

During the apheresis procedure, your total blood volume (TBV) is being processed twice.

Question 17

What is the difference between white blood cells and plasma?

Accepted Answer

Plasma and white blood cells are different components of your blood. It takes longer to donate white blood cells than it does to donate plasma because plasma is more plentiful in your blood.

Question 18

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

During the procedure, you may experience some tingling or numbness in your lips due to a loss of calcium from the anticoagulant used in the apheresis procedure. If this occurs, let a staff member know and they can provide you with calcium tablets to make it stop. After the procedure, you should feel no adverse effects.

Question 19

What happens if I have to go to the bathroom during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

CGT recommends using the restroom prior to the start of the donation, however the need to use the bathroom while sitting for 4-5 hours may arise.

Each donor has their own room during the donation process where a urinal can be offered if you need to use the restroom.

If there are any concerns regarding the ability to use the restroom please discuss with our team at the time of booking so we can ensure any questions or concerns are addressed.

Question 20

Can someone come with me while I donate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have someone with you while you donate, provided they are old enough to remain unsupervised. Staff cannot be responsible for children while you are donating.

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ's

The specific details of our acceptable forms of identification are as follows:

Whole Blood Donation

Bone Marrow Donation

White Blood Cell (Apheresis) Donation

Mobilized White Blood Cell Donation

Become A Donor

Company

Contact

Terms & Conditions