Blood Donation Serum Program

YOUR VOLUNTEER DONATION CAN HELP UNLOCK THE CURE

In cancer treatment, both pathways are used successfully. Bloodworks SERUM has developed a growing number of engineered antibodies that target WHITE BLOOD CELLS CANCER TREATMENT characteristic tumor proteins. The The process of treating cancer has engineered antibodies attack certain RED BLOOD CELLS become more innovative and less proteins, but are not as effective at toxic in recent years. Surgery is still destroying cells. If you can engineer the first choice for removing small the patient’s own cells to become the solid tumors that have not spread, attack cells, there are many fewer Why is Serum but when cancer occurs in the blood complications or problems with or lymphatic system, the disease treatment. so important? cells can quickly travel all over the body. Since those systems are also WHAT IS SERUM? the source of the body’s immune MODERN INNOVATIONS Serum is a blood component without cells (T-cells), the circulatory system Some of the major local research red blood cells, white blood cells or a is the perfect delivery mechanism for teams are leaders in innovating clotting factor. treatment, utilizing the body’s own the complex mechanisms needed built-in immunity to seek, attack, and to develop this process. It involves ARE SERUM AND PLASMA THE SAME? destroy tumor cells. Serum is the liquid that remains after collecting cells from a patient, the blood has clotted, and plasma is using a process to separate the the liquid that remains with the addition OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM cells needed, and inserting nuclear of an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. material that primes the immune Our immune system’s T-cells utilize cells to attack a specific target— two defense mechanisms. First, they HOW IS SERUM PRODUCED? lymphoma cells, for example. Then, recognize proteins in our bodies that the cells are grown in culture so The whole blood is allowed to clot for don’t belong there and then pick up there will be an ample dose of the 30 minutes, then it will go through a samples of those compounds and cells to effectively target the cancer centrifuge process so the separated present them to other immune cells or infection that the research team is serum can be collected. in the body. They either instruct to using. Human serum is one of the key attack specific tumors to B-cells WHAT IS IT USED FOR? nutrients needed for culture. that form antibodies to recognize Serum is one of the nutrients essential the foreign material, or they present for growth of immunotherapy cells. the material to other T-cells to form attack cells. WHY DO WE NEED SERUM DONATIONS? There is no artificial substitute, so that’s why we need donors like you! Serum is one of the key nutrients essential for the growth of immunotherapy cells.

Tips for Donating Serum

BEFORE YOUR DONATION:

Drink extra fluids.

Clear-liquids only for 12 hours before your appointment.

Get a good night’s rest.

Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up OUR MISSION past the elbow. Saving lives through research, innovation, education and excellence in blood, medical and laboratory services in partnership with our community. AFTER YOUR DONATION:

Relax for a few minutes in our canteen and enjoy CONTACT the refreshments. Phone (206) 568-3637 Email [email protected] Avoid strenuous activity such as lifting, pushing, Website bloodworksnw.org/serum or picking up heavy objects for 12 hours after giving blood.

DONATION LOCATIONS: By appointment only Have iron-rich foods, such as red meat, fish, leafy Seattle, First Hill Bellevue greens, beans. 921 Terry Ave 1807 132nd Ave NE If you donate more than twice a year, consider Seattle, WA 98104 Bellevue, WA 98005 taking iron supplements (free supplements available—just ask!)

You may donate for the serum project as often as every other month.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT! Bettering our community, drop by drop. bloodworksnw.org/research

20151321 #25052899.0 IRB Approved at the Protocol Level July 22, 2019