this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2026
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[–] Andonyx@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Ah gotcha! thanks, I didn't realize there was a "return" stream.

[–] RustySharp@programming.dev 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

There's only one needle. So the machine works in multiple suck-return cycles (separation happens simultaneously during return). Roughly every 5-10 minutes. The final return will include a bag of saline to replace the plasma they took.

Which is why one or two warnings are not usually a major concern, as long as the following cycles are okay. But usually after 3 (in my personal experience), they just say, "not your day, come back in two weeks hey?"

[–] Andonyx@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

That's interesting. is a one-needle cycle better than say a two needle loop for safety or efficiency?

[–] RustySharp@programming.dev 3 points 1 day ago

From the receiving end of the needle, having two streams would likely double the chance of errors happening. Even the best phlebotomist has a bad day. Also, veins often move when you try to stab them.

Not to mention any blood-related equipment are single-use. So the needle, tubes, containers, they all go to a special bin (I hope to be recycled). Doubling up would unnecessarily increase the cost/effort.

I would highly recommend going to your nearest centre and learn by donating yourself! 😀