Blood bank

The only source of blood is the human being. To this day, no medication or artificial substitute exists that can replace blood. This is why blood donation is not simply a choice, but a life-saving necessity.

The need for blood is constant. You should not wait for an emergency or a special call. For those struggling to survive, hope often rests on your decision to become a donor.

Who Can Be a Donor?

• Age: 18 years and older
• Minimum body weight: 62 kg (men), 52 kg (women)
• Pulse: 60–90 beats/minute
• Hemoglobin level:
• Women: 125–180 g/L
• Men: 135–188 g/L
• Blood pressure:
• Diastolic: 60–100 mmHg
• Systolic: 90–160 mmHg

Important to Know

Blood donation has absolute and temporary contraindications. These must be observed to protect both the donor’s health and the recipient's safety.

Absolute contraindications include:

• Infectious diseases: HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (any confirmed laboratory-positive result), syphilis (congenital or acquired), tuberculosis, brucellosis, typhus, tularemia, anthrax, echinococcosis, etc.
• Somatic diseases: malignant tumors, blood disorders, central nervous system disorders, mental illnesses, congenital deafness/muteness, alcoholism, and drug addiction.
• Cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, congenital and acquired heart defects, endocarditis, myocarditis.
• Respiratory diseases: emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, obstructive bronchitis, bronchiectasis.
• Liver and gallbladder diseases: chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, gallstones with cholecystitis, and cholangitis.
• Kidney and urinary tract diseases: tubulointerstitial diseases, renal failure.
• Systemic connective tissue diseases.
• Radiation sickness.
• Endocrine disorders with severe metabolic disturbances.
• Eye diseases: vision impairment (±6 diopters or more), residual inflammatory conditions (chorioretinitis, iritis, iridocyclitis), trachoma.
• Skin diseases: psoriasis, vitiligo, severe chronic conditions.
• Osteomyelitis.
• Major surgeries resulting in the removal of an organ (stomach, kidney, spleen, uterus with appendages, limb, eye, etc.).

Temporary contraindications include:

•  Blood transfusion, tattoo, or other medical procedures involving skin/mucosal damage, dental nerve extraction – 6 months
• Tooth extraction – 10 days
• Surgical interventions (including abortion) – 6 months
• Urolithiasis, gastric or duodenal ulcers – 2 years after full recovery
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – not earlier than 1 year after delivery and 3 months after lactation ends
• Menstruation – 5 days after completion
• Allergic conditions – 1 month after resolution
• Fever above 37°C or acute respiratory infections – 14 days
• Staying longer than 1 month in endemic regions outside Armenia – 6 months
• Malaria – 5 years after treatment
• Alcohol consumption – 24 hours
• Elevated ALT (up to 2x normal) – 2 months
• Sexual intercourse with a non-regular partner in the past 6 months – 6 months

Vaccinations:

• Live vaccines – 1 month
• Inactivated vaccines – 10 days
• Rabies or Hepatitis B immunoglobulin – 6 months

 Medications:

• Antibiotics – 14 days
• Aspirin – 5 days
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – 3 days

How to Prepare for Blood Donation

•  On the day of donation, avoid fatty, fried, spicy, or smoked foods. A light breakfast, tea, or coffee is recommended.
• Do not consume alcohol within 24 hours before donation.

Donation Process

 Blood donation is available Monday through Friday, from 09:00 am to 12:30 pm (an official ID is required).

 Here’s what to expect during the donation:

1. Quick registration and a brief questionnaire (you can also fill it in online).
2. A brief medical check by our doctor (blood pressure, hemoglobin, and other indicators).
3. The donation process — performed safely and under sterile conditions.
4. Light refreshments afterward to restore your strength.

 By donating blood, you give someone the most valuable gift — the gift of life.

The Blood Components Storage Department, operating as part of the Blood Bank at the “Yeolyan” Hematology and Oncology Center, performs the following functions:

• Acceptance and medical examination of blood donors
• Collection, processing, and storage of blood and its components
• Donor immunization with Rh(D) antigen
• Collection and storage of isoimmune plasma
• Therapeutic plasmapheresis
• Off-site therapeutic plasmapheresis
• Plasma exchange (plasma-exchange procedures)
• Off-site plasma exchange
• Peripheral stem cell collection
• Organization and execution of off-site blood donations

The department is equipped with modern, high-efficiency devices that meet international standards, including:

Trima Accel — a system designed for targeted collection of specific blood components such as platelets, red blood cells, or plasma, in various combinations. It ensures high purity of collected components, enhancing their clinical application quality, and optimizes the duration of procedures, minimizing donor strain.

Spectra Optia — primarily used in the department for the collection of peripheral blood stem cells. It is occasionally applied for plasma exchange, leukodepletion, and granulocytapheresis.
Spectra Optia is a multifunctional system that allows:

• Collection of stem cells and granulocytes
• Depletion (removal) of leukocytes and platelets
• Plasma and red blood cell exchange
• Bone marrow processing

Specialists

• Head of Department — Armen Petrosyan
• Transfusion Physician — Arthur Dabikyan
• Transfusion Physician — Maria Murvalyan
• Physician — Astghik Khachatryan
• Physician — Tatyana Abramyan
• Physician — Nare Seyranyan

Established in 1971, the Department of Blood Components procession initially focused on the production of fibrinogen and isogenic serum derived from human plasma. These products were widely used in healthcare facilities across Armenia and were also exported to other Soviet Union republics. In the following years, the department expanded its capabilities to include the production of 10% albumin solution, anti-staphylococcal plasma, and small quantities of fibrin sheets.

Since 1975, the department has been producing anti-Rh (D) immunoglobulin, a critical product that remains in production to this day. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, most production activities were suspended, except for the production of anti-Rh immunoglobulin, which continued using a laboratory-based rivanol precipitation method.

In 2018, the department introduced the Cohn cold ethanol fractionation method—a classical and globally recognized technique for separating plasma proteins. This multistage technological process is conducted at low temperatures (-3°C to -10°C) and includes additional purification and viral inactivation steps. This allows to product high-quality immunoglobulin that meets international standards.

Core Activities:

• Production of Anti-Rh (D) Immunoglobulin from Human Plasma:
  This preparation is used for both prenatal and postnatal injections to prevent Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative women. The production volume fully meets the national demand in Armenia.
• Prevention of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN):
  The anti-Rh (D) immunoglobulin is crucial in preventing HDFN, a condition where the mother’s immune system attacks the red blood cells of the fetus or newborn due to Rh incompatibility. Administered before and after childbirth, the immunoglobulin can prevent Rh isoimmunization in nearly 100% of cases.

About Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn:

HDFN is a serious condition marked by the abnormal destruction of fetal red blood cells, either before birth (fetal erythroblastosis or hydrops fetalis) or after birth. If left untreated, it can lead to anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and in severe cases, death. The disease results from the production of anti-D antibodies in the Rh-negative mother's body in response to the presence of Rh-positive fetal red blood cells in her circulation.

Our Specialists

• Mikael Ginovyan, PhD – Head of Department
• Gayane Kirakosyan, PhD – Chemical Technologist
• Ruzanna Petrosyan – Pharmaceutical Technologist

The Department of Blood Products Conservation and Distribution has been integral to the Blood Bank since its establishment. It operates 24/7, supplying blood to healthcare facilities throughout the country.

The Blood Bank Department at the "Yeolyan" Hematology and Oncology Center works closely with blood banks in hospitals across the regions and Yerevan, ensuring the prompt delivery of necessary blood products from other departments and regions.

Specialists:

Head of the Department: Armine Stepanyan – Hematologist, Transfusiologist

The Serological Laboratory was established in 1938 and is equipped with state-of-the-art analyzers from leading manufacturers, ensuring the highest quality laboratory testing. The laboratory uses certified biological materials from Abbott and other companies for internal quality control and calibration purposes.

The Serological Laboratory performs blood sample testing not only for patients and blood donors at the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center but also for several other medical centers across Yerevan.

 Highly qualified medical laboratory specialists work at the laboratory.

Currently, the Serological Laboratory performs a wide range of specialized tests, including:

• Immunoassay method for HIV screening tests for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies.
• Detection tests for viral hepatitis B and C (HBs-Ag, HBc-Ag) using protein antigens for diagnosing hepatitis B and C.
• Detection (screening) for brucellosis, toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, regular and genital herpes virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus.
• Detection (screening) for sexually transmitted infections: syphilis, ureaplasma, and mycoplasma.
• Determination of the levels of folic acid, homocysteine, ferritin, and vitamin B12.
• Determination of thyroid hormones and cortisol levels.
• Determination of cyclosporine and methotrexate levels. This is important because these drugs have a narrow therapeutic range, and it is necessary to maintain optimal levels to avoid side effects.

Equipment
The laboratory is equipped with the following advanced analyzers:

• ARCHITECT i1000SR
• Cobas e 411
• Cobas e 402

The ARCHITECT i1000SR analyzer uses CMIA (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay) technology, providing high sensitivity and precision in results.

Key features of the ARCHITECT i1000SR:

• High automation minimizes the potential for human error.
• High throughput capacity, processing up to 100 tests per hour.
• Continuous loading of reagents and samples without interrupting the workflow.

The Department of Immunohematology was established in 1939 by T.L. Torgomyan. Since 2008, it has been led by Dr. Nelli Musayelyan, PhD.

Located within the "Yeolyan" Hematology and Oncology Center, the department is equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling a broad range of advanced diagnostic tests. It remains the only department of its kind in Armenia.

The department utilizes state-of-the-art immunohematological diagnostic systems, including the ORTHO VISION Swift and Bio Vue ORTHO WORKSTATION—both automated and semi-automated platforms. These systems enable high-precision, simultaneous testing of various immunohematological parameters.

With the support of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, the center has acquired the Luminex FlexMap 3D analyzer, the first of its kind in the country. Based on laser-driven flow cytometry technology, this system provides fast, cost-effective, and multiplexed bioanalysis. It can simultaneously measure up to 500 genes or proteins from a single small-volume sample, paving the way for the introduction of new diagnostic capabilities and reinforcing the department’s unique position in Armenia.

Exclusive Services

The following tests are exclusively available at the Department of Immunohematology at the "Yeolyan" Hematology and Oncology Center:

• Complex determination of blood group and Rh factor
• Compatibility testing for bone marrow and solid organ transplants based on ABO, Rh-Hr, Kell, and HLA systems
• Extended erythrocyte antigen phenotyping (Kk, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, Lutheran)
• Detection of erythrocyte chimerism during transfusions and transplantations
• Identification of anti-erythrocyte alloantibodies (against 11 antigens)
• Investigation of post-transfusion reactions based on ABO, Rh-Hr, Kell, and HLA systems
• Compatibility assessment for couples based on ABO, Rh-Hr, Kell, and HLA systems
• Diagnosis of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) using ABO, Rh-Hr, and Kell systems, with selection of appropriate blood components for exchange transfusion
• Detection of immune ABO antibodies in breast milk
• Titration of autoimmune cold and warm antibodies

In addition to diagnostics, the department is actively engaged in scientific research, clinical practice, and production activities.

Our Team

• Dr. Nelli Musayelyan, PhD – Head of Department
• Dr. Meri Abovyan – Laboratory Physician
• Dr. Karine Vardanyan – Laboratory Physician
• Dr. Haykuhi Nikoghosyan – Laboratory Physician
• Dr. Kristine Davtyan – Laboratory Physician
• Lyudmila Avetisyan – Laboratory Assistant
• Anush Sahakyan - Laboratory Assistant

The Department of Molecular Biology comprises the following specialized laboratories:

• Immunophenotyping Laboratory
• Cytogenetics Laboratory
• Molecular Genetics Laboratory

Diagnostic Services Offered

• Diagnosis of various hematologic malignancies (acute leukemias, B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, multiple myeloma) through immunophenotyping (flow cytometry).
  This test is available exclusively at our center.
• Monitoring treatment response in B- and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia through minimal residual disease (MRD) detection via flow cytometry.
  This test is available exclusively at our center.
• Quantitative PCR monitoring of BCR-ABL transcripts (p190 and p210).
  This test is available exclusively at our center.
• Enumeration of CD34+ (stem) cells via flow cytometry.
• Evaluation of cellular immunity by identifying major T, B, and NK lymphocyte subpopulations using flow cytometry.
• Cytogenetic testing (FISH) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
• Detection of NPM1, FLT3-ITD, and JAK2 V617F mutations by PCR.
  NPM1 and FLT3-ITD mutation testing is available exclusively at our center.
• PCR detection of HBV, HCV, and HIV-1/2 viruses.
• Quantitative PCR testing for CMV (cytomegalovirus).
• Quantitative PCR testing for human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6).
• Quantitative PCR testing for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV).
• PCR detection of Parvovirus B19.
• Urine and serum protein electrophoresis.
  Available exclusively at our center.
• Immunofixation of urine and serum proteins.
  Available exclusively at our center.
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis.
  Available exclusively at our center.

•         Screening of donor blood for HBV, HCV, and HIV using a fully automated system.
  Available exclusively at our center.

Laboratory Equipment

Immunophenotyping Laboratory

• Navios EX Flow Cytometer and Attune NxT Acoustic Focusing Flow Cytometer – for immunophenotyping and cell marker analysis.

Cytogenetics Laboratory

• AmScope Fluorescence Microscope – essential for cytogenetic studies.

Molecular Genetics Laboratory

• Hydrasis 2 SCAN (Sebia) – for gel electrophoresis of urine and serum proteins, immunofixation, and hemoglobin electrophoresis.
• Bio-Rad CFX96 Touch Thermal Cycler – used for viral detection and mutation analysis.
• Procleix Panther System – a fully automated system for the detection of viral nucleic acids in donor blood.
• GeneXpert (Cepheid) – used for a wide range of molecular genetic analyses.
• Illumina MiniSeq – next-generation sequencing platform (currently not yet in active use).

Our Specialists

Gohar Tadevosyan – Head of Department
Knarik Karapetyan – Clinical Laboratory Doctor
Lilit Matinyan – Clinical Laboratory Doctor
Tatev Karapetyan – Clinical Laboratory Doctor
Mariam Saghatelyan – Laboratory Assistant

On July 14, 2023, by decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the Gyumri Blood Transfusion Station was officially merged with the “Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center” CJSC, becoming one of the Center’s five regional branches.

The Blood Service in Gyumri was first established back in 1937, based on City Hospital No. 1. Over the decades, it has gone through different stages of development, from a blood collection point to a Blood Transfusion Station.

After joining the “Yeolyan” Hematology and Oncology Center, the branch was equipped with modern devices, including:

• Hettich EBA 200 laboratory centrifuge,
• Ortho TM Workstation laboratory thermostat-centrifuge,
• Hemo Control analyzer for hemoglobin testing,
• Sysmex XQ-320 hematology analyzer.

Today, the Gyumri Branch operates in line with established standards, remaining faithful to the Center’s mission – to ensure safe, high-quality, and accessible blood supply throughout Armenia. Each year, the branch carries out more than 800 blood donations, providing blood components to Shirak Province and, when necessary, to hospitals in other regions as well.

Specialists:

Naira Meliksetyan – Head of the Gyumri Branch

Armenuhi Chakhalyan – Physician

Bela Khachatryan – Physician, Iso-serologis

Contacts

Address: Mazmanyan Street, Gyumri (2nd floor, Polyclinic No. 2 building)

Phone: +374 312 5 93 15

Working days: Monday to Friday

Hours: 09:00 – 17:30

On July 14, 2023, by decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the Goris Blood Transfusion Station was officially merged with the “Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center” CJSC, becoming one of the Center’s five regional branches.

The Blood Transfusion Station in Goris was established in 1968 through the initiative of Kamer Antonyan, in honor of Ruben Yeolyan, the founder of hematology in Armenia, in his hometown of Goris. Initially, it operated as a branch of the R.H. Yeolyan Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, later undergoing several name changes over the years.

Since December 2024, Goris Branch of the “Yeolyan” Hematology and Oncology Center has been operating in a newly renovated building at 33 Arzumanyan Street, Goris. The branch is fully furnished, equipped with modern medical devices, and powered by a solar station.

Currently, the branch supports the medical centers of Syunik Province along with the military hospital. Its activity is steadily increasing, reaching around 400 donations in the past year. Voluntary blood donation is actively promoted in the region through initiatives such as mobile blood collection campaigns.

Specialists:

Artur Arakelyan – Head of the Goris Branch

Gohar Davtyan – Physician

Jasmen Hayrapetyan – Laboratory Physician

Contacts

Address: 33 Arzumanyan St., Goris

Phones: +374 93 780116, +374 91 780116

Working days: Monday–Friday

Hours: 09:00–17:30

On July 14, 2023, by decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the “Lori Regional Blood Transfusion Station” CJSC was officially merged with the “Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center” CJSC, becoming one of the Center’s five regional branches.

The Blood Service in Lori Province was first introduced in the 1950s as a transfusion department within the L. Areshyan Hospital. In 1960, it became an independent institution under the name “Kirovakan Blood Transfusion Station.”

Over the years, the station received multiple state awards:

In 1977, the Government’s Red Banner of Honor,

In 1982, 1984, and 1986 -  state awards.

Since 1984, in collaboration with the Moscow Institute of Blood Transfusion and under the leadership of Dr. G. Sargsyan, the station was the first in Armenia to introduce the method of therapeutic plasmapheresis.

 After becoming part of the “Yeolyan” Center, the Vanadzor Branch has been equipped with modern medical devices, including:

High-sensitivity ORTHO™ Workstation,

DL6MB centrifuge,

Hemoglobin analyzer,

Automated immunohematology system,

Plasma collection device (Automatic cytoplasmapheresis apparatus, TU 26.03.13-008-18833344-221).

These upgrades have significantly improved the quality and accessibility of services. Today, the Vanadzor Blood Station carries out more than 1,200 blood donations annually, supplying blood components to medical centers of Lori and Tavush Provinces.

Specialists:

Liana Muradyan – Head of the Vanadzor Branch

Gohar Danielyan – Physician

 Susanna Aghabekyan – Physician-Serologist

Anahit Danielyan – Physician-Iso-serologist

 Contacts

Address: 2/42 Garegin Nzhdeh St., Vanadzor

Phones: +374 32 24 30 53, +374 98 32 26 09

Working days: Monday–Friday

Hours: 09:00–17:30

On July 14, 2023, by decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the Hrazdan Blood Transfusion Station was officially merged with the “Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center” CJSC, becoming one of the Center’s five regional branches.

The Blood Service in Hrazdan was established in the early 1960s as a structural subdivision of the Hrazdan District Hospital. In 1997, it separated from the hospital, first as the “Hrazdan Regional Blood Bank” State Enterprise, and a year later, as the “Hrazdan Regional Blood Bank” CJSC, a commercial organization.

After joining the “Yeolyan” Hematology and Oncology Center, the branch was equipped with the highly sensitive ORTHO™ Workstation system for immunohematological testing. This system, using the ORTHO BioVue® microcolumn agglutination method, allows the determination of ABO, Rh (DCcEe), and KELL (K1) blood groups, as well as the detection of anti-erythrocyte antibodies.

The Hrazdan Branch primarily supplies blood components to:

In Kotayk Province: Hrazdan and Charentsavan Medical Centers,

In Gegharkunik Province: Sevan, Gavar, Martuni, Vardenis Medical Centers, and Chambarak Health Center.

 Each year, the branch provides around 400–450 blood components.

Specialists:

 Tadevos Seyranyan – Head of the Hrazdan Branch

Nune Sedrakyan –Laboratory Physician

Contacts 

Address: 29 Mikaelyan St., Hrazdan

Phone: +374 93 53 54 57

Working days: Monday–Friday

Hours: 09:00–17:30

On July 14, 2023, by decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the Armavir Blood Transfusion Station was merged with the “Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center” CJSC, becoming one of the Center’s five regional branches.

The station was established in 1980 and has functioned as an independent entity since 1997. Today, it works at full capacity, providing 600–700 blood components annually. Its supplies cover not only the medical centers of the region, including the hospitals of Armavir, Baghramyan, Metsamor, and Vagharshapat, but also extend to the Talin Emergency Medical Clinic.

After joining the “Yeolyan” Hematology and Oncology Center, the branch was equipped with the highly sensitive ORTHO™ Workstation system for immunohematological testing. Using the ORTHO BioVue® microcolumn agglutination method, this system enables the determination of blood groups according to ABO, Rh (DCcEe), and KELL (K1) systems, as well as the detection of anti-erythrocyte antibodies.

 Integration with the “Yeolyan” Center has created new opportunities for professional development and for improving regional services.

 Specialists:

Eduard Darbinyan – Head of the Armavir Branch

Ovsanna Khachatryan– Laboratory  Physician 

Marina Sahakyan – Laboratory  Physician

Contacts 

Address: 3 Shahumyan St., Armavir

Phone: +374 237 2 06 72

Working days: Monday–Friday

Hours: 09:00–17:30