The machine has a large, friendly screen that can be angled toward the donor. Entering donor info is simple, as is deciding what to collect. Based on my previous platelet count, the ABQ office decided to draw two units of platelets and one RBC (just the red, not whole). So even though the new machines are much faster -- the first unit of platelets took only 50 minutes -- I still ended up spending a long time, and wasn't able to make the 10:15 Vinyasa class at Body.
The procedure itself was much better than the old Haemonetics. The cycle is 2 minutes draw, 30 seconds return, compared to 10/5 (or thereabouts) on the old machines. There's also no increased pressure on the cuff, and no need to stop squeezing. And no need to count cycles: the Trima's display shows the time left, as well as quantity of platelets/plasma/RBC collected. (Yes, I can look at the bags, but I don't have a feel for how full they need to be). Rocio's only complaint? "I don't have enough to do."
The new machines are on tour this month, on a trial basis for the mobile units. I hope they work out well: I really liked my experience today, and three units for the cost (time) of one certainly seems worthwhile.
Afterward, I was consoled by a Grande Handheld breakfast burrito -- chorizo green -- at Over Easy Cafe right next to UBS. This place really knows how to make a good burrito: crisp cubed browns, not soggy shredded potatoes. Tasty eggs, tender and fluffy and voluminous. Excellent chorizo. The chile was weak today, but we all have our off days (the chile last month was perfect). Second Breakfast at Over Easy has become something to look forward to on the first Saturday of each month.