What are the criteria for blood donation?

To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health and generally must be at least 17 years of age (although some states permit younger people, with parental consent, to donate). Minimum weight requirements may vary among facilities, but generally, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Most blood banks have no upper age limit. All donors must pass the physical and health history examinations given prior to donation.

Volunteer donors provide nearly all blood used for transfusion in the United States. The donor's body replenishes the fluid lost from donation in 24 hours. It may take up to two months to replace the lost red blood cells. Whole blood can be donated once every eight weeks (56 days). Two units of red blood cells can be donated at one time, using a process known as red cell apheresis. This type of donation can be made every 16 weeks.

How often can I donate?

Whole Blood donors may donate every 8 weeks. There are different waiting times for other types of donation:
Double Red Blood Cells-every 16 weeks
Platelets-every 2 weeks
Plasma-every 4 weeks

Is it safe to give blood?

Yes! The needle and bags used to collect the blood are used only once, then discarded. You cannot get HIV or other infectious diseases from donating blood.

May I eat before I donate?

Yes. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal within 4 hours before donating. It is also important to have a good night's sleep before donating.

What should I bring with me when I come to donate?

You must show a photo ID, such as a Driver's License. In addition, it is helpful if you bring a list of medications you are taking.

How long does it take to donate?

It takes about an hour to go through the steps to donate Whole Blood and a little longer for other donation types:

Registration: Give us your name, date of birth, address and other demographic information.
Medical Screening: Answer confidential medical history questions and have a finger stick to get an hemoglobin check from a drop of blood. Also have a blood pressure, temperature and pulse check.
Blood Donation: Donate a unit of blood through a needle in your arm in about 10 minutes. This step may be longer for different donation types.
Snacks: Stay 15 min. and enjoy refreshments.

Does it hurt?

There is a little sting when the needle is inserted, but you should be comfortable during the donation.

How will I feel after I donate?

Most people feel fine after donation. You will enjoy refreshments after you donate and we will instruct you to drink plenty of fluids for the next 24 hours.

Can I exercise right after donating?

Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about 24 hours after donation. Most donors can resume normal activity after that time.

Is my blood tested before it is used?

Every time you donate, blood samples are taken for testing. These tests include your blood type and testing for viruses such as Hepatitis and HIV. If your blood tests show that your blood may make someone sick, it will not be used and you are notified.

Why do I have to answer the same medical history questions every time I donate?

To make sure that we are providing the patient with the safest possible blood, the FDA requires that we ask about your medical history every time you donate.

What blood type is the universal donor?

Type O- is the universal donor and can give red blood cells to any other blood type.
Type AB+ is the universal recipient and can receive red blood cells from any other blood type.
Type AB- is the universal plasma donor and can give plasma to any other blood type.

What is the most common blood type?

This is an average distribution of the blood types in the United States. The distribution may be different for specific ethnic groups:
O Rh-positive - 38 percent
O Rh-negative - 7 percent
A Rh-positive - 34 percent
A Rh-negative - 6 percent
B Rh-positive - 9 percent
B Rh-negative - 2 percent
AB Rh-positive - 3 percent
AB Rh-negative - 1 percent

How much blood do I have in my body?

As a rule, women have approximately 10 pints and men have approximately 12 pints of blood.

What do the different blood components do?

Plasma: Fluid portion of blood, contains water, albumin, hormones and clotting factors.
Red Cells: Carry oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues in the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs
White Cells: Protect against disease and infections
Platelets:Small plate-shaped cells that cluster together to help form blood clots when bleeding occurs

Where does my blood go after I donate?

After you donate, your unit of Whole Blood is divided into different components and transfused into patients who need the specific component. Some examples of how your blood is used are:
Auto Accident: 50 units
Heart Surgery: 60 Red Cells, 2 Platelets from Automated Collection
Organ Transplant: 10-40 Red Cells, 5-10 Platelets, 20 Cryoprecipitate, 25 Fresh Frozen Plasma
Bone Marrow Transplant: 20 Red Cells, 25-100 Platelets
Burn - 3rd Degree: 20 Red Blood Cells 20 Platelets

What blood type is needed the most?

All blood types are needed for blood donation. We often have requests for the following:
All donation types - Whole Blood and Platelets
AB donors - Plasma
O, A and B donors - Red Cells