Published on June 17, 2024

Donating Blood

Have you seen ads for donating blood, but never gotten around to learning more?  Or maybe you donated before, but it’s been awhile and you’re thinking about doing it again. Now is a fantastic time to donate blood because there is a huge need for blood donors.

  • Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. 
  • Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. 
  • Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6,500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. 
  • The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
  • One donation can help save up to 3 lives.
  • Many individuals diagnosed with cancer will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

Here is a little information about donating blood from the American Red Cross.

How does the blood donation process work?

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. The steps in the process are:

Registration

  1. You will complete donor registration, which includes information such as your name, address, phone number, and donor identification number (if you have one).
  2. You will be asked to show a donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID.

Health History and Mini Physical

  1. You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have traveled.
  2. You will have your temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked.

Donation

  1. We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand–new, sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.
  2. You will have some time to relax while the bag is filling. (For a whole blood donation, it is about 8-10 minutes. If you are donating platelets, red cells or plasma by apheresis, the collection can take up to 2 hours.)
  3. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm. 

Refreshments

  1. You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume.
  2. After 10-15 minutes you can then leave the donation site and continue with your normal daily activities.
  3. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped to save lives.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it hurt when you insert the needle?

Only for a moment. Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm. That pinch is similar to what you will feel when the needle is inserted.

How long does a blood donation take?

The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors including the donor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive.

 

Why does the Red Cross ask so many personal questions when I give blood?

The highest priorities of the Red Cross are the safety of the blood supply and our blood donors. Some individuals may be at risk of transferring communicable disease through blood donation due to exposure via travel or other activities or may encounter problems with blood donation due to their health. We ask these questions to ensure that it is safe for patients to receive your blood and to ensure that it is safe for you to donate blood that day.

 

How often can I donate blood?

You must wait at least eight weeks (56 days) between donations of whole blood and 16 weeks (112 days) between Power Red donations. Whole blood donors can donate up to 6 times a year. Platelet apheresis donors may give every 7 days up to 24 times per year. Regulations are different for those giving blood for themselves (autologous donors).

Who can donate blood?

In most states, donors must be age 17 or older. Some states allow donation by 16-year-olds with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional eligibility criteria apply.

 

If you would like to find a blood drive near you, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter your zip code.