The Ultimate Blood Donation Guide

Donating Blood Saves LivesEvery two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. However, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. Are you eligible? If you don't know, or if you've never given it much thought, read on to learn more about blood donation. All of your questions will be answered, including: Why is it so important? What are the requirements? Is it safe? And where do you do it?

 

Quick Facts - Why is Blood Donation Important? - Tips for Donating Blood - The Blood Donation Process - Blood Donation Restrictions & Eligibility Requirements - Red Cross Blood Donation Centers by Region

Quick Facts  

  • The first blood donor system was established in London in 1922. (PBS)
  • In 1937, the term “blood bank” was coined. (PBS)  
  • The American Red Cross blood program was formed in 1940, and it began collecting blood from civilians a year later to aid the war effort. (PBS)  
  • The American Association of Blood Banks was founded in 1947 to help standardize the collection of blood. (America's Blood Centers)  
  • In 1985, blood collection organizations began screening blood for HIV. (Avert)
  • More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. (American Red Cross)  
  • The average red blood cell transfusion is three pints. (American Red Cross)  
  • About 45 percent of people in the U.S. have type O (+/-) blood. (American Red Cross)  
  • Individuals with O- type blood are universal donors. (American Red Cross)  
  • People with AB+ type blood are universal donors for plasma. (American Red Cross)
  • The Bible mentions blood more than 400 times. (New York Times)
  • Shakespeare mentions blood almost 700 times in his works. (New York Times)

Back to Top  

Why is Blood Donation Important?

In this New York Times article, the author discusses the importance of blood to the human body. By understanding what blood does for us, it's easy to see how donating it can save lives.

This is the incredible story of Brian Boyles, whose car was struck by a dump truck in 1994. The accident left him severely injured, but thanks to many surgeries and blood from the American Red Cross, he was able to recover and compete in the Iron Man Competition.

Dr. Kristie Leong discusses how it has been proven that donating blood helps not only recipients, but also the donors. For instance, did you know that by donating blood you can remove excess iron from your body?

Marilee Scott, a cancer survivor who received numerous blood transfusions during the course of her treatments, uses her second lease on life to advocate for blood donation.

This article from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration outlines eligibility requirements for donors and discusses how donated blood is screened/used.

Back to Top  

Tips for Donating Blood

In order to make your blood donation experience a positive one, the American Red Cross suggests you do the following before, during, and after you give blood:

Before

  • Avoid eating meals high in iron (e.g. red meat, fish, poultry, and spinach).
  • Do not consume any caffeine.
  • Eat a healthy meal.
  • Drink an extra 16 ounces of water.
  • If you're a platelet donor, do not take any aspirin for two days prior to donation.
  • Wear a shirt that allows easy access to your arms.
  • Bring two forms of identification to the donation site.

During

  • Let the staff know which arm you prefer to use for donation.
  • Relax!

After

  • Partake of the drinks and snacks provided at the donation site.
  • For the next 24 to 48 hours drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid any strenuous exercise for at least five hours.
  • Lie down if you feel light headed or dizzy.
  • If you begin to bleed from the withdrawal site, apply pressure and raise your arm above your heart for three to five minutes.
  • If bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours.
  • If your arm is sore, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen. Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin, etc.).

Back to Top

The Blood Donation Process

The American Red Cross breaks down the blood donation process into four parts:

Registration

  • You will fill out a form that includes your basic health information.
  • You must show two forms of identification.

Health History and Mini Physical

  • A staff member will go over your health history in a brief interview.
  • A staff member will take your blood pressure, pulse, iron level, and temperature. A small sample of blood is also taken from a finger prick to check your hemoglobin level.

Donation

  • A staff member will seat you in a reclining chair, place a blood pressure cuff or tourniquet around your upper arm, and clean the injection area on your inner arm.
  • A new, sterile needle will be inserted into a vein on your arm.
  • Blood will be drained from your vein for seven to 10 minutes.
  • After one pint of blood has been taken the needle will be removed, the area cleaned, and your arm bandaged.

Refreshments

  • Snacks and beverages will be provided as you relax for a few minutes in order to adjust to the difference in your blood level.

Back to Top

Blood Donation Restrictions & Eligibility Requirements

According to the American Red Cross and the Mayo Clinic, donors must:

  • Be at least 17 years old in most states
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds
  • Be deemed healthy by the staff
  • Wait an allotted amount of time before donating again
    • 56 days for blood donors
    • 7 days (or up to 24 times a year) for platelet donors
    • 28 days (or 13 times a year) for plasma donors
    • 112 days (or three times a year) for double red cell donors
  • The following high-risk groups are usually not eligible to donate blood:
    • Anyone who has ever used injection drugs not prescribed by a physician
    • Men who have had sexual contact with other men since 1977
    • Anyone who has ever received clotting factor concentrates
    • Anyone with a positive test for HIV
    • Men and women who have engaged in sex for money or drugs since 1977
    • Anyone who has had hepatitis since his or her eleventh birthday
    • Anyone who has had babesiosis or Chagas disease
    • Anyone who has taken etretinate (Tegison) for psoriasis
    • Anyone who has risk factors for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) or who has blood relative with CJD
    • Anyone who has risk factors for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD)
    • Anyone who spent three months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996
    • Anyone who has spent five years in Europe from 1980 to the present
    • Anyone who has received a blood transfusion in the past 12 months
    • Anyone who has received a blood transfusion since 1980 in the UK
    • Anyone who has received a blood transfusion since 1977 in certain Arfrican countries

Back to Top

Red Cross Blood Donation Centers by Region  

Back to Top

Find a School