Donating blood is safe.
All materials used for your blood donation are new, sterile, and will
only be used once before being safely disposed. Most people feel
absolutely fine after they have donated. Eat regular meals before your
donation, and drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours afterwards to help
prevent any unexpected side effects.
Donating blood is simple.
You will be asked for some basic information such as your name, address,
age, and driver's license number. A confidential medical history is
taken, and a finger stick is done to analyze a drop of your blood for
hemoglobin content. Your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature will
also be checked. A specially trained technician known as a phlebotomist
will help you with the donation. The actual donation takes approximately
seven to ten minutes to complete.
One donation has the ability to save three lives.
You will give one unit of blood, which is about one pint. After
donating, there will be time for you to rest and enjoy some
complimentary refreshments. Please consider donating the GIFT of LIFE!
Basic Requirements:
Age:
16 through 75 (16 year olds must have parental/guardian consent)
Note: Donors who reach age 75 and have been previously a regular donor can continue to donate provided that
they meet all donor criteria. Donors
over 75 years of age who pass all donor criteria may donate provided
that they have donated within the past 5 years or have written medical
clearance from their physician.
Weight:
Minimum weight is 120 pounds.
Blood Pressure:
Must be within normal range. Persons on blood pressure medication are acceptable only if medication is taken for hypertension without beta-blockers for heart disease.
Interval Between Donations:
-
Whole Blood: 56 days
-
Platelets: 2 weeks
-
ALYX: Double Red Blood Cells 112 days or RBC/Plasma 56 days
Medications:
Deferral for most drugs is based on the underlying conditions. Examples
of some acceptable medications are blood pressure medication, oral
contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and vitamins.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis:
For those with Hereditary Hemochromatosis, please click here for your requirements.
