what do i need to donate blood

General Guidelines for Blood Donation

• Be in good general health and feeling well.
• Be at least 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states).
• Weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.
• Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.

Full Answer

What should we know before we donate blood?

To donate blood, you must be in good health, 16 years of age (16-year-olds need a completed and signed Parental Consent Form) or older, and weigh a minimum of 110 lbs.

What should we do before donating blood?

Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers, fries or ice cream. Wear a shirt with sleeves that you can roll up above your elbows. Let us know if you have a preferred arm or particular vein that has been used successfully in the past to draw blood. Relax, listen to music, talk to other donors or read while you donate.

What guidelines do I need to know before donating blood?

What to know before you donate blood?

What does blood donation require?

Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant. But only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.May 19, 2021

What disqualifies a person to donate blood?

Blood and bleeding diseases or issues will often disqualify you from donating blood. If you suffer from hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, hereditary hemochromatosis, or sickle cell disease, you are not eligible to donate blood. If you have sickle cell trait, it is still acceptable for you to donate blood.Jan 15, 2021

What should you not do before giving blood?

Five Things NOT To Do Before Giving BloodDon't eat immediately before donating. ... Don't give blood if you feel sick. ... Don't worry about drinking coffee, tea or any other caffeinated beverages before donating. ... Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages before donating. ... Don't stay up too late the night before.Dec 7, 2021

Which blood Cannot donate blood?

What are the major blood types?If your blood type is:You can give to:You can receive from:AB PositiveAB+ OnlyAll Blood TypesO NegativeAll Blood TypesO-A NegativeA-, A+, AB-, AB+A-, O-B NegativeB-, B+, AB-, AB+B-, O-4 more rows

Is giving blood good for you?

Regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. “It definitely helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors,” says DeSimone.Jan 24, 2022

Why would a blood donor be rejected?

There are certain conditions that mean you may never be able to follow the dictates of your community conscience. A history of hepatitis, heart disease, cancer and bleeding disorders, convulsions or AIDS or being in an AIDS risk group will disqualify you.Dec 22, 1988

What are side effects of donating blood?

The side effects of donating blood include nausea and dizziness and fainting in some cases. You may develop a raised bump or experience continued bleeding and bruising at the needle site too. Some people might experience pain and physical weakness after donating blood.

Can you drink caffeine before donating blood?

Donors should have a healthy meal and drink fluids within four hours before donating. It is best to avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages before donating.

Should I drink water before giving blood?

Drink water: A good portion of the blood donated is made up of water, so be sure to drink water before and after donating. Most locations advise drinking about 16 ounces of water beforehand. This will help reduce fatigue and dizziness after donating by keeping your body hydrated and replenished.Jan 12, 2021

What are the 3 rarest blood types?

What are the rarest blood types?O positive: 35%O negative: 13%A positive: 30%A negative: 8%B positive: 8%B negative: 2%AB positive: 2%AB negative: 1%

What type of blood is most needed?

Type O positive bloodType O positive blood is given to patients more than any other blood type, which is why it's considered the most needed blood type. 38% of the population has O positive blood, making it the most common blood type.

What is the golden blood type?

Rh null blood groupThe golden blood type or Rh null blood group contains no Rh antigens (proteins) on the red blood cells (RBCs). This is the rarest blood group in the world, with less than 50 individuals having this blood group.

Can I donate blood?

To donate blood, you must be in good health, 16 years of age (16-year-olds need a completed and signed Parental Consent Form) or older, and weigh a...

Does donating blood hurt?

You may feel a slight sting or a very minor pinch when the needle is first inserted. It is no different than the feeling you experience when having...

How much blood is taken during a donation?

A whole blood donation is typically one pint of blood.

How long does the actual blood donation process take?

Whole blood donation takes about 10 – 15 minutes. Automated procedures can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

Is there anything I should do before I donate blood?

Drink plenty of water prior to donating. Eat a light healthy meal. Avoid fatty foods. Donating blood on an empty stomach is not recommended. Eat ir...

What should I bring when I donate blood?

On your blood donation day, wear comfortable clothing, preferably with a short-sleeve shirt. Bring your ID and a list of any medications you are ta...

Can I contract a disease from donating blood?

No. There is no risk of contracting a disease through the donation process. Each collection kit is sterile, pre-packaged and only used once.

Is OneBlood Regulated by the FDA?

OneBlood, and all blood centers in the United States, are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a regulated agency, blood ce...

What test is OneBlood using to test for the COIVD-19 antibody?

OneBlood is using the FDA-authorized Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Vitros® Anti-SARS-CoV2 Total Test.

What is the age requirement to donate blood?

You must be at least 16 years old to donate blood. All 16-years-olds must provide a signed parental/guardian consent form to donate. To view the fo...

Before Your Donation

Select a donation type and find a convenient time that works best for you.

On the Day of Your Donation

To expedite your donation, start your RapidPass® on the day of your appointment.

After Your Donation

Relax for a few minutes in our refreshment & recovery area — have some cookies or other snacks — you’ve earned it!

How to prepare for blood donation?

Hydrate yourself. To prepare your body for the loss of blood, you need to drink plenty of water or fruit juice the night and morning before you donate. The leading cause of faintness and dizziness when you give blood is a drop in blood pressure or blood sugar.

How much weight do you need to donate blood?

Certain prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, can make you ineligible to donate blood. You must weigh at least 110 pounds or 50 kg.

How often can you donate blood?

You can only donate blood every 56 days if you are male, and 84 if you are female (to ensure iron levels are high enough after menstrual cycles). If you have donated blood more recently than that, then you are not eligible again, until that period is over.

How to get iron out of blood?

Having good levels of vitamin C will also help to increase iron absorption. Try to consume citrus fruit, juices, or vitamin C supplements. Hydrate yourself. To prepare your body for the loss of blood, you need to drink plenty of water or fruit juice the night and morning before you donate.

Who is Shari Forschen?

This article was medically reviewed by Shari Forschen, NP, MA. Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota . She received her Family Nurse Practitioner Master's from the University of North Dakota and has been a nurse since 2003. This article has been viewed 1,000,590 times.