what type of blood should i donate?

by Alvis Harris 9 min read

BLOOD TYPES

Blood Type % of US Population Best Type of Donations You Can Give to You Can Receive From
Blood Type A+ % of US Population 34% Best Type of Donations Platelets Plasma You Can Give to A+, AB+ You Can Receive From A+, A-, O+, O-
Blood Type A- % of US Population 6% Best Type of Donations Double Red Cells ... You Can Give to A-, A+, AB-, AB+ You Can Receive From A-, O-
Blood Type B+ % of US Population 9% Best Type of Donations Platelets Plasma You Can Give to B+, AB+ You Can Receive From B+, B-, O+, O-
Blood Type B- % of US Population 2% Best Type of Donations Double Red Cells ... You Can Give to B-, B+, AB-, AB+ You Can Receive From B-, O-
Mar 24 2022

Full Answer

Which blood type is the best for donating?

8 rows · For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of O-, O+, A- or B- donate double red ...

Which blood types are best for plasma donation?

Whole Blood. Types O negative and O positive are best suited to donate red blood cells. O negative is the universal blood type, meaning that anyone can receive your blood. And O- and O+ blood are both extra special when it comes to traumas where there is no time for blood typing. Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every eight weeks.

What blood type is considered the universal donor?

The need for O+ is high because it is the most frequently occurring blood type (37% of the population). The universal red cell donor has Type O negative blood. The universal plasma donor has Type AB blood. For more about plasma donation, visit the plasma donation facts. Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S."

What blood type is best for donating platelets?

9 rows · Donors with type O- blood are universal red cell donors whose donations can be given to people of all blood types. Donors with types AB- and AB+ blood are universal plasma donors, while patients with type AB+ are universal red cell recipients because they can receive red cells from all types. All other donors and recipients must be safely matched, for example:

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What type of blood donation is most needed?

A+ is a common blood type which makes it the most needed blood for transfusions, so you may be asked to donate whole blood. Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every 8 weeks. Platelets are another way to maximize your donation as an A+ blood type.

Is it better to donate whole blood or power red?

Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion. If you meet certain criteria, Power Red allows you to safely donate two units of red cells during one appointment as an automated donation process. It is as safe as whole blood donation.

What are the 4 types of blood donations?

There are four ways to donate: plasma, platelets, red cells, and whole blood. Those different components in our blood have many uses. During and after a donation, we are able to separate those components, to give a recipient exactly what they need.

What blood type should not donate?

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

Why do they check your elbows when donating plasma?

Because arteries have higher blood pressure than veins, a puncture can lead to bleeding into the arm tissues around the puncture site. The signs of an arterial puncture include a faster blood flow and lighter-than-usual color of blood running through the tubes to the machine collecting your plasma.

Is AB+ blood needed?

As an AB Positive donor you are important to maintaining the blood supply in our community. Annually more than 120,000 units of blood, platelets, and plasma are required to meet the needs of the hospitals we serve, and your blood type is critical in saving the lives of patients in your community.

How do I find out my blood type?

By drawing blood A person can identify their blood type at home using a rapid blood typing kit. Using the kit requires a person to prick a finger with a needle. The kit comes with a card that contains chemicals known as reagents. These test for the presence of antibodies and the Rh factor.

How much blood is typically given when someone donates?

The procedure is safe and relatively painless. During a regular donation, you will give around 470ml of whole blood. This is about 8% of the average adult's blood volume. The body replaces this volume within 24 to 48 hours, and replenishes red blood cells in 10 to 12 weeks.

Can plasma go to any blood type?

AB is the only universal plasma and can be given to patients of any blood type. This means that type AB plasma transfusions can be given immediately, without losing precious time determining if the patient's blood type is compatible.

Is blood type A rare?

The prevalence of the other common blood types in the U.S. is as follows: O+: 37.4% O-: 6.6% A+: 35.7%Sep 6, 2019

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%

Why is O positive blood good?

O+ blood is very important as a (mostly) universal red blood cell type. This blood type can be used in emergency situations such as traumatic bleeding or other types of emergency transfusions. It is also an important blood type as type “O” patients can only receive type “O” red blood cell transfusions.Dec 1, 2021

How many different blood types are there?

There are actually more than 8 different blood types, some of which are not compatible with each other. Find out how your blood type can help hospital patients in need of a transfusion.

How long does it take to donate platelets?

Time it takes: About 2.5-3 hours. Ideal blood types: A positive, A negative, B positive, O positive, AB positive and AB negative. Donation frequency: Every 7 days, up ...

What is the most flexible type of donation?

Whole blood is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets. Learn more about whole blood donations.

What is plasma donation?

Plasma Donation. During an AB Elite donation, you give plasma, a part of your blood used to treat patients in emergency situations. AB plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type.

What is power red donation?

During a Power Red donation, you give a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of your blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns your plasma ...

Whole Blood

Types O negative and O positive are best suited to donate red blood cells. O negative is the universal blood type, meaning that anyone can receive your blood. And O- and O+ blood are both extra special when it comes to traumas where there is no time for blood typing. Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every eight weeks.

Platelets

A platelet donation may be a great option for any blood type, depending on the current blood supply and your unique body composition. Inquire when you make your appointment or at your scheduled donation if platelet donation is right for you!

Plasma

Psst: AB blood types, you’re the VIPs of this world. In fact, we could say you’re a member of the A (B)-list. This type is so elite, only 3% of people in the U.S. fit the bill. As the universal plasma donor, your plasma is safe for all.

What blood type is used for transfusion?

O negative blood can be used in transfusions for any blood type. Type O is routinely in short supply and in high demand by hospitals – both because it is the most common blood type and because type O negative blood is the universal blood type needed for emergency transfusions and for immune deficient infants.

How are blood types determined?

Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens – substances that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body . Since some antigens can trigger a patient's immune system to attack the transfused blood, safe blood transfusions depend on careful blood typing and cross-matching.

What are the 8 blood types?

In addition to the A and B antigens, there is a protein called the Rh factor, which can be either present (+) or absent (–), creating the 8 most common blood types ( A+, A- , B+, B- , O+, O- , AB+ , AB- ). Click on a blood type below to learn more.

How many lives are saved by blood transfusions?

Each year 4.5 million lives are saved by blood transfusions. There are very specific ways in which blood types must be matched for a safe transfusion. The right blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death. Every 2 seconds someone in the US needs a blood transfusion.

Is blood type inherited?

It’s inherited. Like eye color, blood type is passed genetically from your parents. Whether your blood group is type A, B, AB or O is based on the blood types of your mother and father. Click on a blood type below to see how it is. passed on genetically. O.

Is O negative blood high?

Types O negative and O positive are in high demand. Only 7% of the population are O negative. However, the need for O negative blood is the highest because it is used most often during emergencies. The need for O+ is high because it is the most frequently occurring blood type (37% of the population).

What do you need to know before you can donate blood?

Before you can donate blood, you will be asked to fill out a confidential medical history that includes questions about behaviors known to carry a higher risk of bloodborne infections — infections that are transmitted through the blood.

What is blood donation?

Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that can help save the lives of others. There are several types of blood donation. Each type helps meet different medical needs.

How long does it take for blood to be replaced?

Within a few days of a blood donation, your body replaces the lost fluids. And after two weeks, your body replaces the lost red blood cells.

What is platelet donation?

Platelet donation (plateletpheresis) collects only platelets — the cells that help stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs (clotting) in blood vessels. Donated platelets are commonly given to people with clotting problems or cancer and people who will have organ transplants or major surgeries.

How long after a positive test can you donate blood?

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests waiting to donate blood for at least 14 days after a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 without symptoms or for at least 14 days after symptoms of COVID-19 have completely cleared up. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies but didn't have a diagnostic test and never developed symptoms can donate without a waiting period or having a diagnostic test done before donation.

What is double red blood donation?

Double red cell donation allows you to donate a concentrated amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to your organs and tissues. Donated red blood cells are typically given to people with severe blood loss, such as after an injury or accident, and people with sickle cell anemia.

What is the process of donating blood?

During apheresis, you are hooked up to a machine that can collect and separate blood components, such as red cells, plasma and platelets. This process allows more of a single component to be collected.

Why do people donate blood?

Donated blood helps meet many medical needs, including those of people who have lost blood due to trauma, an organ transplant or other major surgery. There is no substitute for human blood — all transfusions use blood from a donor. And the inventory of donated blood must be constantly replenished.

How long does it take to donate blood?

Whole blood donation takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Apheresis takes about 1 1/2 to two hours. Double red cell donation takes about 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. At Mayo Clinic donor centers, you'll have access to wireless internet, a television and movies during the donation process.

How long are platelets good for?

Platelets from a whole blood donation or apheresis are good for only five days. Red cells from a whole blood donation are good for 42 days under refrigeration.

How often can you donate plasma?

Plasma donors may donate as often as every 28 days. Platelet donors may donate as often as every eight days, and up to 24 times in a 12-month period. Double red cell donors may donate as often as every 168 days.

How long after a positive test can you donate blood?

The Food and Drug Administration suggests waiting to donate blood for at least 14 days after a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 without symptoms or for at least 14 days after symptoms of COVID-19 have completely cleared up.

Can you faint after blood donation?

Staff members are skilled at making the experience as smooth as possible. It may help to not watch the needle as it is inserted, and you don't have to see the blood.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

According to the American Red Cross, there are some criteria with regard to who can donate blood. In most states, you must be at least 17 years old to donate platelets or plasma and at least 16 years old to donate whole blood. Younger donors may be eligible in certain states if they’ve a signed parental consent form.

How often can you donate red blood cells?

Whole blood contains red cells, white cells, and platelets all suspended in a liquid called plasma. According to the American Red Cross, most people can donate whole blood every 56 days.

How long does it take for blood to replenish?

The time it takes to replenish blood from a blood donation can vary from person to person. Your age, height, weight, and overall health all play a role. According to the American Red Cross, plasma is generally replenished within 24 hours, while red blood cells return to their normal levels within 4 to 6 weeks.

What to eat before blood donation?

Eat well. Eating foods rich in iron and vitamin C before you donate will help make up for the drop in iron levels that can happen with a blood donation. Vitamin C can help your body absorb plant-based iron from foods such as: beans and lentils. nuts and seeds. leafy greens, like spinach, broccoli, and collards.

How often can you donate platelets?

Platelets are cells that help form blood clots and control bleeding. People can usually donate platelets once every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. Plasma-only donations can typically be done once every 28 days, up to 13 times a year.

How long after birth can you donate blood?

You must wait 6 weeks after giving birth to donate blood. This includes a miscarriage or abortion. Travel to countries with high malaria risks. Though travel abroad doesn’t automatically make you ineligible, there are some restrictions that you should discuss with your blood donation center.

How does a sterile needle work?

A new sterile needle will then be inserted into a vein in your arm, and blood will start to flow into a collection pouch. While your blood is being drawn, you can relax. Some blood centers show movies or have a television playing to keep you distracted.

How long does it take for iron levels to return to normal after blood donation?

If you’re a frequent blood donor, you may want to talk to your doctor about iron supplements. It can take months. for your iron levels to return to normal after giving blood.

What is the role of hemoglobin in the body?

Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of iron-rich foods can help you store extra iron. If you don’t have enough iron stored away to make up for the iron you lose when donating blood, you can develop iron deficiency anemia.

What foods can you eat to get iron?

Certain foods and beverages can affect your body’s ability to absorb iron. You don’t have to avoid these foods completely, but avoid eating them at the same time you consume iron-rich foods or iron supplements. Foods that reduce iron absorption include: 1 coffee and tea 2 high-calcium foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt 3 red wine 4 chocolate

How much heme iron is absorbed?

Heme iron is more easily absorbed, so it boosts your iron levels more effectively. Your body absorbs up to 30 percent of heme iron and only 2 to 10 percent of nonheme iron. Before you donate blood, consider increasing your intake of iron-rich foods.

Can you eat ice cream on blood donation day?

If your donation can’t be tested for infectious diseases, then it can’t be used for transfusion. So, skip the doughnuts on donation day.

What foods contain heme iron?

Foods rich in heme iron include: Meats, like beef, lamb, ham, pork, veal, and dried beef. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey. Fish and shellfish, like tuna, shrimp, clams, haddock, and mackerel. Organs, such as liver. Eggs.

What is the best way to absorb iron?

Vitamin C. Although heme iron will raise your iron levels more effectively, vitamin C can help your body better absorb plant-based iron, or nonheme iron. Many fruits are a good source of vitamin C. Fruits high in this vitamin include: cantaloupe. citrus fruits and juices.

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Overview

  • Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that can help save the lives of others. There are several types of blood donation. Each type helps meet different medical needs.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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