who should i donate my blood to

Find a place to donate. The American Red Cross, which collects 40 percent of the nation’s blood donations, has an easy-to-use location tool. Independent licensed blood centers and hospitals also collect blood.

Full Answer

What are the reasons why a person cannot donate blood?

Jun 10, 2020 · Donors are often asked not to donate blood for a period of time in the interests of their safety and/or that of the blood supply. You should not give blood if your own health might suffer as a result. The first concern of the blood service is to ensure that blood donation does no harm to the blood donor. You should not donate blood if:

Who profits when you donate blood?

How often can I donate? In Minnesota you can donate whole blood every 84 days, at minimum. In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days,... 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. ...

Who is not allowed to donate blood?

Apr 13, 2012 · 6 Reasons to Donate Blood. 1. The need is great. Cancer patients are among the most common recipients of blood transfusions. But donations are also used daily for surgery ... 2. You probably can. While donors must be at least 17 in most states, there’s no upper age limit for giving blood as long as ...

What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?

Mar 30, 2022 · Below are some facts about why you should consider donating blood: 1. 4.5 million Americans will need blood transfusions each year. 2. Someone needs blood every two seconds. 3. Only 37% of the U.S ...

What is the best blood donation to give?

A rare blood type, the best way to donate for B- is with a double red cells (a double red cell donation is collected through an automated process that removes red cells and returns fluids back to the donor) or whole blood donations. Whole Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every 8 weeks.

Is blood donating good for you?

A healthier heart and vascular system 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

Is it better to donate whole blood or double red cells?

A double red cell donation allows you to give twice the amount of red cells than a whole blood donation. Red blood cells are the most used blood component for surgery, trauma and treatment of blood disorders. You may donate double red cells once every 112 days.

Why is o the universal donor?

Type O-negative blood does not have any antigens. It is called the "universal donor" type because it is compatible with any blood type.

How much weight do you lose giving blood?

But when you donate regularly, it gives you the opportunity to save multiple lives. Burning calories. No, blood donation won't become a weight loss fad any time soon. However, researchers at the University of California, San Diego have found that you can lose up to 650 calories per pint of blood donated.

What are the disadvantages of blood donation?

Here's a closer look at the disadvantages to consider before donating blood.Bruising. When you donate blood, you sit or lie on a reclining chair with your arm extended on an armrest. ... Continued bleeding. ... Dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea. ... Pain. ... Physical weakness. ... Time-consuming. ... But donating blood can do a lot of good.

What blood type 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.

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.

Should I give blood or platelets?

All blood types, except for type O negative and type B negative, are encouraged to try platelet donation. Type O negative and type B negative can make the most impact for patients in need by continuing to give whole blood or a Power Red donation. If you are type AB you can make the most impact by donating plasma.

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.

How do I find out my blood type without a test?

Many people don't know their blood type. Here's how to find out yoursAsk your parents or doctor.Blood draw.At-home blood test.Blood donation.Saliva test.Jul 18, 2020

What is the healthiest blood type?

Of the eight main blood types, people with type O have the lowest risk for heart disease. People with types AB and B are at the greatest risk, which could be a result of higher rates of inflammation for these blood types. A heart-healthy lifestyle is particularly important for people with types AB and B blood.

Why should people donate blood?

Safe blood saves lives. Blood is needed by women with complications during pregnancy and childbirth, children with severe anaemia, often resulting...

What happens when I give blood?

Whether you are a first-time or regular donor, the blood service must make sure that you will come to no harm by donating blood. This includes chec...

How much blood will be taken? Will I have enough?

In most countries, the volume of blood taken is 450 millilitres, less than 10 per cent of your total blood volume (the average adult has 4.5 to 5 l...

Is giving blood safe?

Yes. Remember that you will only be accepted as a blood donor if you are fit and well. Your health and well-being are very important to the blood s...

Does it hurt?

Just squeeze the inside of your elbow tightly and you will get a quick idea of what the needle feels like. All you should feel is a gentle pressure...

Who can give blood, and how often?

The criteria for donor selection varies from country to country, but blood can be donated by most people who are healthy and do not have an infecti...

Who should not give blood?

The blood service is concerned with the welfare of both the blood donor and the recipient (patient). Donors are often asked not to donate blood fo...

Can I give blood after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2?

Consistent with current general global practice, recipients of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that do not contain live virus may donate blood if they feel wel...

How will I feel after giving blood?

You should feel great for selflessly giving someone the gift of blood.

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.

Why do people donate blood?

There are also potential benefits for people who regularly donate blood: Lower iron levels in blood. This is a plus if your iron levels are too high. Donating blood removes some red blood cells, which carry iron throughout your body. Better cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How long does it take to donate blood?

Donation. Refreshments. While the whole process, from the time you get to the facility to the time you leave, can take about an hour, the actual donation itself may take as little as 8-10 minutes.

How long after blood donation can you drink?

There aren’t any lasting side effects, but you may temporarily: Need to hydrate. Drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after you donate blood.

Can you donate blood to a tattoo?

Tattoos, in most states, aren’t a barrier to giving blood, provided that the tattoo artist followed good safety practices (like using sterile needles and not reusing ink). A few states may require a waiting period between when you get a tattoo and when you donate blood, but in general, it’s not an issue. 3. Donation.

How old do you have to be to give blood?

You probably can. While donors must be at least 17 in most states, there’s no upper age limit for giving blood as long as you are well with no restriction or limitation to your activities. Anne Eder, M.D., executive medical officer of the American Red Cross, says she’s seen people in their 80s giving blood.

Can you donate blood to cancer patients?

Cancer patients are among the most common recipients of blood transfusions. But donations are also used daily for surgery patients, accident victims, organ transplant recipients and burn patients — young and old. 2. You probably can. While donors must be at least 17 in most states, there’s no upper age limit for giving blood ...

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

You need to be 17 or older to donate whole blood. Some states allow you to donate at 16 with parental consent. You have to weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate. You need to provide information about medical conditions and any medications you’re taking.

How many lives can you save by donating blood?

There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.

What are the benefits of giving blood?

According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can: reduce stress. improve your emotional well-being. benefit your physical health. help get rid of negative feelings. provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation.

What is the most common type of blood donation?

Whole blood donation is the most common type of donation. This is because it offers the most flexibility. It can be transfused as whole blood or separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma for different recipients. For a whole blood donation procedure: You’ll be seated in a reclining chair.

Can you get dizzy after donating blood?

There’s no risk of contracting disease. New, sterile equipment is used for each donor. Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. If this happens, it should only last a few minutes. You can lie down with your feet up at the until you feel better.

Do you have to register to donate blood?

You must register to donate blood. This includes providing identification, your medical history, and undergoing a quick physical examination. You’ll also be given some information about blood donation to read. Once you’re ready, your blood donation procedure will begin.

Does blood donation reduce heart disease?

The research is mixed on whether blood donation actually lowers risk of heart disease and heart attack. . This may reduce the risk of heart attack. High body iron stores are believed to increase the risk of heart attack. suggests these observations are deceiving and are not a real physiological response.

Should I donate my own blood before an operation?

Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams.

Surgery With High Blood Loss

Blood loss is a common part of surgery, and while every effort is made to minimize the loss, in certain surgeries it cannot be avoided.

Risks of Disease Transmission

Historically, some people have chosen PAD to avoid the transmission of bloodborne diseases. This was especially true in the early- to mid-1980s, when reports came out saying people had been infected with HIV from blood transfusions. 4 

Safety

PAD is generally considered safe, with only mild, short-term side effects, including minor bleeding, pain, bruising, fatigue, and lightheadedness.

A Word From Verywell

Although receiving your own blood may put your mind at ease, preoperative autologous donations are really only considered if there's a local blood shortage and/or your anticipated blood needs after surgery are high.

How often can you donate blood?

20. You can donate every two months which means six times a year you can loudly declare to your family that you are, in fact, a hero and therefore should be taken out to dinner. 21. If you’ve never donated blood, there’s a first time for everything. Be brave, make the appointment, and bask in the glow of your badassery.

Can you donate blood after getting a tattoo?

Yes, there are needles involved, and yes, I know you don’t like needles. Get over it and donate anyway. 14. I know, you have a fresh tattoo and that prevents you from donating blood right now. But mark your calendar for a year from now: You can donate blood a year after getting a tattoo. 15.

Surgery with High Blood Loss

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Other Medical Reasons

Risks of Disease Transmission

Safety

A Word from Verywell