Q. How do I know if I'm eligible to donate blood?
A. Most
healthy adults can give blood and platelet donations through the American
Red Cross. You meet basic eligibility requirements if you:
• are at least 17 years old
• weigh at least 110 lbs.
• are in good health on the day of donation
• have no history of exposure to hepatitis or AIDS
• your last blood donation was at least 56 days ago
If you have other questions about your eligibility, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
Q. Does it hurt
to donate blood?
A. Donating
blood initially feels like a little pinch that lasts for a few seconds.
Q. Will donating
blood make me feel sick or faint?
A. Rarely
do people have a reaction when donating blood. And when they do, it is
minor. To ensure a good experience, drink plenty of fluids and eat regularly.
Q. How much blood
will I actually donate?
A. You will
donate what is commonly called a "unit" of blood, which is slightly
less than one pint.
Q. How much blood
is needed for each patient who receives it?
A. Blood donations are used to treat patients with cancer, those undergoing
surgery, and victims of trauma and accidents. Blood products help prevent
viral and infectious diseases and are used in the treatment of shock.
Blood helps people with bleeding problems, such as leukemia patients,
and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The needs of patients vary greatly depending upon their condition and the surgical procedure being performed. The following list of conditions or procedures shows the typical number of blood units needed for each:
- Aneurysm - 2 red cells, 4 plasma
- Automobile accident - 4-40 red cells
- Bone marrow transplant - 1-2 red cells each week, 6-8 platelets daily for 4-6 weeks
- Colon resection - 2 red cells
- Heart transplant - up to 4 red cells
- Hip replacement - 1-2 red cells
- Hysterectomy with complications - 2-4 red cells
- Kidney transplant - 2 red cells
- Leukemia - 6-10 platelets each day
- Open heart surgery - 2-8 red cells, 6 platelets
- Prostate cancer - 4-6 red cells
- Sickle cell disease - 1-8 red cells, every 4-6 weeks
More questions? We've
got the answers. Please visit our FAQ section.