FAQ

Each time you donate blood the needle used in the procedure should be sterile and should be disposed off after single use. Thus the possibility of contracting AIDS is decreased while donating Blood.
No more than a slight pinch . You should feel fine after you donate but, some people get a little dizzy so be careful. After donating, you may resume your usual routine.
Although most blood is donated as whole blood, it is also possible to donate only a portion of blood using a technique called apheresis. Blood is drawn from the vein of a donor into an apheresis instrument, which separates the blood into different portions by centrifugation. By appropriately adjusting the instrument, a selected portion of the blood, such as the platelets, can be recovered, while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor either into the same vein or into a vein in the other arm. This process takes more time than whole blood donation, but the yield of platelets is much greater. Platelets collected by apheresis are particularly useful for patients who require numerous platelet transfusions, for example cancer patients who have received chemotherapy.
The entire process takes less than an hour and the actual blood donation usually takes about 15 minutes.
In most states, donors must be age 17 or older. Some states allow donation by 16-year-olds with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional eligibility criteria apply.
No, blood blood centers require that you be in good health (symptom-free) and feeling well.
Yes, if your blood pressure falls within the limits set by FDA regulations.
Most people tolerate blood donation very well. However, some people experience fatigue. You should discuss your concerns before and after donation with a staff member at the blood donor center or blood drive. They can offer recommendations regarding strenuous exercise and other physical activity following donation
No. Blood collected for transfusion is collected from volunteer blood donors.
If you are unable to donate, you may be able to volunteer to help recruit donors or to organize mobile blood drives. In addition, monetary donations are always welcome to help ensure that blood banks can continue to provide safe blood to those in need.