Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I donate blood?
The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center needs to collect 600 units every day. Over 100 hospitals & clinics in South Texas depend on volunteer blood donors. Blood is perishable; it cannot be stored indefinitely and there is no substitute for human blood.
Visit our Life Links to see how much they appreciate your donation.
Who can donate?
The qualifications to be a blood donor are simple.
- Be in good health
- Be at least 17 years of age (or 16 with parental consent)
- Weigh at least 110 pounds (or 120 pounds if 16 years old)
For more information on blood donation qualifications, visit the FDA web site on Frequently Asked Questions. FDA.gov
Where can I donate?
You may donate at any of our eight donor rooms in south Texas, or at any mobile blood drive in your area.
To find a donor room near you click here: donor room locations
To view a weekly posting of blood drives, click here.
How long does it take to give blood?
The entire blood donation process takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Before you donate you must first fill out a donor registration form, which has questions regarding your personal data, medical history, medication usage and travel. Then you receive a mini-physical health exam to determine if you are eligible to donate. The actual blood collection takes just 5 to 10 minutes. After donating, you will remain in our donor area for about ten minutes. STBTC provides refreshments so you can begin replenishing your body’s fluid supply. 
How do I benefit for making a donation?
Regular blood donation is an excellent way to monitor your health. With each donation, the mini-physical will check your temperature, pulse, iron level and blood pressure. About two weeks later, you’ll receive a thank you letter which gives your blood type information and overall cholesterol levels. Plus, STBTC regularly gives thank you gifts, such as, a T-shirt, movie tickets and gift certificates. But the greatest benefit is the wonderful feeling that you’ve helped save three lives.
What should I do to prepare for my donation? Any special instructions?
Drink eight to 10 glasses of water within the 24 hours prior to your appointment; eat a healthy, low-fat meal; and get adequate rest. The day of your donation you should eat two to four hours before you donate and continue to drink plenty of fluids. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past your elbow. Bring with you identification and a list of any medications you’re taking.
Does donating blood hurt?
Comfort levels vary from person to person but most first-time donors wonder why they waited so long! You will feel a slight pinch and it's all over before you know it!
How much blood is taken?
A skilled, specially trained technician will draw about one pint. As a general rule, you have one pint of blood for every 10 to 12 pounds of body weight.
Is it safe to give blood?
Yes. All supplies used to collect blood are new, completely sterile and used only once. There is no risk of disease transmission to a donor.
How will I feel afterwards?
After resting for five to ten minutes and enjoying refreshments to replenish your fluids, you should feel just fine and ready to continue your daily activities. You should refrain from heavy lifting or extreme physical exertion for 24 hours. If in the rare event you experience any complications please contact our reaction hotline at (210) 379-0428 or 877-665-3667, during normal business hours seven days a week. For more post donation instructions, Download our Post Donation Instructions bi-lingual brochure
What happens to my blood after I donate?
The blood is taken to our laboratories where it is separated into components. The blood is tested for type (such as B+ or AB-) and various infectious diseases to ensure safety. The lifesaving components are then transported to hospitals in our service area.
Who receives my blood?
Blood is used for many different patients, including: cancer patients, open-heart surgery patients, diabetics, recipients of organ or tissue transplant, and trauma victims. Visit our Life Links page to see those who have benefitted.
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How often can I donate?
You need to wait 8 weeks between whole blood donations to allow your red blood cells to replenish. Those who have donated dual red cell will wait 16 weeks. Plateletpheresis donors need to wait 14 days or 2 weeks between donations.
Is there a minimum or maximum age limit on donating blood?
Donors must be at least 17 years of age, but 16-year-olds may donate with a signed parental consent form. There is no maximum age limit.
Are blood products perishable?
Yes. When refrigerated, red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days. Plasma is frozen and stored for up to one year. Platelets can be stored for only five days.
Are the health history questions necessary every time?
The Food and Drug Administration requires that all blood centers ask about your medical history every time you donate to ensure the safety of the blood supply. You have to wait at least eight weeks before donating again. A lot can happen in that time. The questions serve as a layer of protection for patients who receive blood.
Are the health history questions and my test results confidential?
Your answers and test results will be kept confidential, except where required by law. STBTC maintains strict privacy guidelines for all blood donor records.
I was deferred for low iron (hemoglobin) count. How can I increase it?
Eating a consistent iron-rich diet including foods such as red meat, dark green vegetables and dried fruits, will help increase iron levels. For more information view our flyer on hemoglobin.
I have a health condition. How can I find out if I’m eligible to donate?
Call our Quality Assurance Department during normal business hours.
Why don’t you pay donors for giving blood?
STBTC collects blood from volunteer donors and does not offer any type of payment. To do so would be a violation of Food and Drug Administration regulations. Studies have shown that volunteer donors provide the safest blood supply. However, there is the reward of knowing that your one donation will save up to three lives.
Is the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center affiliated with the Red Cross?
No. We are a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the nation’s largest network of independent not-for-profit community blood centers that collect almost half of the nation’s blood supply.
Will I ever need to receive blood?