Donating Whole Blood
Giving whole blood is the most common blood donation and is offered at all fixed-site locations and mobile blood drives. Whole blood donation simply means that all the blood components are collected at the same time. Afterwards, each unit will be separated into components, such as red blood cells and plasma.
Procedure:
After you have passed the screening and medical exam, a technician directs you to the donor area where you sit in a comfortable position. The technician will swab your arm inside the elbow (to prevent infection) and insert a needle into a vein.
The needle is attached to a sterile plastic bag. This takes about 10 minutes. Then the needle is removed and a sterile bandage is put on your arm. You can then relax and enjoy some
refreshments. This procedure is the fastest and allows you to donate again in 56 days.
Basic Requirements:
Anyone 17 years or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good general health may donate.
Those who are 16 years old, weighing 120 pounds, may donate with parental consent.
Other Types of Donations
For answers to specific questions about being eligible to donate send an e-mail to donornotification@bloodntissue.org.