Donation
After donating blood, the body works to replenish the blood loss. This stimulates the production of new blood cells and in turn, helps in maintaining good health.
| Compatible Blood Type Donors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Blood Type | Donate Blood To | Receive Blood From |
| A+ | A+ AB+ | A+ A- O+ O- |
| O+ | O+ A+ B+ AB+ | O+ O- |
| B+ | B+ AB+ | B+ B- O+ O- |
| AB+ | AB+ | Everyone |
| A- | A+ A- AB+ AB- | A- O- |
| O- | Everyone | O- |
| B- | B+ B- AB+ AB- | B- O- |
| AB- | AB+ AB- | AB- A- B- O- |
Types of donation
There are four ways to donate: plasma, platelets, red cells, and whole blood. Those different components in our blood have many uses. During and after a donation, we are able to separate those components, to give a recipient exactly what they need.
Keep in mind, the process can vary based on the type of donation. Eligibility varies too. We require certain qualifications to give plasma and platelets, compared to red cells and whole blood. Ask your phlebotomist what you’re eligible to donate.
Whole Blood:
Whole blood donation is the most common and traditional method. A pint of blood is drawn that contains red and white cells, platelets, and plasma. It’s mainly used for trauma and surgery. Shelf life is 21-35 days, and you can donate every 56 days. This is the quickest and easiest donation.
Requirements
- At least 110 lbs
- Must be 16 (with signed parental consent form) or 17+ years old
- Always eat and drink before giving
- Donation process takes 45 min.
Platelets
Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that helps stop or prevent bleeding. It’s made in our bone marrow and its shelf life is only 5 days! They are used for surgeries, transplants, and to help cancer patients get through chemo. You can donate every seven days, only at our centers.
Requirements
- Females must be tested for HLA if they have ever been pregnant
- Must be 17+ years old
- Platelet count must be at least 150 depending on blood volume
- Donation process takes 2 hours
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood that transports water and nutrients to your body’s tissues. Donations can last up to 1 year, and are used to help burn victims and those with bleeding disorders. You can donate every 28 days, only at our centers.
Requirements
- Females must be tested for HLA if they have ever been pregnant
- Must be 17+ years old
- Donation process takes 1.5 hours
Automated Red Cells
Automated red cells donation is when only red cells are collected, not the other blood components. The donation lasts up to 42 days. Red cells are used for trauma, surgery, anemia, blood loss and disorders. You can donate every 112 days, in centers and select mobiles.
Requirements
- Must be 17+ years old
- Hemoglobin must be at 13.3
- Donation process takes 1.5 hours