Who may donate blood?

Generally, anyone in good health can donate.� Make sure you do not have a cold, flu or sore throat at the time of donation.

How old do I have to be to donate?

You must be 18 years old, or 17 years old with a parent’s or legal guardian’s written consent.
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Is there a maximum age limit for donating blood?

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A person may donate up to age 75.� At age 76 the donor must provide a letter from his/her private physician indicating that he/she is in good health and capable of donating a pint of blood.
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How much blood do I have in my body?

The average adult has between 8-12 pints.� You can easily spare one.

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Do I need identification?

Yes, bring some form of official identification with your signature or photo and name.
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How much do you have to weigh to donate blood?

The minimum weight is 110 lbs.� There is no maximum limit.

I have been turned away in the past for having low iron, should I still try to donate?

Yes, as part of the medical screening process we will take a drop of blood and check your hemoglobin level to ensure that you have enough to donate.
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Can I donate if I have high blood pressure?

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Yes, as long as your blood pressure is within our acceptable criteria of 180/100.� If you are taking medication to control your blood pressure, be sure to continue to take it as prescribed by your physician.� Also, know the name of the medication when you come to donate.

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I have allergies, will that stop me from donating?

If you have active allergies you must wait 1 week before giving blood.� If you have a history of asthma, wait 3 days after your last attack.� If you are taking any medication, please know the name of the medication so you may be evaluated by our health care professional.

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What kinds of medication will prevent me from donating?

The Blood Center will want to know why you are taking a medication, as well as the name of the medication.� Some general categories of medication that are acceptable are:

Blood pressure medication��������� ��������� Cholesterol lowering drugs

Birth control pills ���������������������� ����������Hormone replacement therapy

Medication for depression ��������� ����������Hypothyroid medication

Each donor will be evaluated on an individual basis.

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Can I donate after having a flu shot?

You must wait 3 days after receiving a flu vaccination. Listed below are some common vaccinations and the waiting period before donating.

Vaccination:����� ����������� �������������������� Length of Wait:

Chicken pox vaccine����������������������������� 4 Weeks

Hepatitis B vaccine������������������������������� 3 days

Lyme vaccine��������������������������������������� No wait

Measles����������������������������������������������� 2 weeks

Mumps������������������������������������������������ 2 weeks

Rubella (German measles)��������������������� 4 weeks

Tetanus Toxoid (preventive)�������������������� No wait

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What about people with diabetes?

People whose diabetes is under control with oral medication and/or diet are acceptable. Donors who take insulin must know the name of the insulin and their diabetes must be under control. Those patients with Diabetes Insipidus are permanently deferred.

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How long do I have to wait after having my ears pierced or getting a tattoo?

If you had your ears pierced (or any type of body piercing) it must have been performed under sterile conditions, otherwise you will need to wait 1 year after having the piercing performed.� Tattoos require a 1-year wait.

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I just returned from a cruise to the Caribbean, could I donate now?

It depends upon where you traveled in the Caribbean.� Haiti and parts of the Dominican Republic are considered endemic for malaria. You must wait a minimum of one year before giving blood. Please contact the Blood Center for specific information regarding your travel itinerary.

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I heard you are not taking people who traveled to England?

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Anyone who has lived in or traveled to the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands) for a total of six months or more from 1980 to 1996 is not eligible to donate.� This is a new regulation for Blood Banks as required by the FDA.� This regulation is related to the possible transmission of New Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD), a disease of the brain that has been identified in Europe.� It is believed that people have been infected with this disease (Mad Cow Disease) through eating infected beef.� There have been no documented cases of this disease being transmitted by blood transfusions, but the FDA has initiated this regulation as a precaution.

I have a heart condition, can I donate?

It depends upon your diagnosis.� You will need to be interviewed by a specially trained health care professional at the Blood Center to evaluate your condition.� We suggest that you also consult your private physician.

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Can I get AIDS from donating blood?

No.� There is no risk of getting AIDS or any other disease from giving blood. We use sterile disposable equipment to take your blood.� A brand new needle is used for each blood donation.� Once it is used, the needle is destroyed.

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How long does it take to donate?

The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, the blood collection, and time for refreshments in the canteen. For whole blood the entire donation process usually takes about one hour.

Can I eat before I donate?

Yes, we prefer if you eat within 4 hours of donating.�

How long will it take to replace my blood?

The body will replace the fluid portion of your blood within 24 hours.� It will take a few weeks to replace the red blood cells.

How often can I give?

Whole blood donors may give once every 56 days in order to allow plenty of time to replenish their red cells.

What will I feel like after I donate?

Must people feel fine.� After donating, drink extra liquids for the next 2 days.���

What happens to my blood after I donate?

Your blood will undergo rigorous testing procedures.� In addition to blood typing, the tests include screening for hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).�

How will my blood be used by patients?

The unit of blood you give may be used to help several lives.� Your blood can be separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma.� Red blood cells may be used to treat patients who are anemic.� Plasma can be used to treat patients in shock due to fluid loss as a result of burns.� Platelets are used to help treat patients with leukemia.

Will I find out my blood type?

Yes. After your donation you will be sent a blood donor card with your blood type and cholesterol level printed on it.