BLOOD DONATION PROCEDURE

Many of us will need to receive a blood transfusion at some time in our lives. If you have donated blood before, you know how good it feels to do something special for someone. The American Red Cross and other blood banks have safeguards to make sure that blood is safe to give and to receive.

Anyone who is healthy, at least 17 years old, over 110 pounds, and has not donated blood in the last 56 days is eligible to give blood. Persons who are older than 65 and in good health may usually donate with the approval of the blood bank physician. It is necessary to wait at least 8 weeks between blood donations. You will be asked to provide personal identification before you donate. Questions are asked privately about intravenous drug use, HIV test results, and high-risk sexual behaviors. Other questions will be asked about illnesses or medical conditions that might contaminate the blood supply or make blood donation unsafe for you. All information is confidential. General health checks are taken for blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.

A sample of the potential donor's blood is typed and tested for anemia, hepatitis, syphilis, and the AIDS virus. The blood will not be used if tests show that the person may be a carrier for these illnesses or other viruses. Many blood banks have adopted a program for donors who are at risk for AIDS to give blood that is used for research purposes. This blood is not part of the general blood supply for donation to the public.

Blood is usually donated while lying down. The skin on an arm is cleaned with an antiseptic and a new, sterile, non-reusable needle is used to withdraw about a pint of blood. Most people feel fine during and after blood donation. A few people may feel dizzy or faint. Juice and snacks are provided after the blood is drawn to help the donor's body adjust to the change in blood volume. Bruising at the blood draw site may occur. It takes the body less than 24 hours to replenish the lost fluid and 6 weeks to replace red blood cells.

A person can donate blood for his or her own use during an upcoming elective surgery. Friends or family members may also be selected to donate blood.

Giving blood is safe for the donor and can be life-saving to the receiver. Please give blood.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File GHEA3411.RF2 VRS# 4219 Data Version 7.0