Overview
Donating one pint of blood takes about an hour and can save the lives of up to three people.
Blood components–red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitates–are used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, sickle cell disease, anemia and hemophilia, as well as to replace blood lost from surgery or trauma.
Blood Banks
Blood banks are located throughout the United States. Most collect blood at fixed sites—collection centers and hospitals–as well as at mobile blood drives held in churches, schools and places of business. Some require appointments while others are open to the public on a walk-in basis.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements vary somewhat among the various blood banks. In general, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and be at least 17 years old, although 16 year olds are permitted go donate blood in some states. Whole blood donations are permitted no more often than every 56 days.
Anyone whose blood may be unsafe because of a history of–or risk factors for–HIV/AIDS or other blood-borne illnesses is not eligible to donate. Other donors may be temporarily ineligible because of conditions such as pregnancy, low iron level or travel to certain areas of the world.
Procedure
Blood donation is a four-step process: registration, screening, blood collection and refreshment. First, the donor presents a valid form of identification and provides demographic information.
Next, a medical professional takes a confidential medical history and performs a mini-physical exam, including taking the potential donor’s blood pressure, temperature, pulse and blood iron level.
Third, the donor lies down or sits in a reclining chair for the blood collection. After cleaning the antecubital space—inside of the elbow—a medical professional inserts a sterile needle into a large vein. The blood flows into an attached collection bag. When a pint of blood fills the bag, the needle is removed and a bandage is wrapped around the donor’s arm
Finally, the donor spends about 15 minutes resting, drinking fluids and eating a light snack before leaving.
Testing
Donated blood is tested for blood-borne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. If these tests are positive, the blood bank discards the blood and notifies the donor. If the tests are negative, the blood is distributed for use in hospitals and clinics.
Considerations
Occasionally, a donor experiences temporary lightheadedness during the blood collection process or within the first 15 minutes afterward. Most healthy adults, however, experience no ill effects from donating blood, according to the American Red Cross.
Misconceptions
According to the American Red Cross, a donor cannot get AIDS or other infectious diseases by donating blood. All of the needles and equipment are new, sterile and disposable. Nothing is shared between donors.
About this Author
Marcy Brinkley’s articles about health care and legal issues have appeared in “Texas Health Law Reporter” and the “State Bar of Texas Health Law Section Report.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a master’s degree in business administration and a Doctor of Jurisprudence.
