give
BLOOD
Blood FAQs
Who is eligible to give blood?
In general, to give blood, you must be healthy, at least 17 years
old, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. For more specific
information, see our eligibility guidelines.
Is it safe to give blood?
Yes. The American Red Cross ensures that donating blood is a safe
opportunity to give the Gift of Life. Each needle used in the
procedure is sterile and is disposed of after a single use. It is
important that all blood donors are in good health, are well-rested
and have eaten prior to donating.
How often can I donate blood?
A person in good health who weighs at least 110 pounds can donate a
unit of blood as often as every eight weeks. Some states may further
limit the number and/or frequency of donations in a 12-month period.
How does the blood donation process work?
Donating blood is a four step process, which takes about an hour
from start to finish. The first step is registration at the
reception desk. The second step is a stop at the health history
desk, where trained professionals will check your blood pressure,
iron level and temperature, and will ask specific questions about
your health to insure that you are eligible to donate that day. The
third step is the actual donation, which takes about 8 - 10 minutes.
The fourth and final step is a visit to the canteen to refresh you
before leaving the blood donation site. Donors tell us that knowing
they have saved up to three lives with each blood donation is their
greatest reward for the time they've spent donating blood.
Where can I go to donate blood?
The Red Cross partners with an extensive network of groups committed
to saving lives, including businesses, high schools, colleges,
churches, and other community organizations. Drives are held
regularly throughout the seven county Chicagoland area. View
our current blood drive schedule to find a location convenient
for you.
What health conditions might prevent me from donating blood?
People who have certain conditions, such as high blood pressure or
anemia, are typically eligible to donate if the condition is under
control on the day of donation. Many medications are also
acceptable. We often follow the rule of mending versus maintenance.
If you are recovering, you probably cannot donate. However, if you
take a medication regularly to control a condition, you may be able
to donate.
What does the American Red Cross do to
minimize the risk of infection in the blood it supplies?
In addition to recruiting only volunteer donors, the American Red
Cross provides information about high-risk behaviors associated with
transmissible diseases, conducts a rigorous behavioral and health
history screening interview of all donors prior to donation and
conducts up to 12 tests for infectious diseases, including AIDS,
hepatitis, syphilis and leukemia.
What is the risk of HIV associated with blood
transfusions?
The risk of receiving an HIV positive unit of blood through a blood
transfusion is 1 in 1.5 million today. Since 1987, the window period
has been reduced from 42 days to approximately 12-16 days following
the implementation of the HIV antigen test in March 1996.
What if blood collected tests positive for a disease?
If testing indicates that a unit of blood may pose a threat, it is
destroyed. The donor is appropriately disqualified. The donor is
then entered into the deferred donor database and prevented from
giving blood.
What percentage of the blood it collects does the Red Cross
discard?
The Red Cross makes every effort to recruit a healthy population of
volunteer blood donors. The Red Cross discards about 2 % of the
blood it collects because of test results (usually false positive
results), even though only a fraction of those pose a threat and a
true health risk.
Can a patient donate his or her own
blood for use in surgery?
Yes. When blood transfusions are anticipated, such as upcoming
elective surgery, a person can donate blood for his or her own use
when approved by their physician. In some cases, it is possible to
donate blood for a specific person.