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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.