Able to pass the physical and health-history assessments.Įligibility requirements differ slightly among different types of blood donation.At least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms).

While there's no legal upper age limit, policies may vary between individual donor centers. Some states allow legal minors to donate with parent permission.

At least 16 or 17 years old, depending on the law in your state.

To be eligible to donate whole blood, plasma or platelets, you must be: And after two weeks, your body replaces the lost red blood cells. Within a few days of a blood donation, your body replaces the lost fluids.

Most healthy adults can donate a pint (about half a liter) safely, without health risks. New, sterile disposable equipment is used for each donor, so there's no risk of getting a bloodborne infection by donating blood. Plasma is commonly given to people in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding.īlood donation is safe. Plasma helps blood clot and contains antibodies that help fight off infections. Plasma donation (plasmapheresis) collects the liquid portion of the blood (plasma). Red blood cells deliver oxygen to your organs and tissues.ĭonated red blood cells are typically given to people with severe blood loss, such as after an injury or accident, and people with anemia (low hemoglobin). Platelets are the cells that help stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessels (clotting).ĭonated platelets are commonly given to people with clotting problems or cancer and people who will have organ transplants or major surgeries.ĭouble red cell donation allows you to donate a concentrated amount of red blood cells. Platelet donation (plateletpheresis) collects only platelets. The machine then returns the remaining parts of the blood back to you. These blood components include red cells, plasma and platelets. During apheresis, you are hooked up to a machine that collects and separates different parts of your blood.

Blood & Ashes by Jane Jordan