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Giving Blood FAQ

Any person in good health, age 17 and older, and weighing at least 110 lbs. can give blood. Different states may have different requirements for blood donors.

  1. Time Frame

    • You will have to wait for 56 days before you can give blood again. The waiting period for platelet and red blood cells donation is 3 days and 112 days, respectively.

    Considerations

    • Get the proper amount of sleep and have a good meal before you give blood. Also make sure you are properly hydrated before and after the donation.

    Duration

    • It can take around 1 hour. Before you can give blood, you will need to complete a medical history form and undergo a physical exam. The blood is drawn in 10 to 12 minutes. After giving blood, you have to hydrate yourself and rest for a few minutes.

    Information Security

    • Any information you provide is kept classified. Your blood is tested, and you are informed confidentially if any test comes back positive.

    Amount

    • On average, there are 10 to 12 pints of blood in the human body. A blood donation accounts for about 1 pint of blood. It takes the body about 1 day to replenish itself.

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