About Donating Blood

By donating blood, you can save a life. That's a powerful and true fact. Blood donation is needed more than ever, and it's needed in every city and town in the country. No matter where you are, you can start making a difference by giving blood.

Significance

• The Red Cross is always in need of volunteers to donate blood. Your local hospitals may need volunteers as well.
  Blood of all types is needed from volunteers. The center will test to see which blood type you have.
  You'll also likely be able to donate blood during blood drives in your community. Additional incentives are usually offered during drives for volunteers who come out to give blood.

Types

• Though many give blood for free, some organizations and hospitals pay for blood. The pay tends to be around $20 to $40.
  Whole blood donations are the standard donation, but there are also plateletpheresis donations, when blood platelets are collected. There's also automated donations called red cell donations.
  Autologous blood donation is when you donate your own blood in advance for a surgery that is to be performed on you on a later date. That's considered a medical procedure, and a written prescription is a must for that endeavor. It may be performed at the hospital, but the Red Cross may perform it under certain circumstances. Speak with your doctor about all your choices for this rare sort of donation.

Features

• Donated blood is always tested, so there is no danger of contracting any diseases from donated blood. Also, donors are never in any danger from equipment used. In developed countries, all equipment that comes in contact with blood is thrown away.

Considerations

• Wait 8 weeks before giving another whole blood donation; 3 or more days before giving another plateletpheresis donation; over 4 months before between double red cell donations.

Warning

• Don't give blood if you have certain types of cancer. Speak with your hospital or doctor about the types that are acceptable. You also shouldn't give blood if you have a cold or a flu. If you have any kind of infection, refrain from blood donation until it's cured. If you have hepatitis or AIDS, you're cannot donate blood.

Effects

• Blood donation saves countless lives every year. Many people walking around are doing so because of the generosity and kindness of blood donors. Even if you aren't eligible, consider donating funds to the Red Cross and other organizations who are in need of funds to get the word out about blood donation. Talk to friends and family members who are eligible. When you explain the great need and rewards for blood donation, you may be helping to save a life.