Donating Blood With American Red Cross

Did you know that you could save up to three lives today in as little as 45 minutes? Did you ever think it would be as easy as lying back in a recliner and snacking on juice and cookies? Yes, it is that simple, and it doesn't cost a dime. Donating blood is one of the easiest and most important ways you can make a difference in someone's life.

I work at American Red Cross. I can tell you based on personal experience that the need for blood is greater now than ever before. Most people don't want to donate for one reason or another. Some are afraid it will hurt. Others don't try because they don't think they are eligible. I would like to give you some facts so that you can hopefully make the choice to participate in this life changing activity.

Here are some faqs:

What is the age limit for donating?

In most states, the minimum age is 17. Normally, you do not need parental consent at this age. Some states allow donations at 16, but in this case, you would require parental permission. As long as you are healthy, you may continue to donate throughout your life. There is no age cutoff. As a matter of fact, the majority of donors I have worked with are above 55. That's why it's so important for the younger generations to get out and donate!

How Much Do I Have to Weigh?

You must weigh at least 110 pounds. This is for your own safety. Remember, we're taking a pint of blood from you. This will cause a slight drop in your blood sugar. If you are underweight, you are more likely to have a reaction i.e. fainting, light headed sensations, vomiting. We want you to have a positive experience!

Should I Eat Before I Donate?

YES! Unlike normal lab work, where a doctor would advise you to fast for at least 8 hours prior, we request that you eat a good meal before you come in to donate. Again, this is for you own safety. By the way, a good meal does not mean a piece of toast for breakfast 5 hours ago!

So How Does the Donating Work?

From beginning to end, the process usually takes about 45 minutes. When you first check in, we ask that you read a binder titled "What You Need to Know About Donating Blood." This contains information that will help you determine if you are eligible to donate. Travel to certain countries, certain medications, and other factors can affect you ability to donate blood. Reading this information can save you time if you are in fact, ineligible.

After you have read the reading materials, you will complete a health history with the assistance of a Donor Technician. The Tech will ask for an ID, and it must have a picture. (If you are a previous donor, you Donor ID Card is acceptable). After verifying your identity, the Tech will obtain demographic information from you: dob, gender, phone number, address, and if you are a first time donor. They will also ask you for your ssn. Although many people are uncomfortable with giving out their social, it is important to do so. You would be surprised how many "John Smith's" are out there. If we try to pull your information up and there are multiple people of the same name, it makes it difficult to associate you to the right demographics. Using your ssn is a sure fire way to insure we are dealing with the right information.

Once you are in the computer, the Tech will get your vitals : weight, blood pressure, pulse, temp, and your iron level. If any of these are out of range, you will not be able to donate. This is not only for your safety, but also the potential recipient of your blood. If you have a fever, that means you could have an infection. The last thing we want to do is give you blood to someone who is already sick! If your blood pressure is to high or low, you could have a reaction, and we don't want that either!

Once your vital sign have been recorded, we will have you answer a series of questions. These include information about recent travel, health issues you may have, and past sexual encounters. Although these questions are a bit personal and may seem intrusive, rest assured they are only asked to make sure we obtain the safest unit of blood possible. Needless to say, all information you give will be kept strictly confidential. You will be allowed to look over the information you gave, then you will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you know what you are about to do.

Now to the fun part! After you health history is completed, you will move into the donation area. The actual donation usually takes between five and ten minutes. Your information is verified once again, and you are seated on a reclining chair. It's actually quite comfy. A lot of people are nervous at this point, not knowing what to expect. I'm here to tell you, if you have ever stubbed your toe, that hurts WAY more than giving a unit of blood. Once the needle is in your arm, you can't even feel it. You will give one pint during your donation. That may sound like a lot of blood, but the average person has between eight and ten pints. You won't even miss it when it's gone! When the donation is completed, you will be given a set of post donation instructions. These will be oral and written. You will also be given a 1-800 number to call if you have any questions later. You've just donated blood! Wasn't that easy? Now you get cookies!!!

What Happens to My Blood Once I've Donated?

After your donation, your blood is sent to our national testing lab where we test samples of your blood to make sure you have no diseases. It is then sent all over the country, anywhere it is needed.

Your blood can save up to three lives. It can be given as a whole unit to someone, or it can be separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma, depending on the individual need.

How Long Does My Blood Last?

Blood only has a shelf life of 49 days. That's why it's so important to donate. If everyone stopped donating today, the country would run out of blood in only two days! Imagine how many lives would be lost as a result.

What's in it For Me?

Other than the satisfaction of knowing you just saved three lives? You are also making yourself healthier. Think about it...When you lose a large amount of blood, you are forcing your body to make more. You have drained away "used" blood, now your body is producing, fresh, clean blood. It's like doing a minor detox. It's good for you.

Almost everyone has either had to have a transfusion, or knows someone who has. Many people don't think about the importance of blood. Most take it for granted that if they should need blood, it will be there. This is not the case. Donate today. The life you save could be your own.

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