In an emergency room, donated blood can mean the difference between life and death.

Blood is needed every two seconds in the United States today. Accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients all need blood. In fact – one in every five people entering a hospital needs blood, which cannot be manufactured.  Blood must be donated.

Marrow or blood cells could save the lives of more than 35,000 Americans annually. Matches can be made among family members, but as many as 70% of those in need do not have matches within their family. Their only hope is the generous donation of a stranger.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Donation

How long does it take to give blood?

The process for whole blood donation usually takes about one hour. The blood collection itself is usually about 10 minutes. The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments. Expect to spend about two hours for apheresis (platelet) collections.

How much blood is taken?

Whole blood and apheresis (platelet) donations are about one pint. One pint is roughly equal to one pound.

How often can I give?

You may donate whole blood every 56 days. Red blood cells are the oxygen carrying cells. They can take two weeks or longer to fully return to normal.  You may donate platelets (apheresis donation) as much as twice in one week - or up to 24 times per year. Platelet and plasma components are replaced in the body more quickly than red cells. Platelets will return to normal levels within a few hours of donating. Plasma, the watery substance of your blood, takes a couple of days.

What are platelets?

Platelets are tiny cell fragments that circulate throughout the blood and aid in blood clotting. Platelets are also known as thrombocytes.

How much blood do I have in my body?

Women have about 10 pints, and men about 12 pints of blood in their bodies.

Are there age limits for blood donors?

Seventeen years is the minimum blood donor age in Florida. There is no upper age limit.

Is it safe to receive blood?

Yes.
The blood supply is the safest it's ever been, especially since the implementation of nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) under an FDA-sponsored research protocol. NAT is a more sensitive gene-based test to screen the blood supply for HIV and hepatitis C. Fourteen tests are performed on every unit of donated blood. Eleven of these are for infectious diseases.  General safety procedures are also in place: blood donor eligibility standards, individual screening, laboratory testing, confidential exclusion of donations and donor record checks.

What is the universal blood type?

Type O negative is the universal donor and can give blood to any other blood type. Eight percent of the U.S. population has blood type O negative.  AB positive is the universal recipient and can receive blood from any other blood type. Two and a half percent of the U.S. population has blood type AB positive.

Will I be paid for my blood donation?

No.  FDA rules say that blood used for transfusions cannot be "bought." Studies show that volunteer donors provide a safer blood supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marrow

What is the marrow donation process?

The marrow is removed through a hollow surgical needle inserted several times into the iliac crest (back of the pelvic bone). All donors receive either general or regional anesthesia. The typical donation procedure can last from 45-90 minutes. Since marrow constantly regenerates itself, the donor's system will replace the extracted marrow completely within several weeks.

Are there any risks involved in marrow donation?

As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk involved. Serious complications are rare but could include anesthesia reactions, infection, transfusion reactions, or injuries at the needle insertion sites. The NMDP and its centers take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well being of the donor. A number of personal health questions are asked when individuals join the Registry to be sure they are in general good health. Before actually becoming a donor, a volunteer will receive a thorough physical examination.

Does marrow donation hurt?

Following the procedure, donors can expect to feel some soreness in the lower back for a few days or longer. Some donors have also reported feeling fatigued and having some difficulty walking.

Where is the marrow donation done?

The NMDP works with more than 100 medical centers nationwide. Usually, a donor doesn't have to go far from home for the procedure. The donor usually enters the hospital the morning of the procedure and sometimes spends the night there.  Afterward, the time it takes to recuperate varies from person to person. Most donors are back to their usual routine within a few days. Some may take two or three weeks before they feel completely recovered.

How many people have donated marrow?

More than 11,000 individuals have donated marrow for unrelated patients since the NMDP began operation in 1987. Thousands more, perhaps 50-60,000, have donated for family members.

Can marrow or blood stem cells be collected in advance and stored like blood or plasma?

Marrow and peripheral blood stem cells are not collected prior to determining a match between the potential donor and recipient. The safety and well being of donors is the first concern of the NMDP. While the risks associated with undergoing the donation process are low, it is better to avoid medical procedures of any kind unless absolutely necessary. This applies to donation of marrow or blood stem cells. Also, the NMDP has more than 4 million potential donors in its Registry. Currently, the NMDP facilitates about 130 transplants per month. Given that ratio of actual transplants to that of potential donors, it isn't practical to consider storing marrow or blood stem cells.

Information regarding blood and marrow donation thanks to www.americasblood.org and www.marrow.org.