Donate blood how much do they take

These matched blood products provide a more compatible unit for transfusion to patients in need. In some cases, this is because the Red Cross immunohematology-reference laboratory may have previously tested their donation for sickle cell trait at the request of a hospital to fulfill a specific product need. In these cases, the donor may have received a previous result of negative or positive. While the Red Cross will work to resolve many inconsistent results, portion will remain inconsistent.

Carrying the sickle cell trait does not mean that an individual has sickle cell disease. Individuals who only carry the sickle cell trait are eligible to donate blood. This screening is performed on a blood sample given during the standard donation process to look for the presence of an abnormal type of hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S or sickled hemoglobin, a key indicator of sickle cell trait.

This means it is likely the individual inherited one sickle cell gene and one normal gene from their parents. If an individual receives a positive result, they should consult their medical provider to discuss their test results and pursue additional confirmatory diagnostic testing. We are also looking into other possible funding sources.

While, carrying the trait does not mean that an individual has sickle cell disease, health experts recommend that individuals with sickle cell trait be aware of their status and consult their medical provider on what it means for them. In general, many individuals who carry the sickle cell trait have no medical problems related to sickle cell trait. However, these screening are not perfect. As with all tests and screening, false results, or a screening result that incorrectly states the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, can occur.

This is why those who receive a positive result are encouraged to consult their medical provider for confirmatory testing and discuss what their results mean for them. Like other blood donation screenings, sickle cell trait screening is part of the blood donation testing process which occurs at no charge to the donor.

In addition, this screening helps the Red Cross identify compatible blood types to help sickle cell patients more quickly.

Per standard donation procedure, only successful donations are sent to our laboratory for screening. This means that the individual is likely not a sickle cell trait carrier.

It is important to note, that the Red Cross is not screening for other abnormal hemoglobin cells that can also cause sickling-- such as Hemoglobin C. The Red Cross blood donation process at our blood drives and donation centers will not change. Blood, platelet and plasma donations will be screened using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where the samples will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. These blood products will not be used to help sickle cell patients but can help other patients in need of lifesaving blood.

Red Cross immunohematology-reference laboratories IRL have historically tested select donations for sickle cell trait at the request of a hospital partner actively looking to fulfill a specific blood product need. This spring we are expanding our screening to include all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors to allow us to identify compatible blood donations even faster to help patients in need of a blood transfusion.

However, 51 percent of African Americans have type O positive or negative blood, in comparison to approximately 45 percent of white individuals. Type O blood is most often in critical supply as it is most often needed by hospitals. Black donors play a vital role in helping meet the needs of all patients including—individuals who experience complicated childbirths, people fighting cancer, and accident victims being raced to emergency rooms.

Donors will need to have a successful donation to receive sickle cell trait screening results. Per standard donation procedure, only successful donations are sent to our laboratory for testing.

How can I get my test results? This will provide the most expedient access to test results. If a donor has questions or issues with the Blood Donor App or portal functionality, please contact If a donor does not have internet service and therefore cannot use the two recommended channels, they may call the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center 14 days after donation at to obtain their results.

This test is used to detect abnormal sickling hemoglobin cells or Hemoglobin S. If an individual receives a positive result, they should consult their medical provider to discuss their test results and pursue additional confirmatory testing. Both screenings are authorized for use by the FDA and are highly accurate.

The Red Cross will not release your screening result or any other test result without your written permission unless required by law. The Red Cross is only required to report positive sickle cell trait results in writing to donor. We do encourage those individuals who receive a positive sickle cell trait result to consult their medical provider to discuss their test results and pursue additional confirmatory testing.

This is why the Red Cross is currently testing only selfidentified African Americans for sickle cell trait as this time. The Red Cross plans to screen blood, platelet and plasma donations for sickle cell trait from these individuals through the end of However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you may donate platelets is Thursday.

The reason for antibiotic use must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood.

May have taken last pill on the date of donation. Acceptable if you are taking antibiotics to prevent an infection for the following reasons: acne, chronic prostatitis, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, after a splenectomy, or valvular heart disease. If you have a temperature above Includes the Tdap vaccine. The second shot is administered months after the first shot. This distinguishes it from Zostavax, the live shingles vaccine, which is given as a single dose shot and requires a 4-week deferral.

Complications may include skin reactions beyond the vaccination site or general illness related to the vaccination. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.

Complications may include skin reactions or general illness related to the exposure. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted.

There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. However, you must wait 2 days after taking Feldene piroxicam before donating platelets by apheresis. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate.

However, you must wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis. However, you must wait 1 month after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills.

Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation. You can discuss any upper weight limitations of beds and lounges with your local health historian. If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation.

If yes, where did you go? Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria. An additional waiting period of 3 years may be required if you have traveled to an area where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found.

Make sure to bring valid ID Donated before? Please bring your blood donor card. Bring ID that is government-issued with your full name and date-of-birth. And you might want to do a quick eligibility check before coming in.

On the day of your donation. Please ensure that you read the appropriate brochure as they contain important information about the donation process: What you must know to give blood What you must know to give plasma or platelets A trained staff member will go over your questionnaire answers with you and ask some additional questions to confirm that you are good to donate.

Donate Sit back and relax in a comfy chair while you donate. You can read, chat with our team members or other donors, or just relax knowing you are saving lives.

We'll keep a close eye on you while you're donating to make sure you're OK. Talk to a staff member if you feel uncomfortable or worried. Ever wonder what happens to your blood donation? Learn more about What happens to your donation. Relax and refresh To limit the risk of spreading the virus, donors will be asked to sit for five minutes in the refreshment area with their masks on after their donation to rest and to allow collections staff to monitor their wellbeing.

Sign language interpreting services We welcome and encourage people who are Deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing to become regular blood and plasma donors. Learn more about requesting a sign language interpreter. Book your donation Location or web code. Most people can resume normal activities around three weeks after an arthroscopy.

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Blood and blood vessels. Home Blood and blood vessels. Blood donation. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Blood groups Who can donate blood? How blood donation works Types of blood donation Products made from whole blood Products made from blood plasma Blood donation for medical research Blood donation requirements for medical research Where to get help.

Who can donate blood? Blood donation requirements To donate blood, Lifeblood donors must: Be healthy and not suffering from a cold , flu or other illness at the time of donation. Be aged between 18 and 75 years other rules may apply if you are a current donor. Weigh at least 50kg. Have normal temperature and blood pressure. Meet guidelines designed to protect both the donor and the people who will receive the blood.

Blood donation and mad cow disease vCJD People who spent 6 months or more in the UK between and are currently unable to donate. How blood donation works You can donate blood at various Australian Red Cross Lifeblood locations including blood donor centres or mobile units. How often can you donate blood? You can donate whole blood every 12 weeks, but you can donate plasma every 2 weeks.

Mandatory tests of donated blood All blood that is donated is screened for blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis , syphilis and HIV. Types of blood donation The main types of blood donation include: Blood — a standard donation, consisting of plasma, red and white blood cells, platelets, antibodies and other components. Plasma known as apheresis — plasma is separated from the other components by a special machine, and the red blood cells are returned to the donor in cycles throughout the donation.

Platelets known as plateletpheresis — done in a similar way to plasma donation, but the red cells and plasma are returned to the donor. Less common donations include: Autologous — prior to a scheduled operation or transfusion, a person donates blood for their own use. Directed or designated donation — a donor can give blood that will be used for a specific person.

Products made from whole blood Donated blood is used to make a variety of different products, including: Red cells — carry oxygen.

Most recipients of donated blood are given red cells to boost the oxygen-carrying abilities of their own blood Platelets — are needed for blood clotting. People who need extra platelets include people with certain diseases — such as leukaemia , or those recovering from a severe haemorrhage bleeding.

It can be used in 18 life-giving ways — from treating people with burns and cancer, to protecting people with brain and nerve diseases.