Below are responses to some frequently asked questions donors may have. If you have a question that is not listed below, feel free to contact us at
1-800-GIVE-LIFE Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Q How long does it take to give blood?
A The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, the blood collection, and time for refreshments in the canteen. For whole blood the entire donation process usually takes about one hour and the blood collection segment is usually about 10 minutes. For apheresis (platelet) collections the entire process is about two hours.

Q How much blood is taken?
A Whole blood donations are approximately one pint. Apheresis donations also take about a pint of fluid; both weigh approximately one pound.

Q What are platelets?
A Platelets are tiny cell fragments which circulate throughout the blood and aid in blood clotting.

Q What is the waiting period between whole blood and platelet donations?
A If you donate whole blood first, you may donate platelets two weeks later. If you donate platelets first, you may donate whole blood three days later. If you donate two units of red cells, also known as a double red cell donation, you may donate (red cells or platelets) 112 days later.

Q How much blood do I have in my body?<
A As a general rule, women have approximately 10 pints and men have approximately 12 pints of blood.

Q Is there a minimum or maximum age limit on donating blood?
A The minimum age is 17 years old with proper identification. There is no upper age limit.

Q What is the universal blood type?
A Type O negative, occurring in about 8 percent of the U.S. population, is the universal donor and can give blood to any other blood type. AB positive, which occurs in only 2.5 percent of the U.S. population, is the universal recipient and can receive blood from any other blood type.

Q How long until my blood is used?
A All blood donations are processed and available for use within 48 hours. Whole blood is processed into components (red cells, platelets and plasma). After processing, the red cells can be stored up to 42 days. Plasma can be frozen and stored for up to one year and platelets expire after five days.

Q Are the health history questions necessary every time?
A To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all screening questions must be asked of all donors at each donation. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all blood centers conform to this practice.

Q How can I increase my iron level?
A Donors may be deferred from donating due to a low iron (hematocrit) level. This requirement is for the safety of the donor to ensure that after donation, the donor's iron level will still be within the normal range for a healthy adult. A deferral for low hematocrit does not mean a donor is anemic as hematocrit levels can fluctuate daily. Eating foods high in iron, such as red meat, dark green vegetables and raisins, or taking a multivitamin with iron may help increase iron levels.

Q Why are pregnant women unable to donate?
A Although no problems have been reported, the safety of donating blood during or shortly after pregnancy has not been fully established. There may be medical risks to mother and baby if a blood donation is made while pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.

Q Does the Red Cross pay donors for giving blood?
A The American Red Cross Blood Services is fully committed to remaining a volunteer donor supported organization and does not pay for blood donations. Additionally, FDA regulations do not permit compensation for blood that is used for transfusion purposes as studies have shown that volunteer donors provide a safer blood supply.

Q Why is there often a blood shortage?
A The Southern Region strives to maintain an optimum inventory level of a three to five day supply. Due to unpredictable demands from trauma incidents the inventory fluctuates hourly. When the supply drops below a three day level, the Southern Region begins alerting local donors to increase the inventory to a safe operating level.

Q May I bring children into the screening room or the drawing area?
A Due to the risk of exposure to blood and needles in the collection area and the need for complete confidentiality during screening, children must remain in the canteen or waiting areas. We feel that it is important to let the children know what their parents are doing, and if time permits, we are more than happy to answer questions and explain the donation process.

Q How can I have a blood drive at work, school or community center?
A For more information about the requirements to host a blood drive, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Q Who can donate Bone Marrow?
A The criteria for donating bone marrow is different from blood donation criteria. Some donors who are ineligible to donate blood can still join the bone marrow registry. For more information visit www.marrow.org.

Q Where are the donation centers located?
A The Southern Region currently has 15 donation centers. The Southern Region also has mobile collection units that travel to work sites, schools and community centers throughout Georgia, northeastern Florida and southeastern South Carolina. To find a blood drive near you please click here.

Have a question that's not addressed on this page? Please email April Phillips for more information.