Selecting Your Blood Donor

Patients who have an upcoming need for blood sometimes ask friends or family to donate blood for them. Talk with your doctor about your need for blood, the risks of transfusions and your transfusion options.

If you and your doctor agree that you should select your own donors, your physician will contact the American Red Cross by sending a Special Collections Order Form.

The donor should then call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and select option 3 to make an appointment at the nearest Red Cross donor center. Donors must bring some form of identification with them when they make their donation.

Blood donations must be made at least seven working days prior to your anticipated transfusion to allow enough time to prepare and deliver the blood.

The Red Cross cannot guarantee that blood collected from every directed donor will be available for your use. Blood must match your blood type and pass testing requirements. The hospital blood bank and your physician will decide which of these units meets your needs. The hospital requires additional charges for the special handling of your directed units.