People often have a lot of questions and concerns about giving blood. Here are some answers to the most common questions and concerns.
 
What are the medical guidelines for blood donors?
You must be at least 17 years old. Prospective minor donors must show proof of age, e.g., driver's license or note from principal's office. You must weigh at least 110 pounds and have a medical history free from certain diseases, such as hepatitis, cancer and heart disease. Donors are also screened and deferred from giving blood if they engage in high-risk behaviors associated with the AIDS virus. A nurse at the collection site will evaluate other conditions. Download the PDF, "Who May Recycle Life".
 
Can I give blood if I have traveled outside the U.S.?
Most travel is not a reason for deferral. However, there are some areas of the world that are at increased risk for certain diseases. Download the PDF, “Who May Recycle Life”.
 
What about AIDS?
There is no known way of contracting any infectious disease by donating blood. All equipment used to collect blood is sterile. The lancets, thermometer covers and needles are used only once and then are properly discarded. Blood is collected by a staff of professionals who protect the safety of the donor.
 
Why is Red Cross always asking for blood donations?
Blood can only be stored for a short period of time — red cells for 42 days, platelets for five days. Red Cross must collect blood every day to ensure that enough blood is available for patients who are ill or undergoing surgery.
  
How long does it take?
When appointments are made in advance, the process takes about one hour. The actual donation takes about 10 minutes. The remainder of the time is needed for registering, having a mini-physical and health history interview, and resting in the canteen following your donation.
 
How much blood is taken?
A little less than a pint of blood, which is considered a unit, is drawn. Your body will replace the fluid loss in about 24 hours. Red cell replacement will begin immediately, but will take four to six weeks for completion.
 
Does the needle hurt?
Although you will probably feel an initial pinch or sting, there should be no discomfort throughout the donation process.
 
How will I feel after donating?
Most people feel just fine. If you've eaten regularly (eat breakfast if you're donating in the morning), are thinking positively about your donation, and know what to expect, you should be fine. Regular activity can be resumed following the donation, although you should avoid heavy lifting.
 
How often can I give blood?
You can safely give blood every eight weeks (56 days).
 
You wouldn’t take my blood last time. Can I try again?
If you were deferred the last time because of your pulse, temperature, blood pressure or iron count, it was probably a temporary condition. These four health checks are always made before you are permitted to donate. It's a free mini-physical for your safety. Please try to donate again. Download the PDF, “Nutrition and Iron in Your Blood”, for more information.
 
My blood type is so common; can’t I donate just once a year?
All blood types are needed every day no matter how rare or common. Patients come in all types, too. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides blood for patients in over 100 hospitals in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. In some emergency situations, when necessary, type 0 blood can be given in place of other blood types. Accident victims who experience severe bleeding or shock may need large quantities of type 0. And, it is routinely used for treating premature infants who need blood therapy.
 
Is it possible that giving blood may not be good for me?
The mini-physical and medical history make sure that you are healthy. No one is allowed to give blood if it will harm him or her.
 
Does this mean I'll get free blood when I need it?
No. A processing fee is charged to hospitals for every unit. This fee is used to recover the costs of blood processing and testing, not to make a profit. Hospitals usually add their own charges for cross-matching and blood administration and pass these costs on to the patient. However, these fees are often covered by many insurance plans.
 
Can’t I be contacted only for emergencies?
Blood must be on the shelf prior to a critical situation. The need for blood by severe burn patients, accident victims and cancer patients is an emergency for them. We must always be prepared for emergencies.
 
I got a bruise the last time I gave. Will it happen again?
Bruises do sometimes occur. In some cases, this may be prevented by avoiding heavy lifting for at least two hours after the donation. We would appreciate you giving it another try. Chances are, you'll have no problems at all.