What to Know About Donating Blood: How to Prepare, What Happens, and How to Recover

Blood shortages are expected during the summer as people shift their focus from donating blood to vacationing, relaxing, and special celebrations.

“Despite thousands of people already responding to our call, blood donations simply are not keeping pace with demand,” says Jessa Merrill, the biomedical communications director for the American Red Cross. “We’re also seeing extreme heat, poor air quality, and foodborne illness reduce donor turnout in many communities.”

She adds that blood demands tend to jump in the summer as more people have traumatic injuries during outdoor activities and travel excursions.

The Red Cross stresses that just three more donors at each blood drive this summer could end the crisis and stabilize the blood supply.

“Without a robust blood supply, many therapies may be forfeited or put on hold, resulting in potential risk, increased cost, and poor outcomes to patients,” says Margaret V. Ragni, MD, MPH, the medical director of the Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania and an expert with the American Society of Hematology.

Because it takes 24 to 36 hours to process and test a blood donation for infectious diseases, blood centers must always have enough blood already on the shelf for both routine and emergency needs, adds Kate Fry-Cicero, the chief executive officer of America’s Blood Centers.

There are eight common types of blood: A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, and AB-.

O-positive (O+) is the most frequently transfused blood type, and the one most in demand by hospitals. It can be given to individuals with O+, A+, B+, or AB+ blood. Currently, the Red Cross has less than a one-day national supply of type O+ blood.

“This said, every blood type is essential,” says Merrill. “When hospitals have adequate supplies of A, B, and AB blood, they can provide patients with blood that matches their blood type whenever possible. That helps preserve precious type O blood for trauma patients and others facing life-threatening emergencies.”

“Long term, we are seeing the aging of the donor base, with the majority of our donors now above the age of 50,” says Fry-Cicero. “The fact is, many people think they’re not eligible to give but they actually are.”

• You're at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent.
• You weigh at least 110 pounds. (Weight and height requirements may vary based on what kind of donation you choose — whole blood, platelets, double red cells, or plasma.)
• You're in good health, feeling well, and not taking antibiotics.
• Your blood pressure is between 90 and 180 systolic (the top number) and between 50 and 100 for diastolic (the bottom number). Your pulse rate needs to be between 50 and 100 beats per minute.

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• You last donated blood more than eight weeks ago.

Other factors that may affect your ability to donate include:

• Travel outside the United States in the past three years
• Recent vaccinations
• Tattoos or piercings received during the previous three months (only in some states)
• Health conditions such as sickle cell, malaria, HIV, cancer
• A blood transfusion received in the past three months
• Certain sexual activity in the past three months — with a new partner, more than one partner, or anal sex
• Use of certain medications, such as those to prevent HIV infections
• Injection drug use in the past three months

• Get plenty of sleep the night before.
• Eat a healthy meal beforehand. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries, or ice cream. These high-fat foods may affect how your blood is collected and tested.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine. Each of these can take away water in your blood.
• Check to see if any medicines you are taking or recently took might keep you from donating blood. Avoid aspirin for at least two days before donating. Don’t give blood if you are taking antibiotics for an infection. Talk to your healthcare professional before you stop taking any medicines in order to donate blood.
• Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up.

During the blood draw, patients recline in a comfortable chair or bed. An area on the arm is cleaned and a new sterile needle is inserted into a vein.

Procedures vary depending on whether you’re giving whole blood or a specific blood product.

Whole Blood

This is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma, and platelets. The actual blood draw lasts only 8 to 10 minutes.

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Plasma

Platelets

Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that help form clots and heal wounds. Their primary job is to stop the bleeding if you’re injured. The process of removing the platelets and returning the rest of the blood back to the body takes about two hours.

One of the most common obstacles to donation is a fear of needles. Collection centers emphasize that the needle poke feels like nothing more than a brief pinch. You can keep yourself calm during the process by listening to music, watching a show or movie on your phone, or reading.

Giving blood is safe, as all equipment is carefully sterilized. Staff members are trained to answer any questions and offer advice if you have any concerns.

Donors are encouraged to rest a bit after giving, and have a snack and drink (often provided by the donation center). Those who give should keep an arm bandage on for several hours. They must avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for the rest of the day. Drink plenty of extra fluids and eat iron-rich foods to help the body recover.

“Donating blood is one of the only opportunities you have to help save lives,” says Fry-Cicero. “All of us will know someone who requires blood in their lifetime, and it can only come from selfless volunteers who are willing to roll up their sleeve.”

To find out where to give in your area, contact the American Red Cross or America’s Blood Centers.