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Canadian standards for blood donation dictates that 17 is the earliest age at which you can donate blood. There are other ways to give. Find out how you can get involved by becoming a volunteer or peer leader - organizing a high-school blood donation events - by emailing us at feedback@blood.ca or calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
If you are a frequent donor, remember that the number of donation appointments you can make depends on the type of donation you are making. You can donate: Whole blood every 56 days for males, every 84 days for females. Plasma every 6–14 days, depending on the donor program; Platelets every 14 days.
- Overview
- How often can you donate blood?
- Can some medications affect how often you can give blood?
- Can anyone donate?
- What can you do to prepare for a blood donation?
- What to expect when you donate blood
- Time factor for other types of blood donations
- How long will it take to replenish the blood you donated?
- The bottom line
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Saving a life can be as simple as donating blood. It’s an easy, selfless, and mostly painless way to help your community or the victims of a disaster somewhere far from home.
Being a blood donor can be helpful to you, too. According to the Mental Health Foundation, by helping others, donating blood can benefit both your physical and emotional health.
There are actually four types of blood donations, and each one has its own rules for donors.
The types of donations are:
•whole blood, which is the most common type of blood donation
•plasma
•platelets
•red blood cells, also called a double red cell donation
Certain medications may make you ineligible to donate, either permanently or in the short term. For example, if you’re currently taking antibiotics, you can’t donate blood. Once you’re done with the course of antibiotics, you may be eligible to donate.
The following list of medications may make you ineligible to donate blood, depending on how recently you took them. This is only a partial list of medications that may affect your donation eligibility:
•blood thinners, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs
•antibiotics to treat an acute active infection
•acne treatments, such as isotretinoin (Accutane)
•hair loss and benign prostatic hypertrophy medications, such as finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)
According to the American Red Cross, there are some criteria with regard to who can donate blood.
•In most states, you must be at least 17 years old to donate platelets or plasma and at least 16 years old to donate whole blood. Younger donors may be eligible in certain states if they’ve a signed parental consent form. There’s no upper age limit.
•For the above types of donations, you must weigh at least 110 pounds.
•You must be feeling well, with no cold or flu symptoms.
•You must be free of any open cuts or wounds.
Red blood cell donors usually have different criteria.
Hydrate
It’s easy to feel dehydrated after donating, so drink plenty of water or other fluids (not alcohol) before and after your blood donation.
Eat well
Eating foods rich in iron and vitamin C before you donate will help make up for the drop in iron levels that can happen with a blood donation. Vitamin C can help your body absorb plant-based iron from foods such as: •beans and lentils •nuts and seeds •leafy greens, like spinach, broccoli, and collards •potatoes •tofu and soybeans Meat, poultry, fish and eggs are also high in iron. Good sources of vitamin C include: •most citrus fruits •most types of berries •melons •dark, leafy green vegetables
It only takes about 10 minutes to donate a pint of whole blood — the standard donation. However, when you factor in the registration and screening, as well as the recovery time, the entire procedure can take about 45 to 60 minutes.
At the blood donation center, you’ll need to show a form of ID. Then, you’ll need to fill out a questionnaire with your personal information. This questionnaire will also want to know about your:
•medical and health history
•medications
•travel to foreign countries
•sexual activity
Donating red blood cells, plasma, or platelets can take 90 minutes to 3 hours.
During this process, since only one component is being removed from the blood for donation, the other components will have to be returned back into your bloodstream after being separated in a machine.
The time it takes to replenish blood from a blood donation can vary from person to person. Your age, height, weight, and overall health all play a role.
According to the American Red Cross, plasma is generally replenished within 24 hours, while red blood cells return to their normal levels within 4 to 6 weeks.
Donating blood is an easy way to help others and possibly even save lives. Most people in good health, without any risk factors, can donate whole blood every 56 days.
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible to donate blood, speak to your healthcare provider or contact a blood donation center to learn more. Your local blood donation center can also tell you if certain blood types are in high demand.
Learn about the different types of blood donations, the frequency rules, and the eligibility criteria. Find out how medications, health conditions, and lifestyle factors can affect your donation eligibility.
- James Roland
There doesn't appear to be any difference between lots. Find out how often you can donate blood and answers to more frequently asked questions about the blood donation process with American Red Cross blood services.
- Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until t...
- After you give blood:Take the following precautions:Drink an extra four glasses (eight ounces each) of non-alcoholic liquids.Keep your bandage on a...
- Only for a moment. Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm. That pinch is similar to what you will feel when the needle is inserted.
- The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the t...
- The plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at lea...
- The highest priorities of the Red Cross are the safety of the blood supply and our blood donors. Some individuals may be at risk of transferring co...
- You must wait at least eight weeks (56 days) between donations of whole blood and 16 weeks (112 days) between Power Red donations. Platelet apheres...
- In most states, donors must be age 17 or older. Some states allow donation by 16-year-olds with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh a...
- During this coronavirus outbreak, the Red Cross is not allowing guests including children to enter a blood drive or center to ensure we can maintai...
- Apheresis is the process by which platelets and other specific blood components (red cells or plasma) are collected from a donor. The word “apheres...
Myth: It’s painful to donate blood. Beyond the quick pinch of the needle, you shouldn’t feel any pain. You may experience some dizziness or lightheadedness during or after your donation, but remember you can talk to one of our staff members at any time if you feel uncomfortable or worried. You can also ask for the donation to be stopped at ...
Donation frequency: Every 112 days, up to 3 times/year*. You must be in good health and feeling well**. Male donors+ must be at least 17 years old in most states, at least 5'1" tall and weigh at least 130 lbs. Female donors+ must be at least 19 years old, at least 5'3" tall and weigh at least 150 lbs. See additional requirements for student ...
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Donate. Blood. Malik, blood donor. Take a minute. Give years. Someone in Québec needs blood every 80 seconds. Blood and blood products are essential for daily medical care. When you donate, you become part of a lifeline that many Quebecers depend on.
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Come to give blood 11/18-12/8 = 2 pairs of custom FRIENDS + Red Cross socks, ltd. qty. Help patients counting on lifesaving blood. Schedule a blood donation now.
