Blood Donation Process

There are three forms of blood donations:

• Whole Blood
• Platelet Apheresis
• Plasma

Whole Blood
Blood donation is a simple procedure that takes less than one hour.

1. answer a medical/social history questionnaire
2. vital signs are taken (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and iron tes)t
3. 1-pint of blood is drawn by needle in arm (5 - 10 minutes)
4. relax 10 - 15 minutes with refreshments

You can safely donate whole blood every eight weeks.

Platelet Apheresis
The donor's blood goes through a centrifuge that separates the red cells and the platelets. The platelets are then returned to the donor.

It is safe to donate platelets twice in a three week period, and then wait eight weeks before donating again.

Plasma
The procedure is similar to platelet apheresis. Plasma is not used for transfusions, but it can be used in a variety of research programs and medications.

It is against federal law for blood donors to be paid for their donation, however, you can be compensated for plasma donations.