What's Involved in Donating Blood?

Donating blood is actually quite simple, and it takes only about an hour from beginning to end.

In any single session, a donor gives one unit of blood. A unit is slightly less than one pint (approximately 495 milliliters). The average adult has between 10 and 12 pints of blood and can easily spare one. And that one pint of blood is vitally needed — there is no substitute for human blood!

The need for blood concerns everyone. Nine out of ten of us will need blood at some point in our lives, and one out of every ten hospital patients requires a transfusion. Although the average transfusion is three units of blood, often patients need more.

Blood is in constant demand for treatment of accident cases, cancer victims, hemophiliacs and for use during surgeries. Blood is also used for open heart surgery patients and people undergoing dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. New mothers and newborns sometimes need blood, too. The need for blood never takes time off.

Half of St. Joseph County's 250,000 residents are eligible to give blood, but currently only 5,000 regular volunteer donors are providing blood. More donors are needed to help save the lives of St. Joseph County residents--your family, friends and neighbors.

Blood Donation Requirements

Donors must:

• Be at least 17 years old (there is no upper age limit)
• Be in good general health
• Weigh 110 pounds or more
• Be free of cold or flu symptoms for at least 72 hours prior to donating blood
• Eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before the donation

Note: Some medical conditions may temporarily or even permanently disqualify you from giving blood. For instance, you cannot donate if you've been exposed to hepatitis or the AIDS virus, if you're pregnant or nursing, or if you're taking antibiotics.

You cannot get AIDS or any other disease from giving blood. The equipment is prepared especially for you, used only once and thrown away. All test results are strictly confidential.

Preliminary Procedures

When you donate blood:

1. You will be asked to provide basic information, such as your name, address and age. First-time donors must show official identification with a photo.
2. You will be asked some questions about your health and your medical history.
3. Your pulse, blood pressure and temperature will be checked.
4. A drop of your blood will be drawn to test quickly for anemia, an indication of your blood's ability to carry oxygen.

The Actual Donation

• Your blood is drawn by a skilled, specially trained medical technician. This part of the process typically takes 5-8 minutes.
• Following the donation, you will be offered refreshments and asked to rest for 10 minutes.
• For the entire procedure, plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour … at the Central Blood Bank, the Edison Lakes Donor Center, or a remote blood drive location.
• You can fill out a reminder card for your next appointment.

Incentives

You receive no monetary payment for blood donation. But there are other compensations:

• The satisfaction of knowing that you have directly helped a hospitalized patient in need of transfusion
• A free mini-physical, including a check on your pulse, temperature, blood pressure, hematocrit and total cholesterol
• An identification card showing your blood group and Rh type
• Refreshments while you rest immediately after donating
• A special thank-you gift for each gallon (8 pints) of blood you donate
• An invitation to special events