![]() ![]() Generally, a person may donate platelets as frequently as 24 times a year. Your body is able to replenish its supply of platelets quickly. The entire process takes about two hours. Specially trained Red Cross staff members conduct the procedure while you relax, watch TV or read. Your donation can help save a life! By using a special method called apheresis (ay-fer-ee’-sis), whole blood is separated into components, and the platelets are removed. A platelet recipient could be a family member, friend, neighbor, acquaintance or stranger. Most patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment or organ transplant need donated platelets in order to survive. Up to 12 tests are performed on every unit of blood. The Red Cross is committed to providing the safest possible blood supply to the community. The chart below indicates the percentages of the ABO and Rh factors in our donor population:ĪB 3% AB 0.5% How safe is the community blood supply? The ABO and Rh blood groups are the most important because they determine the compatibility of donated blood with its recipient. The ABO and Rh blood groups are inherited. Not all blood has the same characteristics blood groups are inherited. Bring the card with you each time you give. In six to eight weeks after your first donation, you’ll receive a Red Cross donor card with your blood type. You can find out your blood type by giving blood. Try to eat good, basic meals for the next two weeks. Double your normal fluid intake for the next 48 hours. For at least five hours, avoid heavy lifting with the arm from which you donated. What should I do after donating blood?Īvoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day. ![]() Just one blood donation can help save the life of up to three people. How is blood used?īlood can help people who have been in automobile accidents, cancer patients, heart-disease patients, transplant candidates, and children with sickle-cell disease, to name a few. Demand continues to outpace the supply, which is why the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give at least twice a year. Red blood cells last 42 days and platelets only five. Patients in our communities rely on voluntary blood donors to help maintain a safe and adequate supply.Blood is perishable and must constantly be replaced. In fact, every two seconds in the U.S., a blood transfusion is needed. Why should people give blood?īlood is always needed, every day. Increase your iron intake, and you can try donating again in about a week. Don’t be discouraged if you are temporarily deferred due to low hemoglobin. This is done to protect both you and the patient who receives your blood. Your hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein, will be checked each time you donate blood. You should also eat and drink normally after giving your body can use the extra boost. This will help you avoid feeling light-headed or nauseous. You should eat a well-balanced meal at least two hours before donating. How often can you give blood?įederal regulations require that donors wait at least 56 days (eight weeks) between whole blood donations. In Missouri, people who are at least 17 years of age (or 16 years of age with signed American Red Cross parental or legal guardian consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good general health on the day of donation, are usually eligible to donate blood. ![]()
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