FAQ
Giving Blood
Can I give blood?
Is it safe to give blood?
Does it hurt to give blood?
Should I do anything to prepare for donating blood?
Do I have to know my blood type before I can give blood?
How old do I have to be to give blood?
I take medicine(s).
I have some medical conditions.
I have a tattoo and/or body piercings.
What happens to my blood after I've donated?
Why are more minority donors needed?
Can I donate blood if I travel outside of the United States or Canada?
Why aren’t blood donors paid for giving blood?
I gave blood recently and now believe my donation shouldn’t be used.
Can I give blood to get tested for AIDS or other diseases?
After I gave blood, I received a letter that indicated something might be wrong with my blood.
Blood Drives
Can anybody organize a blood drive?
What does it take to organize a blood drive?
How many donors do I have to sign up to have a blood drive?
Why do I have to sign up people to give blood before the blood drive?
How far in advance do I have to schedule the blood drive?
Should I have an indoor blood drive or use the mobile donor coach?
Can I organize blood drives at a Donor Center?
Other Questions
I have more questions, how do I get answers?
Giving Blood
Can I give blood?
Anyone age 16 or older, who meets height and weight requirements, is in good health, and meets donation eligibility requirements may give blood. Sixteen-year-olds must present signed permission from a parent or guardian at each blood donation.
Is it safe to give blood?
Donating blood is safe and simple. You cannot get AIDS or any infectious disease by donating blood. When you donate, a sterile, single-use kit is used to collect your blood.
Does it hurt to give blood?
Most people feel only a slight pinch when the needle is first inserted in the arm. After that, most people feel no discomfort whatsoever.
Should I do anything to prepare for donating blood?
Make sure you eat a good meal, and increase fluids (preferably water) before you donate. Also, be sure you know the names of all medications you take and why you’re taking them.
Do I have to know my blood type before I can give blood?
No, you do not. In fact, giving blood is a great way to find out your blood type! Please allow at least two days for test results.
How old do I have to be to give blood?
You must be at least 16 years old to give blood. Sixteen-year-olds must present signed permission from a parent/guardian at each location.
Can I donate blood if I take medicine(s)?
Most medications do not interfere with blood donation. Please ask LifeShare staff about the specific medications you take.
Can I donate blood if I have some medical conditions?
You should feel well and healthy when you donate. If you have an active infection, wait until you are well.
You may donate blood if you have other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. You must meet blood donation criteria, including passing the mini-physical that includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and a check of your iron level.
Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo and/or body piercings?
If you received your tattoo or body piercing in a state-licensed establishment, you may donate blood three weeks after the procedure and if there is no sign of infection. If you received your tattoo or body piercing from a non-state-licensed establishment, you must wait at least one year.
If you received a cosmetic tattoo (for example, permanent eye or lip liner) in a licensed clinical establishment, you may donate blood 72 hours after the procedure and if there is no sign of infection.
What happens to my blood after I’ve donated?
Your blood will be tested for type and several communicable diseases, including hepatitis, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), syphilis, HTLV I and II, and unexpected antibodies. Also, your blood is separated into components (red cells, plasma, and/or platelets) to help several patients.
Why are more minority donors needed?
Medical research shows that some ethnicities have rare or special blood traits which may be found predominantly, or even exclusively, in persons of that ethnicity. Currently in the U.S., a disproportionately small amount of blood donations come from minorities. A small number of donations can limit the availability of compatible blood for minority patients with special blood requirements. For example, African-Americans with sickle cell anemia or other special conditions are less likely to produce antibodies to blood donated from someone with similar blood traits. While these antibodies are not directly harmful to patients, they make subsequent transfusions even more difficult by further limiting the amount of compatible blood which may be available.
Can I donate blood if I travel outside of the United States or Canada?
If you were born in, have lived in or visited certain countries, specific guidelines determine eligibility. Contact your local LifeShare donation center to find out more about how your foreign travel may affect your ability to donate.
Can I be paid to donate blood?
Blood donation at LifeShare Blood Centers is strictly voluntary. Scientific data indicates that people who give blood for altruistic reasons are the safest blood donors.
I gave blood recently and now believe my blood shouldn’t be used.
If you believe your donation should not be used, click here.
Can I give blood to get tested for AIDS or other diseases?
Please do not donate blood to get an HIV test! If you think you may be at risk for HIV/AIDS or want an HIV/AIDS test, please ask for information about other testing facilities.
After I gave blood, I received a letter that indicated something might be wrong with my blood.
A very small percentage of blood donors receive a letter indicating a positive result on one or more of the 14 tests run on every blood donation. These tests are performed to ensure your blood is safe for transfusion to patients. In most cases, the positive test result does not pose any health risk to you. For more information, contact the Medical Director’s office at 800-256-4483, extension 438.
Blood Drives
Can anybody organize a blood drive?
Any person, business, school, religious institution, or other interested group can organize a successful blood drive. The many blood drives hosted by community supporters are organized by volunteer blood drive chairpersons and committees.
What does it take to organize a blood drive?
The most important factors for a successful blood drive are motivated volunteers, a location to host the drive, and people who make a commitment to donate by signing up before the blood drive occurs. Here are details about organizing a blood drive.
How many donors do I have to sign up to have a blood drive?
You should get commitments to donate from at least 25 people. Contact your nearest LifeShare location for assistance in organizing your blood drive.
Why do I have to sign up people to give blood before the blood drive?
When we know how many donors to expect at your blood drive, we can ensure the people you’ve worked hard to sign up receive the best customer service. It also helps us make sure your blood drive is properly staffed and equipped.
How far in advance do I have to schedule the blood drive?
The minimum amount of advance scheduling varies depending upon the time of year and how many other blood drives are already scheduled. Contact your nearest LifeShare location to work with a Donor Recruiter.
Should I have an indoor blood drive or use the mobile donor coach?
Having space to conduct a blood drive at the blood drive location is preferred because it increases efficiency, convenience and comfort for the donors. Mobile buses are available when there is no other space to accommodate donors.
Can I organize blood drives at a Donor Center?
Other Questions
I have more questions, how do I get answers?
Contact your nearest LifeShare Blood Centers location to talk with a representative who can help answer your questions.
