WHAT IT TAKES TO GIVE LIFE
GENERAL INFO
All donors must present a valid photo ID at the time of donation. IDs must be issued by state (DL or ID), school or U.S. government (passport, military ID, resident alien ID, green card or work visa).
Age: At least 16 years of age and in good general health. Sixteen-year-olds must have written parental consent. There is no upper age limit.
Weight: Minimum of 110 pounds.
Eating: Eat a low-fat meal two to four hours before giving.
Drinking: Drink lots of water or juice before and after donating. Avoid alcoholic beverages for 12 hours before and after donating.
Strenuous activity: Avoid for 12 hours after donating. Individuals with a hazardous or strenuous job should donate at the end of their work shift. Avoid lifting or pulling with the arm used for donation for 24 hours.
FAQ INTRO
To help better serve you, we've compiled a list of the questions most commonly asked by donors. If you do not see your question listed below, please call 1-888-480-8200 or Metro 817-412-5603.
FAQS
Giving BloodQ: Who can give?
At least 16 years of age (must have written parental consent). There is no upper age limit. All donors at Carter BloodCare must bring a valid photo ID. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Potential donors must be feeling well and healthy on the day of donating.
Q: What types of photo ID are accepted?
Photo IDs must be issued by state, school or U.S. government (passport, military ID, residential alien ID, green card or work visa).
Q: How much blood is taken?
A unit (about one pint) of blood is drawn. This procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The average person has between 10 to 12 pints of blood in his/her body. The blood volume lost during donation is replaced by the body within 2-3 days. In about two months, the body will have replaced all of the red cells as well.
Q: How often can I give?
Giving whole blood requires a waiting period of 56 days between donations (and is limited to no more than 6 whole blood donations/12 months period). If you donate plasma (your red cells are returned to you), you may donate every 28 days. If you donate platelets (your red cells and most of your plasma is returned to you), you may donate every 7 days, for a total of 24 times in the prior 12 months. If you donate double red cells (most of your plasma is returned to you), you must wait 112 days before your next donation. Double red cell donors must meet certain weight, height and hemoglobin requirements.
Q: How long does it take?
A unit (about one pint) of blood is drawn. This procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The average person has between 10 to 12 pints of blood in his/her body. The blood volume lost during donation is replaced by the body within 2-3 days. In about two months, the body will have replaced all of the red cells as well.
Q: How often can I give?
Giving whole blood requires a waiting period of 56 days between donations (and is limited to no more than 6 whole blood donations/12 months period). If you donate plasma (your red cells are returned to you), you may donate every 28 days. If you donate platelets (your red cells and most of your plasma is returned to you), you may donate every 7 days, for a total of 24 times in the prior 12 months. If you donate double red cells (most of your plasma is returned to you), you must wait 112 days before your next donation. Double red cell donors must meet certain weight, height and hemoglobin requirements.
Q: How long does it take?
Yes. It is called autologous donation. Autologous means "self donation" and refers to donating blood for your own surgery. This is a decision that you and your surgeon must make together. An autologous donation can only be drawn with an Autologous Donation Request Form that must be completed and signed by your surgeon. Once the form is completed, you may contact our staff at 1-866-525-3378 or Metro 817-412-5308 to schedule an appointment at a Donor Center near you.
Receiving BloodQ: Is it safe to receive blood?
While no medical procedure is without risk, the unlikely risk of transfusion-related complications is far less than that of not receiving a transfusion indicated for treatment. The blood supply is more safe now than ever. Every potential donor undergoes a thorough screening by a trained professional, and every unit undergoes many tests to ensure safety.
Blood Testing
Q: What tests are performed on blood?
ABO blood grouping
Rh type
Red cell antibody screen
Cholesterol (total)
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Hepatitis C Antibody
Hepatitis B Core Antibody
HIV-1 Antibody
HIV-2 Antibody
HTLV (Human T-Lymphotropic Virus) Type I and II Antibodies
West Nile Virus
Syphilis
Chagas Disease (one time)
Q: What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
Depending on the type of positive test result, the donor may be temporarily or indefinitely deferred. The blood donation is discarded. The donor is notified by mail of any clinically significant abnormal test results, or may be notified that we wish to personally consult with him/her. At that time, we are able to help the donor understand the test result and subsequent deferral. All test results are confidential for all blood donors. If you have questions about testing, please call Donor Notification at 1-888-480-8200 or Metro 817-412-5603.
Q: What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
Depending on the type of positive test result, the donor may be temporarily or indefinitely deferred. The blood donation is discarded. The donor is notified by mail of any clinically significant abnormal test results, or may be notified that we wish to personally consult with him/her. At that time, we are able to help the donor understand the test result and subsequent deferral. All test results are confidential for all blood donors. If you have questions about testing, please call Donor Notification at 1-888-480-8200 or Metro 817-412-5603.
Q: What can I eat to raise my hemoglobin (iron) levels?
Best Sources of Iron: Red meat Liver Poultry Egg yolk Other Good Sources: Enriched Cereals, breads Dark green leafy vegetables Dried beans, kidney, pinto, soy Dark molasses Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, peaches)
Q: I don't have sickle cell anemia, but I carry the trait. Can I still give?
You can donate blood if you have sickle cell trait.