Whole Blood Donation
Although most of us don’t think about it often, the blood circulating in our bodies has many important roles. It works hard in every part of your body to keep you healthy and strong. Even with advanced medical science, there is no substitute for human blood, so when people need blood, the only option is donated blood. LifeShare Blood Center understands the importance of blood donation and the impact it can have on saving lives. The most common form of donation is whole blood. Here are some facts about this type of donation, what it can do, and why you should consider rolling up your sleeves to donate through LifeShare Blood Center.
What is Whole Blood Donation?
Donating blood is a powerful way to help people when they’re at their most vulnerable. When blood has been collected, it can be used as is or separated into its components. Blood is made up of white and red cells, plasma, and platelets, and each of these does different things in the body.
Donating just one component of blood, such as platelets, is possible. However, the most common type of donation is whole blood. These are the most flexible type of donations, allowing the blood to be transfused as-is, usually for patients who are having surgery or have suffered traumatic injuries. However, the blood can also be separated into different parts if specific components of the blood are needed.
What is the Process of Donating Whole Blood?
Whole blood donation is the most common type of donation, and it’s pretty straightforward. To be eligible, you must be at least 16* years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. You’ll also be asked some screening questions and have a brief exam (a mini-physical which includes checking blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels) to ensure that you’re a good candidate to donate.
Once you’re cleared to go, the process is simple. Using sterile equipment, the expert staff member will carefully insert a needle into your arm to draw the blood. You just relax while the blood is being collected. The actual donation process only takes about 10 minutes, but we suggest you plan to spend 45 minutes with us.
After about a pint of blood has been collected, you will be given a bright bandage, our thanks, a small gift of appreciation, and a snack. We recommend you stay in the center for a little while after you’re done to be sure you’re ready to return to your day. We encourage you to rest, have something to eat, and be sure to drink plenty of water for the rest of the day.
You can donate whole blood every 56 days and as often as six times per year.
*16 year olds require signed consent from their guardian.
Why Your Whole Blood Donation Matters
In a world of amazing medical advances, there is no substitute for blood. Patients who need a transfusion of blood or any of its components simply have no other options. Because of this, having donated blood available can mean the difference between life and death.
Your whole blood donation will potentially help up to three patients. LifeShare Blood Center makes sure the blood donations we collect remain in the community, which means that the lives you touch could be your family, friends, or neighbors. It’s a powerful act you can do to support the people around you.
Donate today at LifeShare Blood Center
At LifeShare Blood Center, we work hard to support the local medical community with donated blood. We understand donated blood saves lives, and the only way to do that is through the selfless actions of donors. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We’d love to have you join us in our mission of helping patients when they need it most.
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