Blood donation is safe, simple, and life-saving. By the time you read this sentence, someone in the U.S. required a blood transfusion. That’s right, about every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood for surgery, childbirth, serious injury, treatment for cancer or chronic health conditions, and more. Because there is no replacement for blood, volunteer donors are needed on a regular basis to make sure blood is available when someone needs it.
While blood donations of all types are needed year-round, wildfires and severe winter weather have led to an emergency blood shortage – especially blood types O negative and B negative – in the U.S., according to a new alert from the American Red Cross. People who have an O negative blood type are sometimes called “universal blood donors” because O negative blood is compatible with any blood type. O negative blood is also the most commonly used blood type during emergencies that require transfusions. On the other hand, B negative is in high demand because it is one of the rarest blood types, and people who have a B negative blood type can only receive blood from other B negative donors or from universal donors. If you aren’t sure what your blood type is, you can find out during a blood donation appointment.
Want to become a blood donor, but have some questions? Here are answers to common questions about blood donation eligibility, safety, and the donation process.
🩸Who can donate? Most adults ages 17+ can donate blood. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and not be taking antibiotics, and have last donated more than 8 weeks ago. There is no maximum age to donate. Generally, you can still donate if you have tattoos or piercings (some states require that you wait 3 months). And in 2023, the FDA recommended that blood centers screen donors based on individual risk-based questions – rather than sexual orientation, sex, or gender – to reduce the risk of getting HIV from a transfusion, which expanded the number of people eligible to donate blood. This behavior-based screening approach is evidence-based and aligned with donor screening policies in Canada and the United Kingdom.
🩸Is donating blood safe? Yes, it is very safe. There are strict safety protocols to reduce risks and complications for both the blood donor and recipient. For example, all blood donors complete a health screening, and all blood donations are tested for infectious diseases and other potential risks. Adverse reactions are very rare.
🩸Does it hurt? Many people say it feels like any other blood draw – you feel a pinch when the needle is inserted but it should not be painful. Donors might feel a little dizzy or lightheaded. Afterward, you’ll get a light snack and can go on about your day.
🩸How long does it take? The process should take about 1 hour for whole blood donation. The blood draw itself only takes about 10 minutes or less.
🩸Where can I donate? The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies has a helpful blood donation center locator. Just enter your zip code to find a convenient donation location nearby, and pick a time that works best for you.
Donating blood is literally a life-saving act. While there is a current emergency blood shortage, donations are needed all year long. Learn more and consider becoming a blood donor.
Stay well, stay kind, save lives,
Those Nerdy Girls
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