At least two people will need blood by the time you finish reading this sentence. That’s because every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood according to the American Red Cross.

Surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries all require some blood product. It could be whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma. We all have it within us to make a potentially life-saving donation. Yet less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets. Fewer than 10% do it annually.

The demand for blood is even greater during the pandemic as donations have plummeted because of the COVID-19 virus. But anyone who is symptom-free and feeling well is eligible to donate.

What’s Involved?

The actual donation of blood doesn’t take more than about 10 minutes. You will spend more time answering questions and having things like your iron and blood pressure checked, than you will giving a pint of blood.

Whole blood donors can give every 56 days. They must be in good health, feeling well, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors can give when they’re 16 if they have a guardian’s written permission.

Donors are registered, will present identification, get some information about donating blood, and provide an address for mail in case the donation center needs to follow up. They will also answer a few health questions, including information about travel. Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level are all checked.

The technician or phlebotomist will clean the area for the donation and insert a brand new, sterile needle to draw the blood. They will then bandage your arm after a pint is collected. You will be sitting or lying down the entire time. Afterward, you’ll get a snack, and if you’re feeling well, you’re free to go.

People can also donate platelets. This involves getting hooked to a machine that will take a little of your blood, remove the platelets, and return the blood to your other arm. This cycle gets repeated several times over about two hours. Donors are usually lying down under warm blankets. They also get to watch movies.

What Happens to Your Blood?

Donation is just the first step of your blood’s journey. After that it’s:
 

• Processed — During processing it’s separated into transfusable components like red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The components are packaged as units which is a standard amount.
• Tested — This happens at the same time as the processing. The tests determine blood type and check for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, zika virus, or west Nile. Donors are notified if their samples test positive for infections. Their donations are also discarded.
• Stored — Suitable units are labeled and stored as red blood cells (for 42 days), platelets (for up to five days), and plasma can be frozen for up to one year.
• Distributed — It will eventually get shipped where it’s most needed.
• Transfused — Eventually it finds its way into patients who are having surgery, have been in accidents or burned, are being treated for cancer, or have chronic diseases like sickle cell anemia.

Excuses not to Donate

People are always finding reasons not to donate, despite the desperate need. They include:

1. Fear of needles — Needles can be scary, but phlebotomists are so good, you will barely notice you’ve been stuck.
2. Others are donating — They’re not. There is a serious blood shortage.
3. No demand for my blood type — Blood shortages would be less frequent if all eligible donors gave just twice a year.
4. I’ve been sick — Criteria for donations continue to change. If you’ve been turned down in the past, you may be eligible now.
5. Fear of disease — It’s never been safer to donate. All equipment is sterile and used only once.
6. Not enough blood — Your body makes more blood so you’re eligible to donate whole blood every eight weeks, platelets every two weeks, plasma every four weeks, and automated red cells every 16 weeks.
7. Not enough iron — Simple changes in diet can boost your iron levels.
8. Fear of being rejected — See number 4.
9. Fear they’ll take too much — That won’t happen. They will also make sure you take some time to enjoy some snacks and juice to replenish what they took.
10. Too busy — How would that excuse go over if it were for you or someone you love?

Get Some Answers

Your AltaMed physician can answer any questions you have about donating blood, how it benefits others, and even how it benefits you. It could lower your iron levels if they’re too high. People who regularly donate blood tend to have better overall cholesterol figures. It’s also good knowing that you helped someone.

We’re always here to help you, regardless of what questions you have about yourself or a loved one. Call AltaMed at (877) 462-2582 to get stared with us today.