Three people can receive your blood. The donated blood is separated into three parts in the blood center laboratory: red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body tissues, platelets that stop bleeding, and plasma, the liquid part of blood, that helps clotting. When you go to give blood, your blood type will be determined and then given to patients who have a compatible blood type.

While donor qualification criteria are almost universal across the country, there are some specific qualifications that are determined by state regulators and by blood center medical directors. To be certain, please call your local blood center before scheduling your donation appointment. You must be 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

The whole process takes about an hour. The actual donation takes 15 minutes. Please be sure to eat a full meal and drink lots of water before you go. Drinks and snacks will be provided after you give as well.

You can donate blood every 56 days and you can donate platelets every two weeks.