Blood Donor Program

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much blood does a person donate in one session?
Is there an age limit for donating?
How often can blood be donated?
Are there risks in giving blood?
Can you get HIV/AIDS or hepatitis from donating blood?

How much blood does a person donate in one session?

Each unit of blood consists of a volume of 450–500 milliliters or about one pint.

Is there an age limit for donating?

To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health, at least 17 years of age and can donate up to the age of 75 after this you will need permission from your doctor.

How often can blood be donated?

People in good health who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate a unit of blood as often as every eight weeks. Some states may further limit the number and/or frequency of donations in a 12-month period.

Are there risks in giving blood?

Almost none. It is not possible to acquire any disease through donating blood because new, disposable, sterilized equipment is used for each donation. A very small number of donors, less than half of one percent, experience slight discomfort during or immediately after donating.

Can you get HIV/AIDS or hepatitis from donating blood?

No. Sterile procedures and new disposable equipment are used by all blood donor centers. All items used—the finger lancet, the needle, swabs and solutions—are discarded after a single use.