Got blood? Here are some FAQs about blood donations
Got blood?
There are several types of donations: whole blood, Power Red, platelet and plasma donations, according to the American Red Cross.
Before you go in for your next appointment, here is what you need to know about blood donations.
Types of blood donations
A whole blood donation can be used in its complete form but also can be separated into “its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets,” according to the Red Cross. Whole blood donations often are used for trauma patients and those undergoing surgery. Anyone regardless of blood type is encouraged to give whole blood donations.
A Power Red donation takes your red blood cells and gives back your plasma and platelets. The red blood cells typically are given to “trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss,” according to the Red Cross. Ideal blood types for this donation are O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative.
You can donate platelets, which are cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. Platelets are taken from your blood, along with some plasma, while your red blood cells and remaining plasma are given back. Platelet donations are used for cancer treatments and organ transplants, as well as other surgeries, according to the Red Cross. Ideal blood types for this donation are A positive, A negative, B positive, O positive, AB positive and AB negative.
You also can give plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood often used in emergencies. During this donation, plasma is separated from other parts of your blood, and your red blood cells and platelets are given back. AB plasma is used in emergency and trauma situations, according to the Red Cross. Ideal blood types for this donation are AB positive and AB negative.
How often can you donate?
You can make whole blood donations up to six times a year, according to the Red Cross. You must wait eight weeks between each donation.
You can make Power Red donations up to three times a year. You must wait 16 weeks between each time.
Platelet donations can be made up to 24 times a year. You must wait a week.
For plasma donations, you can donate up to 13 times a year. You must wait 28 days between each donation.
How long does it take?
Again, it depends on the type of donation. Whole blood donations take about one hour. Power Red takes around 11⁄2 hours, and platelets take 21⁄2 hours to three hours. Plasma takes around one hour and 15 minutes.