Why Does The Red Cross Ask So Many Personal Questions?
The Red Cross needs healthy donors. Most people choose to donate because they want to share their healthy blood with someone who needs it. Some potential donors, however, may have been exposed to diseases which could affect their blood donation. Specifically some people can be at high risk for exposure to HIV, the virus which causes AIDS, without realizing it. The Red Cross asks lifestyle and behavior questions prior to donation so individuals at risk are prevented from donating. Many of these questions are mandated by the Food and Drug Administration for all U.S. blood collection agencies.

Would Most People Be Honest About Their Past Behavior?
The safety of any donation begins with the donor providing honest answers to health screenning questions. Most donors answer truthfully, but there are additional safeguards in the process to ensure that blood positive for HIV or another transmissible disease is destroyed. The health history questions make donors think carefully about their behaviors prior to donating blood.

Why Do Frequent Donors Have To Answer The Same Questions Over And Over Again? Why Can't They Be Given Shorter Forms?
The Red Cross has found that the safety of the blood supply is increased by asking these questions each time a donor gives blood. A donor's health situation can change during the eight weeks between donations. To ensure that the blood supply is as safe as possible, the Red Cross must re-ask the donor questions.

Why Does It Sometimes Take A Long Time To Donate?
We have worked hard to make the donation process as convenient as possible for our donors. We use historical information and other data to try and predict the number of donors we expect to see at each blood drive and try to schedule the number of staff accordingly.
Some blood drives attract more donors than expected, some donors arrive at a time other than their scheduled time, sometimes staff are ill, or there can be a problem with an individual donor that takes a longer time. All of these things can lead to an extra long wait. The American Red Cross is developing methods that will reduce the time it takes to give blood.

I Just Had A Part Of My Body Pierced. Can I Donate?
Individuals who had ear/body piercing in which sterile needles are used, are accepted as blood donors. Individuals who had ear/body piercing in which the needles were previously used or were not sterile, or if the donor does not know if the needles may have been reused, are deferred from donating for 12 months from the date of the ear/body piercing.

Why Can't My Blood Donation Be Tax Deductible?
The Red Cross receives only voluntary donations for blood. Voluntary donations encourage people to give out of altruistic motivations and to support a safe blood supply in the United States. The Red Cross does not provide monetary or other incentives, such as free blood tests, tax deductions or food credits to potential donors. This policy helps us to be sure that all blood donations to the American Red Cross are strictly and truly voluntary.

Why Doesn't The Red Cross Collect Blood From Inmates Of Correctional Institutions?
Red Cross policy prohibits the collection of blood from donors who are imprisoned. Our policy is based on the guidance in the American Association of Blood Bank's Technical Manual and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Our concern at the American Red Cross is always for the safety and adequacy of the blood supply. The CDC has found that prison populations are at a greater risk for contracting or carrying HIV and, as a group, would not constitute optimal prospective blood donors. Our primary concern would be those recently infected individuals whose blood tests may not yet show a detectable level of antibodies and would not yield a positive result. In addition, we do not collect blood from anyone who has an incentive to give blood such as a lessened sentence or financial reward.

Does the Red Cross notify donors of test results? How long will it take to get notification of abnormal results?
The Red Cross notifies donors of any abnormal test results once testing is completed - usually within two weeks. They are also told that their blood has been discarded and advised about the health implications of the positive tests. The information is confidential and released only to the donor and agencies as required by law, such as the state department of health.

I am diabetic. Can I donate?
Well controlled diabetes is not a cause for deferral through the American Red Cross. In addition, a diabetic donor who reuses his insulin syringe is acceptable as long as the donor only uses the syringe and he or she meets all other donor criteria.

I've heard rumors that there may be a test for Mad Cow Disease. Any truth to that?
The medical experts are working hard at coming up with a definitive test for vCJD, the human form of Mad Cow Disease. We are hopeful that a test will be developed and implemented soon so that blood donors deferred for travel to the United Kingdom and western Europe can be reinstated as soon as a test becomes available.

I weigh less than 110 pounds. Why can't I donate?
Small people have lower blood volumes and may not be able to safely give away a full pint of blood.

Are the health history questions and my test results confidential?
Yes. The health history will be conducted by a trained professional in an individual booth arranged to preserve confidentiality. Your answers will be kept confidential, except where required by law. If your blood tests positive to any of the administered standard tests, you will receive confidential notification. The Red Cross maintains strict confidentiality of all blood donor records.

Why doesn't the Red Cross offer free blood screening for things like cholesterol?
The Red Cross receives only voluntary donations for blood. Voluntary donations encourage people to give blood out of altruistic motivations and to support a safe blood supply. The Red Cross does not provide monetary or other incentives such as free blood tests, tax deductions, etc. to potential blood donors. This policy helps us to be sure that all blood donations to the American Red Cross are strictly and truly voluntary.

How Can I Receive Information From the Red Cross Blood Services through my email?
Simply fill out the email newsletter sign-up on this website, call your local Red Cross Blood Center or drop us a line with your name and email address. It's that simple! We'll send you a monthly e-newsletter and other important notifications. You can always opt out at any time.

What Is The Most Common Blood Type?
Type O+ is the most common blood type in the United States, closely followed by Type A+.

Should I Donate With The Flu Going Around?
You may not donate blood while you have the flu, but can donate after being exposed to someone with the flu if you're feeling well and have no symptoms.

Does The Blood You Collect Stay In My Community?
The American Red Cross Blood Services is committed to making sure no patient goes without the blood he or she needs. The American Red Cross consistently meets the blood needs of all local hospitals. Blood donated through the Red Cross can also be sent for patients being treated at medical centers throughout the entire New England area and, in times of disaster or conflict, can be made available anywhere in the country or the world.Blood donated through the American Red Cross is "blood without borders." It is the ultimate way to think globally and act locally."

What's the ratio of American Red Cross volunteers to employees?
Volunteers comprise 97% of the American Red Cross workforce and one in every 273 Americans is a Red Cross volunteer. There are 29 volunteers for every American Red Cross employee. More than one million Red Cross volunteers nationwide provide relief to victims of disasters, organize blood drives and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross would not be able to fulfill its lifesaving mission without the tremendous support of these dedicated volunteers.

How long does it take to give blood?
The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, the blood collection, and time for refreshments in the canteen. For whole blood the entire donation process usually takes about one hour and the blood collection segment is usually about 10 minutes. For apheresis (platelet) collections the entire process is about two hours.

Is there a minimum or maximum age limit for donating blood?
By state law, the minimum age at which a person may become a blood donor is 17 years of age (or 16 years of age in Maine with parental consent). Although a maximum age limit was in effect in the past, there is no longer an upper age limit for giving blood through the American Red Cross.

How much blood do I have in my body?
As a general rule, women have approximately 10 pints and men have approximately 12 pints of blood.

Why are pregnant women unable to give blood?
Although no problems have been reported, the safety of donating blood during and shortly after pregnancy has not been fully established. There may be medical risks to mother and baby if a blood donation is made while pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.

Why can platelet donors give blood more frequently than whole blood donors?
Whole blood donors may give blood every 8 weeks in order to allow plenty of time for their red cells to be replenished. Apheresis (platelet) donors can donate more frequently, as much as 24 times per year, because the platelet and plasma components are replaced in the body more quickly than red cells.

Does the American Red Cross pay for blood donation?
The Red Cross is fully committed to remaining a blood collection organization depending completely upon volunteer donors and does not pay for blood donations. Additionally, Food and Drug Administration regulations do not permit compensation for blood that is used for transfusion purposes as studies have shown that volunteer donors provide a safer blood supply.

How can I increase my iron level?
Donors may be temporarily deferred from donating due to a low iron (hematocrit) level. This requirement is for the safety of the donor. We want to make sure that, after donation, the donor's iron level will still be within the normal range for a healthy adult. A deferral for low hematocrit does not mean a donor is anemic. Hematocrit levels can fluctuate daily. Eating foods high in iron, such as red meat, dark green vegetables, raisins, Total cereal, etc, or taking a multivitamin with iron may help increase iron levels.

How can I sponsor a blood drive at my place of employment?
The American Red Cross depends upon committed volunteers who are willing to organize Red Cross blood drives at their school, their place of business or in their community. We are always happy to hear from people and groups interested in sponsoring a blood drive and will be glad to explain exactly what's involved. Simply call us at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, send an email or fill out our convenient online form.

Can blood be stockpiled, to be used in times of shortage?
Blood has a relatively short "shelf life." Red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days and platelets outdate after only 5 days. While certain types of blood which are considered very rare are frozen and kept in reserve, the expense and logisitics of freezing blood on a routine basis are prohibitive. Blood donors are needed every day in order to maintain a consistent supply of this lifesaving medicine.

How long until the blood I donated can be used?
All blood donations are processed and available for use in 48 hours. Whole blood is processed into components (red cells, plasma and platelets). After processing, the red cells can be stored for 42 days. Plasma can be frozen and stored for up to 12 months and platelets (from whole blood or by apheresis) expire after 5 days.

Does the Red Cross do paternity testing?
The Red Cross does not perform blood tests to determine paternity. For personal blood tests, such as a paternity test, individuals should contact their personal physician or local health department.

Why does it seem to take longer to donate since the new donor registration form was introduced on 3/21/05?
Initially, as with anything new, the donation procedure may move slightly slower than expected as both donors and Red Cross staff become more acquainted with the new form and information. The new system will ultimately make the donation process more streamlined. Most Red Cross regions are finding about a two week "learning curve" where some blood drives may be backed up. We appreciate your understanding as we strive toward improving the overall donation process.

Is it true that I can get a free AIDS test when I donate blood?
The Red Cross tests blood products for HIV; however, anyone interested being tested for AIDS should NOT donate blood in order to get tested. Our community needs healthy donors. You can contact your local health department for AIDS testing. Testing through your local health department is free and may be done anonymously.

Why does it seem like there's always a blood shortage?
Medical advances have improved the treatment of serious illness and injury. These advances have increased the need for blood and blood products. Also, "baby boomers," who make up the majority of blood donors, are aging. As they grow older, fewer are eligible to give blood, even though there's no upper age limit, yet more of them need blood as their health declines.

Why do you defer people for an entire year if they've traveled in a malarial area?
Because the parasite which causes malaria can lay dormant in a person's system for as long as a year, the 12 month deferral for travel to a malarial area is in effect to protect the safety of the blood supply.

Why does taking antibiotics disqualify one from donating blood?
The deferral from donating while on antibiotics is not for the antibiotic itself, but for the underlying condition for which the antibiotic is being taken. It is possible that the infection or illness may be transmitted through a blood transfusion. Generally speaking, the deferral is temporary and a donor may resume giving blood when symptom free and the course of antibiotics is completed.

Can a person donate blood if he or she has had cancer?
A person who has had non-melanoma skin cancer or a localized cancer that has not spread elsewhere may give blood if the tumor has been excised and healed. For almost all other cancers (such as breast, brain, prostate, lung cancers), a person may now donate 1 year after diagnosis or date of last surgery, last chemotherapy or last radiation treatment (if treatment was needed). People who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, are not eligible to donate at the present time.

How long does it take to replace the blood I'm donating?
The body replaces the donated blood volume within a few hours. It takes several weeks to replace the donated red cells. Donors can safely give blood every eight weeks.

What is the universal blood type?
For whole blood, Type O negative, occurring in about 8% of the U.S. population, is the universal donor and can be given to a patient with any other blood type. Type AB positive, which occurs in only 2.5% of the population, is the universal recipient and can safely receive blood of any other type.

How much blood is donated each year?
According to the National Blood Data Resource Center (NBDRC), 13.9 million units of whole blood are donated in the United States each year. Approximately eight million volunteer blood donors provide blood for about 4.5 million patients annually.

Can blood collected in one place help patients elsewhere?
Our primary focus is serving patient needs in each of our collection sites' geographical areas. In times of shortage, however, our regions call upon each other to fulfill emergency needs. Blood products are transported where they are needed. In times of disaster and war, all blood banks work together to aid victims.

What kind of research does the Red Cross do?
The Holland Laboratory has strong programs in the basic sciences related to transfusion medicine and carries out development work in support of Red Cross Biomedical Services programs. A scientific staff of more than 250 focuses on:

• Improving the safety and efficacy of blood services in the United States
• Studying the molecular biology of blood and the immune response
• Developing new biomedical products and technologies that will address the health needs of patients worldwide.

In addition to the Holland Laboratory, about a dozen Red Cross Blood Services regions are involved in local research and development programs, often in collaboration with universities and large teaching hospitals around the country.

I'm pregnant. Can I still donate?
Women who are pregnant are temporarily deferred from donating until six weeks after the delivery of the baby.

Why are the health history questions necessary every time?
To ensure the safest possible blood supply all screening questions must be asked of all donors at each donation. The Food and Drug Administration requires all blood centers to conform to this practice. The questions asked may change, as do specific donor eligibility criteria. Also, asking these questions each time gives people additional opportunities to reflect on their own circumstances and possibly remember situations they may have forgotten earlier.

I've served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Am I still eligible to donate?
First of all, thank you for your service to your country. Those members of the military who were in Operation Desert Storm are now eligible to donate blood again. For anyone who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan in the past 12 months, there is a one year deferral period. After one year, donors can start donating again.

What is a blood type?
All people belong to one of four inherited blood groups: A, B, AB and O. The letters A and B refer to the kind of antigens found on an individual's red blood cells. An antigen is a protein or carbohydrate on the cell that triggers an immune response, such as the formation of antibodies.

I had my blood re-tested by my doctor after receiving a false positive screening test result with Red Cross. My doctor says I am fine and able to donate. Why can't the Red Cross accept my blood?
At this time, the American Red Cross does not have an FDA approved re-entry protocol for donors who have had false positive test results. If we receive approval for a re-entry policy, we will happily notify you that you may be tested to re-enter the pool of qualified donors.

Can I donate blood if I've gotten a tattoo?
Potential donors who have received a tattoo in a state which licenses and regulates its tattoo establishments can donate blood. In states where these facilities are not regulated, there is a 12 month deferral period. To find out if the state in which you received a tattoo is regulated, call your local Red Cross donor center or send us an email.

When Can I Donate Blood After Getting A Flu Shot?
There is no set waiting period after receiving a flu shot. Potential blood donors may want to wait a day or two, just to make sure they do not have a reaction to the shot.

I recently had mononucleosis. Can I still donate blood?
A person who has completely recovered from mononucleosis may be accepted as a donor. If the person had hepatitis or jaundice with the mononucleosis, however, he or she is indefinitely deferred as a donor.

Will donating blood hurt?
You may feel a slight sting in the beginning lasting only a couple of seconds, but there should be no discomfort during the donation.

Are blood donors paid?
No. Blood collected for transfusion in the United States is given by volunteer blood donors.

Is there such a thing as artificial blood?
Scientists have yet to find a successful substitute for human blood. This is why blood donors are so vital to the lives of those who are in need of blood.

What can I do if I'm ineligible to donate?
While you may be unable to donate blood, there are other ways you can help. You can recruit other suitable donors. Or, you can volunteer to assist at donor centers or mobile blood drives.

Can I donate blood with high blood pressure?
Yes, if your blood presure is under control and within the limits set in the donation guidelines.

Why must I present ID to donate blood?
The Red Cross is mandated by law to maintain completely accurate records of all blood donors and blood donations. With approximately 270,000 donors in the New England Region alone - many with the same last name or date of birth - requiring a positive form of ID is the most failproof way of making sure our records comply with what the FDA requires. The American Red Cross is not alone in this regard. Requiring positive ID has become the industry standard for blood collection agencies.

Why does the Red Cross not allow blood donations from gay males?
Blood is a drug and must be prescribed by a physician. The American Red Cross and all other blood collection organizations in the US must follow all regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration, without exception. While the FDA periodically reviews the current lifetime deferral for men who have had sex with other men, its stance on this issue remains in effect at this time. The American Red Cross has petitioned the FDA, in collaboration with the AABB and America's Blood Centers, to modify this deferral criteria and make it comparable with criteria for other groups at increased risk for sexual transmission of transfusion-transmitted infections. We will continue to strongly support the use of rational, scientifically-based deferral periods that are applied fairly and consistently among potential donors who engage in activities of similar risk. Unless and until the FDA changes its position on this matter, the American Red Cross and all other blood banks must continue to indefinitely defer men who have had sex with other men, even once, since 1977 from giving blood.

How long does it take for my body to replace the blood I donated?
Not long at all. The volume of fluids will adjust within a few hours of your donation. The red blood cells will be replaced within a few weeks.

How long must I wait to donate blood after surgery?
Providing you did not receive a blood transfusion in the process, there is no set waiting time after surgery. Persons may donate blood once their surgeon has released them to all normal activities.

Is There A Waiting Period After A Tetanus Shot?
There is no waiting period to donate blood after a routine tetanus shot.

Do Blood Types Differ Between Ethnic Groups?
Yes. For example, about 60 percent of the Latino population is Group O, the blood type in greatest demand. Only about 45 percent of the population of other ethnic groups is Type O. Many African-Americans have Type O or B blood. Nearly 20 percent of all African-Americans have Type B, compared to 11 percent of the Caucasian population.

Can't Blood Be Stored For Future Disasters?
Whole blood is separated into its component parts after donation. Red blood cells can be stored as liquid for only 42 days. Because of the cost, special handling and logistics involved, red blood cells are not routinely frozen for future use. Red blood cells from extremely rare donors are sometimes frozen for up to 10 years; however, platelets are viable for only five days and can't be frozen. Frozen plasma can only be used for up to one year. Because red blood cells have a 42 day shelf life and platelets, commonly used for cancer patients, only last for five days, we must replenish the national supply daily to ensure a steady blood supply when and where it's needed.

Does The Red Cross Charge For Blood?
The Red Cross does not charge hospitals for the unit of blood itself, which has been given by a volunteer blood donor. The Red Cross must charge a cost recovery fee per unit based on the costs incurred in recruiting the donor, collecting and testing the blood and distributing it to hospitals. These cost recovery fees enable Red Cross Blood Services to continue doing the work we do to help save lives every day.

Can Blood Collected In One Place Help Victims Elsewhere?
Our primary focus is serving patient needs in each of our collection sites' geographic areas. In times of shortage, Red Cross regions call upon each other to fulfill emergency needs. Blood products are transported where they are needed. In times of disaster and war, all blood banks work together to aid victims. However, every day in local hospitals, there are patients who rely on volunteer blood donations to survive. Please give blood regularly.

How Much Blood Is Donated Each Year?
According to the National Blood Data Resource Center, 13.9 million units of whole blood are donated in the United States each year. Approximately eight million volunteer blood donors provide blood for about 4.5 million patients per year.

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