Whole Blood Donation

Whole Blood Donation

This standard type of donation consists of a donor giving one pint of blood. After the donation, the blood is separated into three different components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. That's how one donation impacts three lives!

The actual donation takes 5-10 minutes, extending the overall donation process to 45 minutes. Eligible whole blood donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 120 pounds, and be in general good health. Male donors and female donors 23 years of age and over can donate whole blood every 56 days, up to six times per year. Female donors 16 – 22 years of age can donate every 180 days, up to twice a year.

Who you're helping: Whole blood is frequently given to trauma patients and people undergoing surgery.