Demystifying Blood Donation

By giving a single pint of blood, you may help save as many as three lives. But for many, there is some anxiety over the actual procedure. Knowing what to expect from your appointment can help. Below we answer six common questions about blood donation.

Who can donate blood?
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be in good health and at least 17 years old, although some states permit younger people to donate, with parental consent. Few states have any upper age limit. Generally, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, and all must pass a physical and health history examination given before donation. "Healthy" means you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, "healthy" also means your condition is controlled with treatment.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets most blood donation guidelines, some additional criteria are set by the blood donation centers. So this information should be taken as a guide only. Check with your blood center about its specific rules.

Donor eligibility rules are intended to protect the health and safety of the donor, as well as the patient who will receive the transfusion. If you have any kind of medical condition, you should check with your health care professional about donating blood.