Who can donate blood?
Any healthy person between the ages of 18 to 60 can be a blood donor provided he/she fulfils the medical requirements.

Is donating blood safe?
Donating blood is a safe process. Needles and bags used to collect blood are used only once and then discarded, making spread of infection to the donor not possible.

How much blood is taken; won't it make me weak?
A blood donation equals approximately one pint of blood. The average adult body has 10-12 pints. The vast majority of people will not feel any different because of the donation. A very small percentage may experience temporary dizziness, but some rest and fluids will help you feel better quickly. Your body will replace the lost fluid within 24 hours.

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.

Do I have enough blood in my body to donate?
Yes. The body contains 10 to 12 pints of blood. Whole blood donation is approximate one pint.

Can I get AIDS from donating blood?
No. There is no risk of contracting AIDS or any other disease through the donation process. Each collection kit is sterile, pre-packaged and used only once.

How much time does it take for my body to replace the blood that 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 until my blood is used?
Most blood donations are processed and available for use within 48 hours.

Does donated blood stay on the shelf indefinitely until it is used?
No. Each unit of whole blood normally is separated into several components. Red blood cells may be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days, or they may be frozen for up to 10 years.

How often can I donate blood?
If you don't change your life in a way that could prevent you from donating, you can safely donate every eight weeks.

Are the health history questions necessary every time I donate?
To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must be asked all the screening questions at each donation. The FDA requires that all blood centers conform to this practice.

Is there such 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.

Is there anything I should do before I donate?
Be sure to eat well at your regular mealtimes and drink plenty of fluids.

If I was deferred once before, am I still ineligible to donate?
If your deferral is of a permanent nature, you will be informed. Otherwise, the deferral time depends upon the reason for deferral. Prior to each donation, you will be given a mini-physical and medical interview. At that time, it will be determined if you are eligible to donate blood on that particular day.

If I just received a flu shot, can I donate blood?
Yes. There is no waiting period to donate after receiving a flu shot.

If I have a cold or the flu, can I donate blood?
In order to donate, blood centers require that you be in generally good health (symptom-free) and recommend that you are feeling well.

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

What if I have anemia?
You cannot give blood if you have anemia. However, this can often be a temporary condition. Your hemoglobin will be tested before you donate to make sure it is at an acceptable level.

How can I increase my iron level?
Donors may be deferred from donating due to a low hematocrit (iron) level. This restriction is for the safety of the donor and ensures that after donation, the donor's hematocrit level will still be within the normal range for a healthy adult. Since hematocrit levels can fluctuate daily, a deferral for a low hematocrit level does not mean a donor is anemic. A donor may help increase his or her hematocrit levels by eating foods high in iron such as red meat, dark green vegetables and raisins or by taking a multivitamin that contains iron.

How long does it take to donate blood?
The whole process takes about an hour. It starts with registration, a health history and a mini-physical. Then comes’ the actual donation, which usually takes less than 10-12 minutes.

Can I smoke after giving blood?
Probably best that you don't for about two hours after donating, as it might make you feel dizzy or faint.

Can I go back to work on the same day?
Unfortunately the answer is yes. However, it's unwise to give blood just before undertaking a hazardous hobby or job, such as driving a crane or driving in the emergency services.

I suffer from varicose veins. As blood is carried around my body through my veins am I able to give blood?
Providing you are otherwise fit and healthy you are still able to be a blood donor and donating will do you no harm. However, if you are awaiting surgery or have recently had surgery this may temporarily exclude you.

Can blood of animals be transfused to human beings?
Scientists have tried a lot but so far they are not successful. Only the blood of a human being can be transfused to a human patient.

How long can blood be stored?
Whole blood can be stored up to 35 days, when kept in CPDA anti coagulant solution and refrigerated at 2 - 4 deg C. But the demand is so great that blood hardly ever remains in storage for so long and is used much before expiry.

Are there any other benefits of blood donation?
Yes, blood donation is a noble, selfless service! It gives the donor a feeling of joy and contentment. Also this is an expression of love for Mankind, as blood knows no caste, color, creed, religion or race, country, continent or sex.