🩸 Blood Facts That Matter
Why Donate Blood?
Because one donation can save multiple lives and one day, it could be yours. Every drop helps accident victims, surgery patients, cancer fighters, and more. 100% of our local blood supply comes from volunteers. No substitutes. Just people like you.
Who Can Donate?
You're eligible to give blood if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Weigh at least 55 kg
- Are in good general health
- Have hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL
- Have not donated blood in the last 3 months
The Donation Experience
Does It Hurt to Give Blood?
Most donors feel only a brief pinch when the needle goes in. The entire blood draw typically takes less than 10 minutes.
How Should I Prepare?
- Get a good night's sleep
- Eat a healthy meal
- Stay hydrated (water is best)
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Bring your ID and donor card if you have one
What Happens When I Donate?
- Check-in: Fill out a brief health questionnaire
- Mini Checkup: We check your pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and hemoglobin
- Donation: 500ml of blood (about one pint)
- Recovery: Enjoy juice and snacks
- Total time: 40-50 minutes
Can I Donate if I'm on Medication?
In most cases, yes. Many common medications won't prevent you from donating, but it depends. A donor specialist will review your health history confidentially and let you know for sure.
Blood Components and Their Uses
What Happens to My Blood?
- Your blood is tested for infections
- It's separated into components (red cells, platelets, plasma)
- Sent to local hospitals and trauma centers
Component Uses:
- Red Cells: Restore blood loss from surgery or trauma
- Platelets: Help cancer patients and control bleeding
- Plasma: Treat burn victims and help stop bleeding
- Cryoprecipitate: Used for clotting factor deficiencies
Donation Frequency:
- Whole blood: Every 8 weeks
- Platelets: Every 7 days (up to 24 times/year)
- Plasma: Every 28 days
- Double red cells: Every 16 weeks
Don't Know Your Blood Type?
No problem - you don't need to. After your first donation, we'll send you a donor card with your blood type.
Hosting a Blood Drive
Why Host a Blood Drive?
One person can help save hundreds of lives by hosting a blood drive. It's a rewarding experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide a suitable location with adequate space
- Publicize the blood drive in your community
- Organize a recruitment committee
- Schedule donor appointments
- Follow up with thank you messages
Blood Drive Process:
Before: Coordinate with our team, choose date/location, recruit volunteers and donors
Day of: Arrive early, stay available, manage appointments
After: Receive collection report, celebrate success, provide feedback
What the Host Provides:
- Location: A large, open room with enough space to ensure donor privacy
- Volunteers: Individuals to assist with recruiting and scheduling
- Donors: Responsible for recruiting and scheduling donors
Blood Science and Functions
Functions of Blood:
- Transports oxygen and nutrients to the lungs and tissues
- Forms clots to prevent excess blood loss
- Carries waste products to kidneys and liver
- Fights infections through white blood cells
- Regulates body temperature
- Transports hormones and chemical messengers
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A CBC test provides important information about:
- Red blood cells (count, hemoglobin, hematocrit)
- White blood cells (count and differential)
- Platelets (count)
- Can help diagnose anemia, infections, and other disorders
Where Do Blood Cells Come From?
Blood cells develop from hematopoietic stem cells and are formed in the bone marrow through hematopoiesis. These stem cells can differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They circulate in the blood and bone marrow throughout life.
After Donation Care
Post-Donation Tips:
- Drink extra fluids for the next 24-48 hours
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 5 hours
- Keep the bandage on for several hours
- Eat iron-rich foods to help replenish your supply
- If you feel lightheaded, lie down with feet elevated
When to Contact Us:
- If you experience dizziness that persists
- Notice bleeding from the donation site
- Develop signs of infection (redness, swelling)
- Remember any health information you forgot to mention
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Speak with one of our donor specialists or visit www.cureplusbloodbank.com for more information.
10 Main Blood Types
In addition to the 8 main blood types, subtypes like A2 and A2B exist.
| Blood Type | Description |
|---|---|
| O- | Universal donor, can donate to all types. |
| O+ | Most common, can donate to positive types. |
| A- | Can donate to A-, A+, AB-, AB+. |
| A+ | Second most common, to A+, AB+. |
| B- | Rare, can donate to B-, B+, AB-, AB+. |
| B+ | Can donate to B+, AB+. |
| AB- | Universal plasma donor. |
| AB+ | Universal recipient. |
| A2 | Subtype of A, slightly different antigens. |
| A2B | Rare AB subtype with unique properties. |
Blood Compatibility Chart
| Blood Type | Can Donate To | Can Receive From |
|---|---|---|
| O- | All types | O- |
| O+ | O+, A+, B+, AB+ | O-, O+ |
| A- | A-, A+, AB-, AB+ | A-, O- |
| A+ | A+, AB+ | A-, A+, O-, O+ |
| B- | B-, B+, AB-, AB+ | B-, O- |
| B+ | B+, AB+ | B-, B+, O-, O+ |
| AB- | AB-, AB+ | AB-, A-, B-, O- |
| AB+ | AB+ | All types |
Blood Components and Their Uses
| Component | Description | Medical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma | Liquid portion (55% of blood), carries cells, nutrients, hormones, proteins | Treats burns, clotting disorders, immune deficiencies |
| Red Blood Cells | Carry oxygen, contain hemoglobin (40-45% of blood) | Treats anemia, blood loss, surgery patients |
| Platelets | Small cell fragments that help clotting (1% of blood) | Helps cancer patients, controls bleeding |
| White Blood Cells | Fight infection (1% of blood) | Rarely transfused, used for severe infections |
| Cryoprecipitate | Rich in clotting factors from plasma | Treats hemophilia, fibrinogen deficiencies |
Amazing Blood Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Average adult blood volume | 10-11 pints (4.7-5.5 liters) |
| Amount donated | 1 pint (500ml) per donation |
| Time to replace pint | 24-48 hours for fluids, 4-6 weeks for red cells |
| Blood cells per drop | About 5 million red cells, 7,000-25,000 white cells, 150,000-400,000 platelets |
| Lifespan of red cells | 120 days |
| Blood speed in arteries | About 1 foot per second |
| Total blood vessels | About 60,000 miles worth in adult body |