What blood donations are needed most?
A+ is a common blood type which makes it the most needed blood for transfusions, so you may be asked to donate whole blood. Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every 8 weeks. Platelets are another way to maximize your donation as an A+ blood type.
What medications Cannot donate blood?
The following medications will prevent you from donating blood:
- Accutane.
- Antibiotics *Donors who are taking antibiotics are eligible to donate 24 hours after their last dose.
- Anti-Platelet Medications.
- Avodart.
- Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Warfarin)
- Bovine insulin.
- Hepatitis B Immune Globulin.
Does donating plasma lower iron levels?
Donating blood and platelets removes iron from your body. Iron is an essential mineral that is a part of hemoglobin which helps maintain your strength and energy. Your body needs iron to make new blood cells, replacing the ones lost through blood donations.
What amount of blood is taken in a typical donation?
The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days, or double red cells every 112 days. A healthy donor may donate platelets as few as 7 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year.
What is Power red donation?
With a Power Red donation, you can give nearly twice the amount of red cells and help more patients. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns your plasma and platelets to you.