Whole Blood Donation

A whole blood donation is the most common form of blood donation in which a person gives one pint of blood. After your donation, our lab separates the whole blood into its components. We do this because it allows us to deliver what patients need more specifically. Your blood is made up of four life-saving components:

• Plasma: Plasma is 92% water, miscellaneous elements and 7% protein from which derivatives are made. Cryoprecipitate, antihemophilic factor and fresh frozen plasma can be given to patients who have hemophilia and other bleeding problems. Gamma Globulin is used to supplement the immune system in fighting disease such as hepatitis, and serum albumin is given to treat and prevent shock.
• Platelets: Platelets act to induce clotting and control bleeding.
• White Blood Cells: White blood cells protect the body against disease and infection. They move through the blood stream to attack and absorb bacteria and other "foreign" bodies.
• Red Blood Cells: Red blood cells transport oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide and waste. Red blood cells are indicated for more than 70% of all transfusions. Accident victims, patients with ulcers and patients undergoing surgery use red blood cells.

To give blood you must be at least 17 years of age (by California law, all 16 year olds must have a parent's or legal guardian's permission to give a community blood donation by bringing a completed Stanford Blood Center Parental/Guardian consent for 16 year olds form with them to register to donate; this form can be obtained at a Stanford Blood Center donor center, Stanford Blood Center community blood drive, or from your high school blood drive coordinator), weigh at least 110 lbs., be in good health, and have eaten prior to donating. For more detailed information about eligibility, click here. There are four basic steps in the whole blood donation process: registration, medical history, donation, and rest & refreshments.

You may donate whole blood every 56 days.