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Who can donate?
Why should I donate blood?
What are the benefits for me?
What are the different types of blood donation available?
How long does blood donation take?
What should I do to prepare for blood donation?
How often can I donate?
Can I donate if I have traveled outside the United States?
Can I donate if I have a cold, flu, or fever?
Can I donate when I am under the care of a doctor or dentist?
Can I donate if I am taking medication?
Can I donate if I recently got a tattoo?
Who can donate?
Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Before donating, you will be asked to complete a brief health questionnaire to make sure it is safe for you to donate.
Why should I donate blood?
When you donate blood, you give back to your community and truly save lives. Every drop of blood that you donate at the Memorial University Medical Center stays right here in Savannah. It benefits your friends and neighbors. Blood only has a shelf life of 42 days, so we need to maintain a constant, ongoing supply. The blood collected benefits people who come through our trauma center, children receiving care at Backus Children’s Hospital, babies in our neonatal intensive care nursery, people receiving treatment at the Anderson Cancer Institute, and other patients every day.
What are the benefits for me?
One of the greatest benefits of blood donation is knowing that you are giving back to your community and helping people who truly need it. In addition, donating regularly may help you maintain your own good health. Each time you give blood, you get a free blood pressure check, iron level measurement, and cholesterol test. You also may qualify for the Recipient Benefits Program that provides financial assistance to regular donors. Call 912-350-5643 or e-mail giveblood@memorialhealth.com for more information.
What are the different types of blood donation available?
- Whole blood donation – the donor gives one pint of blood and all of the components in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
- Automated donation or apheresis – the donor is connected to a machine that separates selective components out of whole blood. For example, if you’re giving only platelets, the blood comes out, the platelets are separated by a machine, and the rest of the blood goes back into your body. Automated/apheresis donors can help more people in need by donating more frequently and by giving more during each donation.
- Autologous donation – giving your own blood before surgery to be used by you should you need a blood transfusion. Some people, under the direction of their treating physician, choose to donate blood before a medical procedure so that it is ready, should they need it during the procedure.
- Directed donation – a donor gives blood that will be used for a specific patient. For example, you may donate blood that will be used for a friend or relative.
How long does blood donation take?
It takes 45 to 60 minutes to make a whole blood donation. Keep in mind, that is the entire time, from check-in to check-out. The actual blood collection process may only take about 15 minutes. Automated donation/apheresis takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. While you’re donating, you can watch television and movies or use our wireless Internet access.
What should I do to prepare for blood donation?
Before you donate blood, we suggest that you eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids. Feel free to bring a friend with you to keep you company or provide support. If you’re donating for the first time, relax. You’re doing something great for your community. Blood donation is safe and almost painless. You’ll do great!
How often can I donate?
You can give whole blood every eight weeks. You can give platelets and plasma every four weeks. You can give platelets alone every two weeks, but not more than 24 times in a year.
Can I donate if I have traveled outside the United States?
Although most international travel is fine, spending time in some countries may make you ineligible to donate for a certain amount of time. Call 912-350-5643 or e-mail giveblood@memorialhealth.com for more information.
Can I donate if I have a cold, flu, or fever?
No. Blood donors must not have any symptoms of illness. Stay home, take care of yourself, and we’ll see you when you’re feeling better.
Can I donate when I am under the care of a doctor or dentist?
It depends on your condition. Please call 912-350-5643 or e-mail giveblood@memorialhealth.com for more information. It is fine to donate blood after routine teeth cleaning or dental work.
Can I donate if I am taking medication?
If you are taking antibiotics, you must complete your course of the drugs before donating. Most other medications, including blood pressure medicine, birth control, and over-the-counter medications do not affect your eligibility. Please call 912-350-5643 or e-mail giveblood@memorialhealth.com to ask about specific medications.
Can I donate if I recently got a tattoo?
We ask that you wait 12 months before giving blood after getting a tattoo.
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