Facts about safe blood donation

Blood donation is a safe and easy way to help save lives. All blood donations are screened for diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The risk of contracting a disease from blood donation is extremely low.

Blood donation is needed. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Blood is used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, surgery, and trauma.

Anyone can donate blood. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

The donation process is quick and easy. The actual donation process only takes about 10 minutes. You will need to complete a short health history questionnaire and answer some questions from a blood donation specialist.

Donating blood can help save lives. A single blood donation can save up to three lives. By donating blood, you can help ensure that there is a safe and reliable supply of blood available for patients in need.

If you are eligible to donate blood, please consider doing so. Your donation could help someone in need.

Here are some additional facts about safe blood donation:

• Blood donation is safe. All blood donations are screened for diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The risk of contracting a disease from blood donation is extremely low.
• Blood donation is needed. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Blood is used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, surgery, and trauma.
• Anyone can donate blood. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.
• The donation process is quick and easy. The actual donation process only takes about 10 minutes. You will need to complete a short health history questionnaire and answer some questions from a blood donation specialist.
• Donating blood can help save lives. A single blood donation can save up to three lives. By donating blood, you can help ensure that there is a safe and reliable supply of blood available for patients in need.

Here are some additional details about the blood donation process:

• How to donate blood. To donate blood, you will first need to complete a health history questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask about your medical history, travel history, and any medications you are taking. After you have completed the questionnaire, you will speak with a blood donation specialist. The blood donation specialist will review your health history and answer any questions you have. If you are eligible to donate blood, you will then be asked to donate.
• The donation process. The donation process itself is quick and easy. You will lie down on a bed and a needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm. Blood will then flow through the needle into a bag. The entire donation process only takes about 10 minutes.
• After donating blood. After you have donated blood, you will need to rest for a few minutes. You will also be given a snack and a drink. It is important to drink plenty of fluids after donating blood.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for blood donation:

• Eat a healthy meal before donating blood. You should also drink plenty of fluids.
• Get a good night's sleep the night before donating blood.
• Arrive at the blood donation center early. This will give you time to complete the health history questionnaire and answer any questions you have.
• Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded at any time during or after the donation process, tell the blood donation specialist.

Donating blood is a safe and easy way to help save lives. If you are eligible to donate blood, please consider doing so. Your donation could help someone in need.