Someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. On average, 45 units of blood are used for a trauma-related injury. One unit of blood can help save up to three lives. Giving blood is a good thing to do for your community.
(click questions below to view the answers)What makes an ideal donor?
• General good health
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• At least 16 years of age*
• Satisfied by a meal
• Well-hydrated
* On March 31, 2008 a bill passed allowing 16 year olds to donate blood with written, parental permission.
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• At least 16 years of age*
• Satisfied by a meal
• Well-hydrated
* On March 31, 2008 a bill passed allowing 16 year olds to donate blood with written, parental permission.
How do I prepare to be a blood donor?
It’s simple. Get a good night’s sleep, have a solid meal before you donate, and drink plenty of liquids.
What defers a blood donor?
• Suffering from a cold, sore throat, cough or fever
• Pregnancy
• A blood transfusion in the last year, unless it was with your own blood
• Recent surgery
• Hepatitis after the age of eleven
• An active cold sore
• Pregnancy
• A blood transfusion in the last year, unless it was with your own blood
• Recent surgery
• Hepatitis after the age of eleven
• An active cold sore
What happens after donating?
To protect patients that may receive blood, all blood is tested for transfusion transmissable diseases. If blood tests positive, both the teen and his parents will be notified.
What can a teen expect when donating blood?
The complete donation process will take about 45 minutes.
• First, a donor registration form will be completed.
• Then one of TBC’s staff will take donor blood pressure, test hemoglobin and yes or no questions regarding donor medical history.
• The actual donation will only take five to ten minutes. During this process the donor will be asked to squeeze a ball to keep blood flowing.
• Refreshments will be provided while briefly resting after donating.
• First, a donor registration form will be completed.
• Then one of TBC’s staff will take donor blood pressure, test hemoglobin and yes or no questions regarding donor medical history.
• The actual donation will only take five to ten minutes. During this process the donor will be asked to squeeze a ball to keep blood flowing.
• Refreshments will be provided while briefly resting after donating.
