Every type of blood donation — whether it's whole blood, double red blood cell, plasma or platelets — helps save lives. Your generous gift has the power to make a profound difference, and we truly appreciate your support.
Whole-blood donation
Whole-blood donation is the most common way to give blood. You usually give about 1 pint. After you donate, your blood is separated into different parts — red blood cells, plasma and platelets. These parts can help different people in different ways.
Who can donate whole blood? You can donate if you are:
- In good health.
- At least 16 or 17 years old, depending on your state’s law.
- At least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms).
How long does it take? About one hour.
How often can I donate? Every 84 days.
Apheresis donation
Platelet, double red blood cell and plasma donations use a special process called apheresis. During apheresis, a machine collects your blood and separates it into different parts. It keeps one part, such as platelets. Then it returns the rest to you.
You can give platelets and plasma more often than whole blood or red blood cells. This is because your body replaces them more quickly than red blood cells.
Platelet donation (plateletpheresis)
During a platelet donation, only platelets are collected. Platelets are cells that help stop bleeding. They are often needed by people with cancer or blood-clotting conditions, or those having major surgery.
Who can donate platelets? You can donate if you are:
- In good health.
- At least 16 or 17 years old, depending on your state’s law.
- At least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms).
You also must:
- Have donated whole blood at Mayo Clinic before or have given double red blood cells, plasma or platelets elsewhere.
- Have not taken aspirin or any medicine with aspirin within the last 48 hours.
How long does it take to donate? About two hours.
How often can I donate? Every eight days, up to 24 times in 12 months.
Double red blood cell donation
This type of donation lets you give more red blood cells than a regular whole blood donation. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. They are often needed by people with sickle cell anemia or severe blood loss from an injury or surgery.
Who can donate double red blood cells? You can donate if you are:
- In good health.
- At least 16 or 17 years old, depending on the law in your state.
You also must:
- Meet the minimum height and weight requirements. Men must be at least 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weigh at least 130 pounds (about 59 kilograms). Women must be at least 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weigh at least 150 pounds (about 68 kilograms).
How long does it take to donate? About two hours.
How often can I donate? Every 168 days. You won't be able to donate whole blood, platelets or plasma between double red blood cell donations.
Plasma donation (plasmapheresis)
During this type of donation, only plasma — the liquid part of the blood — is collected. Plasma helps stop bleeding and contains antibodies that help fight off infections. It is often used in emergency and trauma care.
People with blood type AB are especially important donors because their plasma can be safely used for people with any blood type. AB plasma is often in high demand.
Who can donate plasma? You can donate if you are:
- In good health.
- At least 16 or 17 years old, depending on the law in your state.
- At least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms).
How long does it take to donate? About two hours.
How often can I donate? Every 28 days.
