FAQs

Red blood cells contain chemical compounds which combine in different ways to determine a person’s blood group. There are four major groups: O, A, B and AB of which 88% are Rh positive and 12% are Rh negative.

All blood collected is tested for HIV, Hepatitis B&C, HTLV and Syphilis. Another test is also done to determine your blood group and type. In the event there is a positive result, you are notified of your test results.

You can donate every 3 months. That equates to approximately 4 times each year. Platelets can also be donated more often than a whole unit of blood.

Your blood volume is restored within several minutes to a few hours; plasma proteins are fully restored following a meal or hot or cold beverage. Your red blood cells replace themselves more slowly; however, the red cell volume is restored…

The entire process from screening through recovery takes approximately 1 hour. The actual donation takes between 5 and 12 minutes.

Under normal circumstances you should feel fine after your donation.

The amount of blood taken is four hundred and fifty millilitres (450 mls), which is slightly less than one pint.

Diabetics who are on insulin Persons with existing infections, serious illnesses/medical problems

Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 70 Must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds Have not had a tattoo or body piercing within the past 12 months Must not be pregnant or nursing Have not had major dental…

You must be between the ages of 18 and 70. You must be in a healthy condition – no existing infections Diabetics are eligible if they are controlled by diet or oral medication. Diabetics who use insulin are not eligible…