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 1.
Who can donate?
The qualifications to be a blood donor
are simple.
- Be in
good health
- Be at
least 18 years of age (17 with
parental
consent)
- Weigh
at least 110 pounds
- Have a
valid photo ID with your birth date
2. Why should I donate blood?
Everyday, hundreds of people’s lives depend of volunteer blood donors.
By giving the gift of life, you’ll help to ensure that blood will be
there for you, the people you love, and anyone else who needs it.
3. How long does it take to give blood?
Plan to spend an hour for the entire blood donation process, which
includes some paper work and a mini physical. The actual blood
collection of blood takes just 5 to 8 minutes. After donating, you will
rest, enjoy refreshments and experience the satisfaction of knowing that
you just saved up to three lives. It will be the best hour of your day.
4. Does donating blood hurt?
Comfort levels vary from person to person but many donors say there is
nothing to it. You will feel a slight pinch and it is all over before
you know it!
5. How much blood is taken?
A skilled, specially trained technician will draw one pint.
6. Is it safe to give blood?
Yes. All supplies used to collect blood are completely sterile and used
only once. You can’t contract HIV or other infections diseases from
donating blood.
7. How will I feel afterwards?
After resting for five minutes and enjoying refreshments to replenish
your fluids, you should feel just fine and ready to continue your daily
activities. You should refrain from heavy lifting or extreme physical
exertion for 24 hours. If in the rare event you experience any
complications please contact our nursing department at 845-9966 or
1-800-372-9966 on the Neighbor Islands.
8. What happens to my blood after I donate?
The blood is taken to our laboratory, where it is separated into three
components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Thirteen different
tests are performed to ensure safety and then the lifesaving products
are transported to civilian hospitals all over the state to meet the
needs of Hawaii’s patients.
9. What blood tests are performed on the blood?
Several tests are done to ensure the safety of the blood. These include
blood type, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, West Nile Virus, and a liver
function test.
10. Who receives my blood?
Blood donations help people of all ages and walks of life. Typical
recipients include cancer patients, mothers and their babies during and
after delivery, bleeding ulcers and other forms of treatment, open-heart
surgery patients and accident and trauma victims.
11. Does my donation really make a difference?
Your single donation can help save up to three lives.
12. What is plateletpheresis?
Another type of donation available to donors is plateletpheresis. These
donors give only platelets, which are special cells in the blood used by
your body to heal wounds and clot blood, and the rest is returned to
your body. This type of donation is open to experienced donors with
adequate veins and high platelet counts. The collection process is
similar to whole blood donation, but can take up to two hours.
Plateletpheresis donors are eligible to give the gift of life every two
weeks up to a maximum of four times in eight weeks or 24 times a year.
13. How often can I donate?
You need to wait 56 days or 8 weeks between whole
blood donations to allow your red
blood cells to replenish. Plateletpheresis donors need to wait 14 days
or 2 weeks between donations.
14. What should I do prepare for my donation?
Drink eight to 10 glasses of water within the 24 hours prior to your
appointment; eat a healthy, hearty meal; and get adequate rest.
15. What should I do after donating?
Drink plenty of fluid, refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting
for 24 hours, and eat a healthy, hearty meal.
16. How much blood do I have in my body?
As a general rule, you have one pint of blood for every 10 to 12 pounds
of body weight.
17. Is there a minimum or maximum age limit on
donating blood?
Donors must be at least 18 years of age, but 17-year-olds may donate
with a signed BBH
parental consent form. There is no maximum age limit.
18. How long until my blood is used?
Blood donations are available for use within 48 hours after being
processed into three components (red
blood cells, platelets and plasma) and tested.
19. Are blood products perishable?
Yes. When refrigerated, red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days.
Plasma is frozen and stored for up to one year. Platelets can be stored
for five days.
20. Are the health history questions necessary
every time?
The Food and Drug Administration requires that all blood centers ask
about your medical history every time you donate to ensure the safety of
the blood supply.
21. Are the health history questions and my
test results confidential?
Your answers and test results will be kept confidential, except where
required by law. The Blood Bank of Hawaii maintains strict privacy
guidelines for all blood donor records.
22. I was deferred for low iron (hemoglobin)
count. How can I increase it?
Being deferred for low iron count doesn’t mean you are anemic. Eating a
consistent iron-rich diet including foods such as red meat, dark green
vegetables and dried fruits, will help increase iron levels. Taking a
multivitamin with iron may also help.
23. Does the Blood Bank of Hawaii pay donors
for giving blood?
The Blood Bank of Hawaii collects blood from volunteer donors and does
not offer any type of payment. To do so would be a violation of
Food and Drug
Administration regulations. Studies have shown that volunteer donors
provide the safest blood supply. However, there is the reward of knowing
that your one donation will save up to three lives.
24. May someone accompany me into the donor
history area or onto the donor floor?
Due to the risk of exposure to blood and needles and the need for
confidentiality during the interview process, your companions must
remain in the canteen or waiting areas.
25. Is the Blood Bank of Hawaii affiliated with
the Red Cross?
No. The Blood Bank of Hawaii is a member of America’s Blood Centers
(ABC), the nation’s largest network of independent not-for-profit
community blood centers that collect almost half of the nation’s blood
supply.
26. Where can I donate?
The Blood Bank of Hawaii has two fixed sites:
Blood drives
also occur at businesses, shopping centers, community centers, and
schools. Neighbor Island drives are also scheduled every eight weeks.
For a calendar of upcoming blood drive locations please
click here.
27. Can I eat before I donate?
You should eat a hearty, healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before
donating. It’s also important to have a good night’s sleep as well.
28. What should I bring with me when I come to
donate?
Bring a valid photo ID (eg. Driver’s license, State ID, military ID). If
you’re taking any medications, it is helpful to bring in a list of the
correct names or the actual bottles themselves.
29. Can I exercise right after donating?
No. You should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about 24
hours after donating.
30. Is my blood tested before it is used?
Every time you donate, blood samples are taken for testing. These tests
are to detect your blood type and viruses such as Hepatitis and HIV. If
any of the viral tests is positive, your unit will not be used and you
will be notified.
31. What blood type is the universal donor?
Type O- is the universal donor and can give red blood cells to any other
type because it is compatible with all four major blood types: A, B, AB
and O.
32. If I have a cold or the flu, can I donate
blood?
For your safety and the safety of the blood supply, the Blood Bank of
Hawaii requires that you’re in good health and symptom-free for at least
72 hours.
33. Do I need to make an appointment to donate
blood or do you take walk-ins?
It is recommended that you make an appointment prior to your donation,
but it is not required. Walk-ins are welcome.
34. Can I donate my own blood for surgery?
Individuals can donate their blood for their own upcoming surgical
needs, if prescribed by a physician.
35. What if I want my blood to go to a specific
person?
The Blood Bank of Hawaii is a community blood center. Donations are made
available to anyone in need. Donations can be directed to a specific
person only if there is a medical necessity.
36. Can I donate if I’m taking medication?
Most medications are acceptable, including all common blood pressure
medications. Aspirin and ibuprofen are okay, as long as the donor is
feeling fine during the time of their appointment. Birth control pills
and cholesterol-regulating drugs are acceptable. Those taking allergy
medications can donate as long as the donor is not experiencing symptoms
at the time of donation. If donors have received antibiotics, they will
be able to donate seven days after the last dose, if they have been
symptom-free for 72 hours. For more information,
visit this page.
37. Can I donate if I just received a flu shot?
Those who recently received shots and vaccines can donate as long as
they are symptom-free and don’t experience a fever from the
vaccinations.
38. Can I donate if I’m a diabetic?
Those who take oral anti-diabetic medications can donate. If you are
dependent on insulin injections, you will not be able to donate.
39. What can I do if I’m not eligible to
donate?
You can support Hawaii’s community blood center and help save lives by
encouraging friends and family to give;
coordinating blood
drives at your office, school, church or community center; or
volunteering at the Dillingham Donor Center.
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