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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 vital signs check. 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?

Tests are performed to determine your blood type and Rh status. Testing is also performed for hepatitis, HIV, HTLV-syphilis, West Nile virus and Chagas disease.

10. Who receives my blood?

Blood donations help people of all ages and walks of life. Recipients include cancer patients, accident-trauma victims, open heart surgery patients, patients with blood disorders, and many other medical and surgical patients.

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. 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 and 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.

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 determine your blood type and screen for the presence of some transfusion-transmissable infections. If any of the tests are positive, your blood count cannotnot be used and you will be notified.

31. What blood type is the universal donor?

Type O- is the universal red cell donor and can give red blood cells to any other blood type because it is compatible with all four major blood groups: A, B, AB and O. AB is the universal plasma donor.

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 go into a community blood bank so that all Hawaii patients may receive blood products. Donations can be directed to a specific person only if there is no other souce of compatible blood available.

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 not a plateletpheresis donor and is feeling fine at 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 until 14 days after the last dose and 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 can donate as long as they are symptom-free and don’t experience a fever from the vaccination. However, those who have received the nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) must wait for one month prior to donating.

38. Can I donate if I’m a diabetic?

Those who take oral anti-diabetic medications can donate. Diabetes patients on insulin can donate blood if there has been no change in their insulin dosage for two weeks.

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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