With the arrival of the new year, blood donation may be on many people’s resolution lists. To help both your new and your experienced donors have a safe and positive experience, it’s important that they understand some basic guidelines. To help make it easy for you to provide that information, we’ve put together this overview that you can share with your blood donors — and even new staff or volunteers — as you thank them for their lifesaving contributions.
Bonus: Download this colorful poster of quick facts to remind your donors about the importance of donating blood.
Make space between your blood donations
After donating blood, your body needs time to replenish its blood supply. Donating too frequently can lead to fatigue, iron deficiency, or other health complications. Healthy adults should wait at least eight weeks (56 days) between whole blood donations.1
Since whole blood and its components (red blood cells, plasma, and platelets) have a limited shelf life, spacing out donations also helps ensure a steady and reliable blood supply for the country and helps prevent waste.
If possible, consider scheduling your donations around the holidays (when donations often dip) or in times when demand increases, like after natural disasters or other emergencies.
Be honest about your health
Screening measures exist to ensure donated blood is free from infectious agents. Before donating, you will also undergo a short medical screening process that checks vital signs, hemoglobin levels, and health history. Be honest about your health status before, during, and after donation.
Postpone your donation appointment if you don’t feel well, even if it’s just a mild cold, or if you’re recovering from an illness. Donating when you’re sick can not only impact your own recovery but also poses a risk to the patients who receive your blood.
If you’re taking any medications, let the blood center know, because some drugs could make it unsafe for you to donate.2 Also be aware of the center’s age and weight guidelines. Usually, you need to weigh at least 110 pounds and be 17 years old or older to donate; some centers may have an upper age limit.1
Take care of yourself
Before donating blood, make sure you’re hydrated and well fed. This can reduce the risk of reactions. After donating, stay hydrated, avoid heavy lifting, and monitor yourself for any signs of dizziness or fatigue.
Resources
You can find more helpful information about safely donating blood on websites for these organizations:
For help keeping track of your donation dates and when to make your next appointment, consider using a scheduling app on your phone, a computer spreadsheet, or a printed calendar.
The impact of informationFollowing donation frequency guidelines and health requirements helps protect both your blood donors and the people who receive that gift. We hope this article makes it easier for your staff and volunteers to share the criteria, leading to positive donor experiences that keep people coming back to your blood center and making the greatest impact for patients.
1American Red Cross. Frequently asked questions: Blood donation process. www.redcrossblood.org/faq.html. Accessed December 1, 2024.2Mayo Clinic. Blood donation. www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-donation/about/pac-20385144. Published 30 November 2023. Accessed December 13, 2024.