WHO CAN DONATE?

To be eligible to donate, you should be in good health, 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and not at risk for HIV and/or hepatitis. (top)

HOW DOES DONATING WORK?

Step 1 – A Medical History form is completed. You will be asked general information such as name, address, social security number etc. You will then complete information about your health, travel, medication(s) you are taking.

At this time you will need a signature I.D. (driver’s license, credit card, school I.D. etc.)

Step 2 – You will receive a mini health exam, including blood pressure, temperature and pulse check. A drop of blood will be obtained from your finger to test for anemia. At this time, a staff will complete the review of your medical history.

ALL INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL.

Step 3 – You will proceed to a donor bed where your arm will be cleaned with an antiseptic and the donation will begin. You will donate one unit of blood (not quite a pint): this takes about 6 to 10 minutes.

Step 4 – After your donation you will receive refreshments and ask to wait 10 minutes at the refreshment area. You will receive post donation instructions reminding you to drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous physical exertion for approximately 5 to 12 hours, eat well for the next 24 hours and what to do if there is any bruising. You need to allow 45 minutes to 1 hour from the time you start registration until you finish your refreshments. (top)

CAN I DONATE IF I AM ON SEVERAL MEDICATIONS?

Contact The Community Blood Council at 1.866.2GIVE NJ to speak with our medical staff about your eligibility. The guidelines for donating change periodically. Some restrictions have been removed and some new restrictions have been added. (top)

WHERE DOES MY BLOOD GO AFTER DONATING?

The blood is taken from the blood drive to our Blood Center for testing. It takes 24 hours to process a unit of blood. The blood is then distributed to the hospitals we service for transfusion to patients in need of your “GIFT OF LIFE”. (top)

WHAT ARE YOU TESTING FOR?

Each unit is tested for the following:

ABO group and Rh factor

Unexpected antibodies that are a result of prior transfusion, pregnancy or
    other factors.

Hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating a current infection (hepatitis) or carrier
    state for hepatitis B virus.

Antibody to hepatitis B core, indicator of a past infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Antibody to hepatitis C virus, indicating a current or past hepatitis C virus,
    (non-A/non-B hepatitis).

Antibody to HTLV-I/II, indicator of infection with a virus that may cause adult
    T-cell leukemia or neurologic disease.

Antibody to HIV 1/2, indicator of infection with a human immunodeficiency
    virus (HIV).

Screening test for syphilis. (RPR). (top)

CAN I GET AIDS FROM DONATING?

There is no way you can be exposed to the AIDS virus by donating blood. All needles and equipment are pre-packaged, sterile and disposable. Nothing is ever re-used on another donor. (top)

WHY SHOULD I DONATE?

Every day hospitals use blood or blood components to treat patients with serious conditions such as cancer and leukemia, or to allow surgery such as hip replacement to be performed. About 95% of people who live to age 72 need a blood transfusion at some time in their life.

ONE DAY IT COULD BE YOU.

One donation can save up to three lives.

Blood is perishable – red cells have a shelf life of 42 days.
Platelets have a shelf live of 5 days.
Plasma can be frozen for 1 year.

Nationwide, only 5% of the population donates blood and the need for blood is ever increasing as modern medicine and surgery advances.(top)

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU FIND SOMETHING WHEN TESTING MY UNIT?

You will be notified about results of the required test only if a problem is detected.

ALL INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL.(top)

HOW OFTEN CAN I GIVE BLOOD?

Every 56 days. (top)

HOW OFTEN CAN I GIVE PLATELETS?

Every 2 weeks and not more than 24 times a year. (top)

I’M NOT SURE I CAN DONATE.

Check the eligibility guidelines or call The Community Blood Council at 1.866.2GIVE NJ. (top)

WHAT OTHER SERVICES DOES THE COMMUNITY BLOOD COUNCIL OF NJ INC. OFFER?

Directed donation
Autologus donation
Platelet donation
ALYX donations (red cell donation)
Hemochromatosis donation (top)