January is Blood Donor Awareness Month—a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of the life-saving act of donating blood.
The average adult has approximately 10 pints of blood in their body. During a donation, approximately 1 pint is taken. A healthy donor can donate blood every 56 days, or donate platelets – tiny cells that help your blood to clot – as few as 7 days apart, up to a maximum of 24 times a year.
Blood Types
There are four blood types: Type A, Type B, Type AB, and Type O. Type A has A markers, Type B has B markers, Type AB has both A and B markers, and Type O has neither A nor B markers. A person with Type AB blood can receive donations from any blood type. A person with Type O blood can only receive Type O blood.
A person with O-negative blood is a universal blood donor, meaning their blood can be given to patients of any blood type. This blood type is in high demand. A person with AB positive is the universal plasma donor, whose plasma can be given to anyone. (Plasma is the liquid part of the blood in which the blood cells, nutrients, etc. circulate.)
Whom Do You Help?
- People affected by natural and man-made disasters such as accidents and shootings, fires and hurricanes
- People being treated for illnesses like cancer
- People undergoing organ transplant or other surgeries
- People living with chronic diseases like sickle cell anemia which require routine blood transfusions
Common Concerns
A common question is whether there is an age limit or health criteria for donating. There is no maximum age limit on donating. In most cases you can give blood if you are on medication and you can donate blood if you have high blood pressure, if your BP is at or under 180 (systolic – the top number) and 100 or below (diastolic – the bottom number). Your doctor can answer these and more questions for you.
It is entirely safe to donate blood. You cannot get infectious diseases from donating blood because new, sterile needles are used each time, that are then discarded.
Questions? Contact organizations like NY Blood Center or American Red Cross to learn more and to find your local donation center.
