How often can you donate blood

There is a lot to be said about blood donations. This article will try to explain some of the most frequent questions about blood donation including the types of blood donation, the frequency of donation and eligibility for blood donation.

Types of blood donations

The donated blood is most commonly used for the transfusion of patients in need. Sometimes, it is used to make drugs. Different types of blood donation are distinguished based upon who will be given the donation.

Allogenic blood donations, otherwise known as homologous or a whole blood donation is the process of voluntarily donating a unit of blood for the national supply. The donated blood is divided into portions so that one donation can help several patients. Donor does not know who will receive the blood.

Directed blood donation is a blood donation made for a specific individual. It allows a patient to sometimes choose the people who donate blood for them. The donor is usually a family member of the recipient.

There is another type of blood donation called replacement donor. It is a hybrid of the two where the recipient selects the donor. Donors are tested and typed at the blood donation center and their blood is then drawn and stored for use by the designated recipient.

There is one more type of blood donation called autologous. In this kind of donation, a person donates blood for their own use, prior to a scheduled elective surgery.

Frequency of blood donation

The frequency of blood donation depends on the blood component that has been donated. If one donated whole blood, he may go for the next donation after 56 days. A double red cell donor will have to wait for 112 days before next donation. Donors of red cells and plasma will be eligible for another blood donation after 56 days and 28 days correspondingly. If donor donated platelets, he will have to wait for every 2-3 days to a sum of 24 times a year.

Eligibility for blood donation

Eligibility for blood donation depends on the law of the specific country. However, there are some common norms for all of them to follow. Donors should be in good physical health, at least 17 years old and should weigh 110 pounds at least. Doctors will usually conduct a series of physical examinations to determine if the potential donor is healthy enough. It is not unusual to be asked to answer some questions.

Pregnant women are not eligible for blood donation. The same goes for the other people that are suffering from medical conditions, taking medication or vaccination. People traveling to certain parts of the world may also be rejected.