Frequently Asked Questions
All potential donors must:
- be in good health and feeling well
- be at least 18 years old
- have a valid photo ID
- weigh at least 110 pounds
Click on this link to see our eligibility requirements
Donating blood platelets does not hurt. You might feel a pinch when the needle itself first goes into your arm. During that pinch, think about the patient - maybe a young child, mother, or a grandparent - who is really in need of your gift. A moment of discomfort on your end will help to save a life.
- A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- A list of medications you are taking (our medical interviewer needs to know what medications you are taking or have recently taken)
- A list of places you have visited outside of the U.S. in the past 3 years
- A friend to donate with you! (it's a great way to enhance this life saving experience by enjoying it with a friend)
Many medications are acceptable. Consult your physician or contact us if you have questions about your eligibility to donate.
Light exercise is fine. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about 24 hours.
The volume of fluids will adjust within a few hours of your donation. Blood platelets will be replaced within 3 days. Donors receive back into their body at the time of donation those blood products that aren't used.
Blood is tested for hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, Chagas Disease, West Nile Virus, HTLV, and cytomegalovirus. In addition, it is tested for ABO group (blood type) and RH type (positive or negative) as well as tests for certain antibodies.
You will receive a letter from HemaCare Blood and Platelet Donor Center. In some cases you will also receive a phone call.
You will be asked questions about your health and whether you are at risk for certain diseases including AIDS, hepatitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and West Nile virus.
From when you walk in to when you walk out, it takes approximately 3 hours to donate blood platelets.
No, all of the materials used during your donation are pre-packaged, sterile, and disposable. Once it is used, it is thrown away and destroyed.
No. Currently, there is no substitute for blood; however, there have been many attempts and research is ongoing.
There is not an upper age limit for donating, but there is a lower age limit. You must be at least 18 years old to donate blood platelets. For more information, please review the eligibility requirements page.
No, donations are strictly voluntary. We hope the reward for donating is the self-satisfaction and gratification knowing that up to three lives were brightened and saved with your donation.
We will contact donors who are permanently deferred. Temporary deferrals are eligible to donate once their deferral period has expired. Prior to each donation, donors complete a mini-physical and medical interview. At that time, eligibility for donating on that particular day is determined. If you are deferred, it doesn't mean you can't still help! Scientists are always in need of blood components for their studies – become a research donor!
After donating blood platelets, a donor must wait two (2) weeks before donating blood. Restrictions may apply.
