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FAQ's
Who can donate blood?
You are eligible to donate blood if you are at least 17 years of age,
(16 years of age with parental and physician consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and you are in good health.
How often can I donate?
Whole blood donors can give one unit (approximately one
pint) of blood every 56 days (8 weeks). If you donate in
the following months, the date you are eligible to donate again
is in red.
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September 2006 |
| Sun. |
Mon. |
Tues. |
Wed. |
Thurs. |
Fri. |
Sat. |
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1
10/27 |
2
10/28 |
| 3
10/29 |
4
10/30 |
5
10/31 |
6
11/01 |
7
11/02 |
8
11/03 |
9
11/04 |
| 10
11/05 |
11
11/06 |
12
11/07 |
13
11/08 |
14
11/09 |
15
11/10 |
16
11/11 |
| 17
11/12 |
18
11/13 |
19
11/14 |
20
11/15 |
21
11/16 |
22
11/17 |
23
11/18 |
| 24
11/19 |
25
11/20 |
26
11/21 |
27
11/22 |
28
11/23 |
29
11/24 |
30
11/25 |
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October 2006 |
| Sun. |
Mon. |
Tues. |
Wed. |
Thurs. |
Fri. |
Sat. |
| 1
11/26 |
2
11/27 |
3
11/28 |
4
11/29 |
5
11/30 |
6
12/01 |
7
12/02 |
| 8
12/03 |
9
12/04 |
10
12/05 |
11
12/06 |
12
12/07 |
13
12/08 |
14
12/09 |
| 15
12/10 |
16
12/11 |
17
12/12 |
18
12/13 |
19
12/14 |
20
12/15 |
21
12/16 |
| 22
12/17 |
23
12/18 |
24
12/19 |
25
12/20 |
26
12/21 |
27
12/22 |
28
12/23 |
| 29
12/24 |
30
12/25 |
31
12/26 |
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How long is the donation process?
The entire process, from the time you enter the donor center until the time you leave, generally takes no longer than an hour. The actual blood donation takes between 6 to 10 minutes. The rest of your time is spent in reception, in the donor history and the post donation refreshment area.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and registered, then a brief medical history will be taken. Your pulse, blood pressure and iron level will be checked. You're then settled into a comfortable chair where a trained and certified phlebotomist will draw your blood. After the donation, you will be asked to
enjoy some refreshments in the canteen. In California, donors are asked to remain on site for at least 15 minutes. At this time, we encourage donors to make a commitment for their next visit.
Marshall Community Blood Center would like to see you several times a year; as frequently as every eight weeks.
Is there anything that may disqualify me as a donor?
Yes. The list (below) identifies possible disqualifying conditions. (A review of your planned donation will be conducted by our nursing staff just prior to your phlebotomy).
Changes to our policy are in red.
Temporary Deferral:
- Bacterial infections (until resolved and off antibiotics)
- Colds, flu, sore throat (until resolved)
- Dental work - within the last 72 hours
- Pregnancy - within the last 6 weeks
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Heart Disease (if currently symptomatic, or under treatment with cardiac medication) Formerly,
a permanent deferral.
Longer Term Deferrals:
- Syphillis - 1 year after treatment completion
- Tuberculosis - 5 years after treatment completion
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Cancer - 1 year after treatment completion
Formerly, 5 year deferral.
-
Tattoos - 1 year after receiving tattoo
Permanent Deferrals:
- AIDS (HIV infection or positive test for HIV)
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Hepatitis (after 10 years of age)
-
I.V. drug use (ever)
For specific questions regarding donor eligibility, call (530)
295-8540 and ask to speak to a nurse.
What should I do prior to donating blood?
Continue with your normal daily activities. You should eat a light, lowfat meal, preferably without meat, several hours before you plan to donate. (If you do eat a heavy meal, it should not prevent you from donating.) Try not to eat just before you arrive, as this may cause your blood to be a bit cloudy. Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) before and after your donation.
What will I feel?
Most individuals find donating blood to be a very rewarding. Most donors describe the phlebotomy itself as similar to a sharp pinch. The nursing staff is well trained in blood collecting. Everything is done to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of this life giving experience.
How do I make a difference?
The majority of us will need a blood transfusion at some time during our life. Nine out of ten people will need some blood component to sustain their life. Your blood donation will help two or even three individuals. Every time you donate blood, your good health is making someone else better. The only source of that blood is from the generosity of volunteer community blood donors like you.
If you have further questions regarding eligibility
please call the Nursing staff at (530) 295-8540. |
