Blood Donation Guidelines
Countless lives have been saved because of blood donation. But
while donating blood is relatively uncomplicated, not every one
can give blood. The following guidelines from the American Red Cross
are not all inclusive, but will give you a general idea. If you
suspect that you may be excluded from donating, it is important
to share the information with the blood center where you go to donate.
Even if you are excluded, there are things you can do to help, such
as volunteering your time.
General Guidelines
in good health
at least 17 years old
weigh at least 110 pounds
How often can blood be donated?
People in good health who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate
a unit of blood as often as every eight weeks. Some states may further
limit the number and/or frequency of donations in a 12-month period.
Cord Blood Donation Guidelines
Q: Where can I donate cord blood?
A: If you are interested, or someone you know is interested, in
donating cord blood, look for a Cord Blood Bank or collecting hospital
within or close to your community. There are only a small number
of cord blood banks in the United States, so donation to a local
bank is not possible in many areas.
If there is not an NMDP Cord Blood Bank in your community, refer
to the Non-NMDP Cord Blood Bank list on this Web site or contact
any major university hospital or medical center in your state to
see if they accept cord blood donations.
Q: Are there any risks to donating cord blood?
A: Donating cord blood is medically safe. Donating poses no health
risks to you or your baby. Donating does not affect your baby or
your birth experience because the cord blood is collected after
your baby is born. If you or your baby experience any complications
during delivery, your doctor will not collect the cord blood.
Q: I have been approached, or contacted, by a self-storage
program about storing my child's cord blood. Should I store the
cord or donate it?
A: Donating your child's cord blood or storing it for private use
is a personal decision that only you can make. If you have a child
with leukemia or other disease that may be treatable by transplant
and you are pregnant, talk with your oncologist or pediatrician
about saving your baby's cord blood. For more information see the
Non-NMDP Cord Blood Bank list.
Families may feel a great deal of pressure from the promotions
and advertisements they receive from the for-profit private storage
cord blood banks. The NMDP agrees with the policy statement of The
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued in 1999: |