How often can you donate blood? And frequently asked questions about blood donations

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY
Updated ·4 min read

Got blood?

There are several types of blood donations: whole blood, Power Red, platelet and plasma donations, according to the American Red Cross. As a result, there are different processes for donating blood.

How often you can donate blood, how long it takes to donate and more may depend on which type of blood donation you give.

Before you go in for your next appointment, here is what you need to know about blood donations and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Types of blood donations

A whole blood donation can be used in its complete form but can also be separated into "its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets," according to the Red Cross. Whole blood donations are often used for trauma patients and those undergoing surgery. Anyone regardless of blood type is encouraged to give whole blood donations.

A Power Red donation takes your red blood cells and gives back your plasma and platelets. The red blood cells are typically given to "trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss," according to the Red Cross. Ideal blood types for this donation are O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative.

Platelet donations collect your platelets, which are cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. During this type of donation, platelets are taken from your blood, along with some plasma, while your red blood cells and remaining plasma are given back. Platelet donations are used for cancer treatments and organ transplants, as well as other surgeries, according to the Red Cross. Ideal blood types for this donation are A positive, A negative, B positive, O positive, AB positive and AB negative.

Plasma donations take your plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood often used in emergencies. During this donation, plasma is separated from other parts of your blood, and your red blood cells and platelets are given back. AB plasma is used in emergency and trauma situations, according to the Red Cross. Ideal blood types for this donation are AB positive and AB negative.

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How often can you donate blood?

The amount of times you can donate blood depends on the type of blood donation.

You can make whole blood donations up to six times a year, according to the Red Cross. You must wait eight weeks, or 56 days, before you next whole blood donation.

You can make Power Red donations up to three times a year. You must wait 16 weeks, or 112 days, between Power Red donations.

Platelet donations can be made up to 24 times a year. Before making your next platelet donation, you must wait seven days or one week.

For plasma donations, you can donate up to 13 times a year. You must wait 28 days between each donation.

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How old do you have to be to donate blood?

You must be at least 18 years old to donate blood, according to the Red Cross.

Height and weight also factor into whether you can donate blood or not.

For male donors, if you are taller than 5-feet, you must weigh at least 110 pounds. If you are 4 feet and 11 inches, you must weigh at least 114 pounds. If you are 4 feet and 10 inches, you must weigh at least 118 pounds.

For female donors, if you are 5 feet and 6 inches or taller, you must weigh at least 110 pounds. Here are the other requirements for weight and height for female donors:

  • If you are 5 feet and 5 inches, you must weigh at least 115 pounds.

  • If you are 5 feet and 4 inches, you must weigh at least 120 pounds.

  • If you are 5 feet and 3 inches, you must weigh at least 124 pounds.

  • If you are 5 feet and 2 inches, you must weigh at least 129 pounds.

  • If you are 5 feet and 1 inch, you must weigh at least 133 pounds.

  • If you are 5-foot, you must weigh at least 138 pounds.

  • If you are 4 feet and 11 inches, you must weigh at least 142 pounds.

  • If you are 4 feet and 10 inches, you must weigh at least 146 pounds.

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How long does it take to donate blood?

Each type of blood donation has a different time duration, according to Red the Cross.

Whole blood donations take about one hour. Power Red donations take around one-and-a-half hours. Platelet donations take approximately two-and-a-half hours to three hours. Plasma donations take around one hour and 15 minutes.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blood donations: Here are the facts you need to know