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5 key reasons to donate blood

By the time you finish reading this sentence, someone in the U.S. will need blood. Here's how to help.

Updated on December 13, 2024

person donating blood, blood drive, donating at blood drives, giving blood
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Donating blood is often referred to as giving the gift of life—and for good reason. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. And just one unit of donated blood can save up to three lives. 

Yet every year, less than 3 percent of people eligible to donate blood do so. There are many reasons a person might notShow More

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What to expect from the blood donation process

One reason people forgo blood donations is they don’t have a lot of time. But from start to finish, the entire process can be completed in about an hour. The actual blood donation part takes about 10 minutes. 

Keep in mind, if you are donating platelets, red cells, or plasma by apheresis (aShow More

blood samples, blood test, blood donation
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One blood donation can benefit multiple people

One unit of blood can save up to three lives because your blood has a unique makeup. In fact, up to four of your blood’s components can be separated out and used for multiple people. This is referred to as blood component therapy.

Here’s a breakdown of your blood’s components:

blood bag, bag of blood, blood donation, blood sample, blood transfusion
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Your stored blood doesn’t last very long

The shelf life of a blood donation is relatively short. Red blood cells last just 42 days when refrigerated. Plasma and cryoprecipitated AHF can last up to a year if frozen. Platelets only last at room temperature for up to five days. They’re difficult to store and must be constantly agitated (Show More

blood donor, doctor and patient, blood drive, blood transfusion
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Your blood donation can help future you

When you donate blood so you can use it during surgery or a medical procedure, it’s called an autologous donation. Since it’s your own blood, it’s generally thought of as the safest form of blood transfusion. There’s a small risk of anemia, or low red blood cells, with autologous donation. Your HCPShow More

doctor and patient, hospital room, medical consultation
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Your blood can help a trauma victim

There are eight different blood types. Each type differs because of the presence or absence of antigens. An antigen is any type of unrecognized substance which triggers the immune system. The membrane of red blood cells already contains millions of antigens, which the body does not attack becauseShow More

graphic showing blood types, different blood types, blood transfusion
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Your body replaces its own blood supply

Don’t skip blood donation because you’re worried about having less blood in your own body. The typical person has 10 units of blood and you only lose 1 unit during a normal blood donation. What’s more, your body replaces the lost blood supply on its own. Within 24 hours, your body replaces plasma.Show More

Slideshow sources open slideshow sources

American Red Cross. Importance of Blood Supply. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Blood Donation. Page last updated November 30, 2023.
American Red Cross. Blood Donor App. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. Before Your Donation. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. The Blood Donation Process. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. How can one donation help multiple people? Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. What Happens to Donated Blood. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. Platelet Donation. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. Autologous and Directed Donations. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
MedlinePlus. Blood donation before surgery. Page last reviewed August 12, 2023.
American Red Cross. Facts About Blood and Blood Types. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Rh Factor. Page last reviewed November 10, 2022.
American Red Cross. What is Your Blood Type. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. Whole Blood and What It Contains. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
American Red Cross. Types of Blood Donations. Page accessed October 25, 2024.
Sara Martinez. How Much Blood Is Taken When You Donate? OneBlood. September 5, 2024.
Massachusetts General Hospital. Frequently Asked Questions About Donating Blood. Page accessed October 25, 2024.

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