In most states, donors must be age 17 or older. Some states allow donationby 16-year-olds with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh atleast 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional eligibility criteria apply.

You must wait for at least eight weeks (56 days) between donations of whole blood and 16 weeks (112 days) between Power Red donations. Platelet apheresis donors may give every 7 days up to 24 times per year. Regulationsare different for those giving blood for themselves (autologous donors).

The plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.

The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors, including thedonor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive.

Only for a moment. Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm. That pinch is similar to what you will feel when the needle is inserted.