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A blood donor at Cascade Regional Blood Services is a special kind of volunteer. By giving only a few hours a year, you can donate the gift more precious than time or money; the gift of life through blood. One donation of blood can help save up to three patient’s lives.
Cascade Regional Blood Services provides blood services to the community hospitals throughout Pierce and South King counties. We are fortunate to live in a region where sophisticated medical facilities and programs are available; however these programs require many blood donations.
Some locations and mobile blood drives require appointments and give priority service to donors with appointments. Others accept walk-ins. Call toll-free 1-877-24 BLOOD to connect with a donor center is your area and establish a convenient time to give blood.
You can donate for the community, for yourself when prescribed prior to surgery or for a specific family member or friend. Blood is collected at hundreds of blood drives held each year at schools, businesses, churches and civic organizations, as well as at our three CRBS donor centers. You can donate whole blood every eight weeks, with each donating taking about an hour.
Patients depend on dedicated donors who give regularly. Cascade Regional Blood Services invites you to join one of our many programs: Whole Blood program, Platelet Apheresis program, Double Red Cell program, Baby Blood Member, Rare Blood Donor Club, Blood Buddies program. Some members of these programs are recognized for their contributions and outstanding community support at our annual donor appreciation event. Remember, you can give whole blood every eight weeks – your blood type is always needed.
Blood is a liquid. It is pumped throughout the body by the heart, through a network of miles and miles of blood vessels. The average adult body contains about 10-12 pints of blood. Blood contains many substances – red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets, plus various nutrients and minerals. Each plays an important part in keeping your body healthy and growing.
Blood has four major jobs:
- It carries oxygen to the body cells.
- It distributes nutrients to the body cells so that they can create energy.
- It carries special blood cells and chemicals, which defend the body against infections and injuries.
- It removes waste products from the body cells.
- Why should I donate blood?
Ninety-five percent of the population will need blood by age 72, yet only 5% of the eligible population donates blood.
- Who can give blood?
You can give if you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and are at least are 18 (ages 16-17 may donate when they present a signed Permission for a minor to donate blood form. If you are age 76+, you will need a doctor’s note. A first time donor must have photo identification.
- Does it hurt to give blood?
The sensation you feel is similar to a slight pinch in the arm.
- Should I eat before donating?
Yes, eat a substantial meal, drink extra fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Do you test donors’ blood for drug use?
No. Approximately fifteen tests are run on every unit of blood. Tests are for infectious diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV/Aids. All information is strictly confidential (please see the CRBS HIPAA Statement).
- What can I expect at the time of donation?
A mini-physical by a donor specialist which includes: pulse, blood pressure, temperature and testing your hemoglobin, the iron level in you blood. If these tests and the review of your medical history are satisfactory, you may donate.
- How long does it take to give blood?
It takes approximately five minutes to actually draw blood. The entire procedure from registration to refreshments takes approximately 40-50 minutes.
- Can my blood be given to anyone?
Only if a patient’s blood type is compatible with yours.
- How much blood do I have?
Approximately 10-12 pints, depending on how much you weigh. Blood volume equals 8% of your body weight.
- How much blood will I be donating?
450ml or slightly less than one pint.
- Can I be on different medication(s) and still donate?
Yes. If you have a medical question, please call (253) 383-2553. A Donor Specialist can answer your medical questions and review your medical history with you.
- How quickly will my body replace the blood?
Fluids are replaced after 24 hours. After four to six weeks, your body has reproduced the cells and replaced lost minerals.
- What happens to blood after it is donated?
After the blood is tested, it is separated into two to three components to meet specific patient needs. It is then distributed within several days to local hospitals and trauma centers for patient transfusions.
- What are components?
Some of the most common components are: red blood cells that are used to increase oxygen carrying capacity in patients during surgery or trauma, platelets that are used to control or prevent bleeding in leukemia, cancer, surgery and trauma patients and plasma that is used to increase the level of clotting factors in patients who are deficient and patients with severe burns.
- When can I donate again?
You can donate every eight weeks (56 days).
- What if I don’t know my blood type?
Every time you donate, your blood is typed. After you first donation, a permanent blood donor card with your blood type is mailed to you.
- How will I feel after giving blood?
You will feel like a winner!
- Antibiotics
You must be off antibiotics for 72 hours (three days) before donating blood. Antibiotics taken in low dosages for preventative treatment for acne may be okay. A Donor Specialist can answer any questions you have about medicines.
- Other Medicines
Hormones, antidepressants, cholesterol and some blood pressure medications are acceptable as long as you are feeling well.
- Cancer
Some types of cancer are acceptable. Chemotherapy or radiation therapies are no longer reasons for deferral.
- Dental Work
Please wait one week after major procedures. Wait three days after the following procedures: root canal, tooth extractions and periodontal procedures. Normal cleaning and fillings are acceptable.
- Diabetes
If diabetes is controlled by diet or oral medication you may donate blood. If you take insulin for the condition, we will need a note from your physician. These must be evaluated by a case-by-case basis.
- Diseases
If you have ever had a positive test for HIV, the AIDS virus, you may not donate blood. If you have had syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia or any sexually transmitted disease, you must wait one-year after treatment to donate blood. Donors with genital herpes are acceptable two weeks after the symptoms have subsided.
- Eating & Drinking
It is important to eat a good meal and drink extra water and/or juice prior to donating. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol before donating.
- Frequency of Donation
You may donate whole blood every 56 days. You may make a whole blood donation 28 days after a Platelet Apheresis donation.
- Health
You must be feeling well and healthy to donate.
- Heart Disease, Cardio Vascular Accidents (CVA)
Some people who have heart disease, heart surgery, heart attacks or CVAs are acceptable as blood donors – with a note from their physician. These must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Hepatitis
If you have had hepatitis after age 10, you may not donate blood.
- Immunizations
There is a two to four week deferral for some immunizations. You may donate 24- hours or less after receiving a flu shot.
- Parental Permission
Parent permission slips are available on our website.
- Pregnancy
Donations may take place six weeks after the end of the pregnancy, but not anytime during the pregnancy.
- Tattoos & Body Piercing
You must wait one-year after getting a tattoo before donating blood. Body and ear piercing are acceptable if done using a sterile technique at a commercial establishment. Self-piercing or “friend” piercing is a one-year deferral. Tongue piercing is a one-year deferral.
- Travel
Travel to tourist areas in most parts of the world is acceptable. You may be deferred if you have traveled to a malarial area. Call a Donor Specialist to get the most recent information on a specific country you have traveled to, the date and the length of the travel.
Copyright 2005 Cascade Regional Blood Services
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