Blood Drive

SIGN UP TO GIVE BLOOD

Blood use varies greatly from patient to patient, depending on whether or not there are complications.  For example, cancer patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy often need as many as 8 units of platelets every 3 days.  Heart bypass patients may need 2 to 4 units of red blood cells during surgery.

• How long does it take to give blood?

The process for whole blood donation usually takes about 1 hour.  The blood collection itself is usually about 10 minutes.  The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments.

• How much blood is taken?

Whole blood donations are about 1 pint.  One pint is roughly equal to 1 pound.

• What are the requirements to donate blood?

16 years is the minimum blood donor age in most states.  There is no upper age limit.  You must  weigh at least 120 pounds.

• Is it safe to give blood?

Yes.  Donating blood is 100% safe.  You cannot get HIV or any other infectious disease from donating blood.

• Who will receive this blood?

Carolinas Medical Center, Carolinas Medical Center - Mercy, Pineville, Northeast; Gaston Memorial Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital - Matthews, and Presbyterian Orthopedic Hospital.

• How long until my blood is used?

All blood donations are processed and available for use between 24 and 28 hours.  Whole blood is processed into components (red cells, platelets, plasma).  After processing, the red cells can be stored for 42 days.  Platelets expire after 5 days.  Plasma can be frozen and stored for up to 12 months.

SIGN UP FOR THE BLOOD DRIVE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16TH AT CONCORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH.