A whole blood donation is the most common type of donation. One unit of whole blood can be separated into components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. Although the actual blood donation takes about 10 minutes, the entire visit will probably take about an hour, from registration, screening, donating and refreshments.
Donor requirements for whole blood donations:
- must be at least 16-years. 16-year old donors require parental permission. Download the permission form here.
- must weigh at least 110 pounds
- must have an adequate blood iron level
A donor may give whole blood every 56 days.
