- Myth: I can’t donate if I have tattoos.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I got a piercing recently.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve just been to the dentist.
- Myth: Blood can be manufactured.
- Myth: Blood donation is painful.
- Myth: Blood is only needed in times of emergency.
- Myth: Donating blood causes my body to start over producing blood cells.
- Myth: Donating blood makes you gain weight.
- Myth: Donating blood takes a long time.
- Myth: Donating blood will impact my ability to do my daily activities.
- Myth: Giving blood will harm me by taking away red cells or platelets that my body needs to function.
- Myth: I can catch an infectious disease by donating blood.
- Myth: I have a common blood type, so you don’t need my blood.
- Myth: Donating blood can harm my immune system.
- Myth: Other people are already giving enough blood.
- Myth: Vegetarians or vegans cannot donate blood.
- Myth: I cannot donate blood because I have diabetes.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve had low hemoglobin (iron) levels in the past.
- Myth: I must make an appointment to donate blood.
- Myth: I should fast before I donate.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood when I’m on my menstrual cycle.
- Myth: Sometimes, needles and other materials are reused.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood because phlebotomists won’t be able to find my veins.
- Who can give blood?
- Where does my blood go?
- Which patients use what blood components?
- What types of photo ID are accepted?
- What tests are performed on blood?
- What is vCJD?
- What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
- What can I eat to raise my hemoglobin levels?
- Is it safe to receive blood transfusions?
- I don’t have sickle cell anemia, but I carry the trait. Can I still give blood?
- How will I feel after I give blood?
- How often can I give blood?
- How much blood is taken?
- How long does it take?
- Can I give blood for myself?
- When was Carter BloodCare founded?
- Can people with high blood pressure donate blood?
- Can people who have tested positive for HIV or AIDS donate blood?
- Can gay or bi-sexual men donate blood?
- What is Apheresis?
- How long can blood be stored?
Double Red Cell Donation
What is a double red donation?
A double red cell donation allows you to donate two units of red blood cells during a single donation. The automated process is used to separate the red blood cells from the other blood components. A single double red cell donation can save two lives.
Who is eligible to donate double red cells?
In order to take two units of red blood cells at one sitting, donors must generally have a higher hemoglobin level than needed to qualify for a whole blood donation.
Is it safe to donate double red cells?
Donating double red cells is safe for healthy adults.
How long does it take?
A double red cell donation usually takes 30-60 minutes.
How often can you give a red cell donation?
Double red cell donation can only be done once every 112 days (16 weeks) or more.
What are double red cell donations used for?
Double red cell donations are used to collect the most commonly transfused blood types, such as O positive and O negative red blood cells.
How do I make an appointment to donate?
Double red cell donations are currently offered at all Carter BloodCare locations. You can schedule an appointment to donate whole blood online or by calling (817)-412-5830. Our team members are waiting to assist you. When you arrive on the day of your donation, ask your phlebotomist if you are a good candidate for a double red cell donation based on blood type and patient need.