- 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?
- Are children allowed to accompany a donor to the donation location? Can I bring children with me when I donate?
Whole Blood Donation
What is a whole blood donation?
A whole blood is the most common kind of donation. During the donation roughly one pint of blood is taken from a donor. This process takes about one hour from the time the donor comes in to the time the donor is ready to leave.* Whole blood donations can be made every 56 days.
Is it safe to give whole blood?
Yes! Our whole blood donation process is safe for healthy, eligible adults. New, sterile equipment is used on each donor and disposed of after each donation. After your donation, your body will begin to replenish the lost volume and red blood cells.
Who is eligible?
Are you ready to donate? In addition to being in good health, donors must be 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 lbs., and feel well the day of their donation. Sixteen-year-olds must have a signed parental consent form.
How long does it take?
From check-in, to donation to grabbing a snack, the entire process of donating whole blood takes about an hour.* The donation itself or “draw” only takes around 10 minutes.
Does it hurt to donate?
There might be slight discomfort from the needle stick. However, the rewards of helping others are great, and the process of blood donation is a breeze compared to what any of the patients are going through that need the transfusions.
How often can you give whole blood?
Whole blood donations can be made every 56 days, but are limited to a maximum of six donations in a 12 month period.
How do I make an appointment to donate?
Whole blood can be donated at any Carter BloodCare center or mobile drive. You can schedule an appointment to donate whole blood online or by calling (817)-412-5830. Our team members are waiting to assist you.
*The donation process may take longer if using translation services.