Health Benefits of Donating Blood

One of my favorite ways to give back to the community is by donating blood. It makes me feel good to do something so many Americans could do, but choose not to. Blood is something my body makes enough of to donate regularly. There is no other way to create blood.

The American Red Cross website has lots of information about donating blood.  We all know how important blood is to patients in need, but what you may not realize is donating blood also has health benefits for the donor, too.

Health benefits for the donor

1. Get a Mini Physical

Every single time you attempt to donate blood, you will receive a mini physical that includes measuring blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin (iron) level.

Each of these measurements will be given to you right away. If any numbers are outside of acceptable levels for donating blood at that time, you will receive information on how to improve the numbers (i.e. what foods will help boost iron level in blood)

2. Nourishment

Donating blood requires the body be well hydrated and nourished before and after the donation process. Therefore, all Red Cross donation collection locations provide snacks and drinks after blood has been collected.

3. Knowing You Did a Great Thing

Each blood donation could save up to 3 lives and that is a pretty great feeling!

Types of donations

(Compiled from the American Red Cross website.)

Whole blood

• Most common type of donation
• Can donate every 56 days (8 weeks)
• Candidate must weigh at least 110 lbs
• Whole blood contains red cells, platelets, plasma & white cells

Double Red Blood Cells Apheresis

• Apheresis is used to separate whole blood into its components.  Red blood cells are collected and plasma and platelets are returned to the body.
• Red blood cells are the most transfused component of blood.
• Donors with Type O or Rh-negative blood are in highest demand.
• Can donate every 112 days (16 weeks)
• Males must be at least 5’1″ and weigh 130 lbs
• Females must be at least 5’5″ and weigh 150 lbs
• Ideal for O, A- and B- blood types

Platelet Apheresis

• Apheresis is used to separate whole blood into its components.  Platelets are collected and plasma and red blood cell are returned to the body.
• Platelets are important in cancer treatment, organ transplants and surgical procedures.
• Donors with Type AB, A+ or B+ are in highest demand.
• Can donate every 7 days up to 24 times per year.
• Can still make regular whole blood or double red cell donations

Plasma Apheresis

• Apheresis is used to separate whole blood into its components.  Plasma is collected and red blood cells and platelets are returned to the body.
• Plasma is used by burn, trauma and cancer patients.
• Ideal for AB blood types because AB plasma can be given to anyone while AB whole blood can only be given to AB recipients – only 4% of the population has AB blood
• Can donate every 28 days (4 weeks) up to 13 times per year
• Can be collected simultaneously with a platelet donation
• Can still make regular whole blood or double red cell donations

Things to note

• Women under 50 who donate 2 or more units per year
• Women over 50 who donate 3 or more units per year
• Men who donate 3 or more units per year

Some employers have a policy that allows employees to donate blood during company paid time. Refer to your employee handbook or contact human resources.

What you can do?

Maintaining your health is important for yourself and for those who receive your blood.  Part of maintaining good health is a diet rich in essential nutrients, as well as iron.

I love the convenience of being able to set up appointments online with my local American Red Cross.