Donating blood is a lifesaving act that helps patients in need of transfusions due to surgeries, accidents or medical conditions. However, to ensure donor safety and maintain the quality of donations, there are specific guidelines on how often individuals can give blood. These guidelines vary depending on the type of donation: whole blood, plasma or platelets.
How Often Can You Donate Whole Blood?
Whole blood donation is the most common type of blood donation. It involves donating a pint of blood, which includes red blood cells, plasma and platelets. In accordance with FDA guidelines, donors must wait at least 56 days between whole blood donations.
How Often Can You Donate Power Red?
Through our Power Red donation process, donors are able to give two red blood cell units — twice the amount possible through traditional whole blood donation! Power Red donations can be performed every 112 days.
How Often Can You Donate Plasma?
The liquid part of our blood, plasma makes up more than half of our bodily blood volume. It happens to regenerate quickly, though, allowing plasma donors to give every 28 days, up to 13 times a year.
How Often Can You Donate Platelets?
Essential for clotting and often needed to treat cancer patients and those undergoing major surgeries, platelets are regularly in high demand. Fortunately, platelet donors are able to give far more frequently than whole blood or plasma donors — you can come donate every seven days, up to 24 times a year!
