Blood donation is a process by which a blood donor voluntarily
has blood drawn for storage in a blood bank for subsequent use
in a blood transfusion. To understand the importance of the
availability of a sustainable donated blood supply, the catch-
cry of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service is, "80% of
Australians will need blood in their lifetime, but less than 3%
of Australians give blood each year." Blood donations may be
scheduled at local centers, or at times a "blood drive" will
occur. These are events where a blood bank or other blood
collecting organization will set up in a convenient location for
people to stop in without appointment during their daily routine
to donate blood. The process of giving blood involves screening
the donor, the actual donation, and a brief recovery period.
This applies to both whole blood donations and plasmapheresis
(giving of plasma only) - see Donation below. Western countries
typically impose screening for blood donor candidates. When a
donor arrives at a donation sit