Blood Donation FAQs Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Call 1-888-USBLOOD, or click here to contact your local blood
center. Please Select a Topic: How long does it take to give
blood? How much blood is taken? How often can I give? What are
platelets? How much blood do I have in my body? Are there age
limits for blood donors? Is it safe to give blood? Is it safe to
receive blood? What if I am a Jehovah's Witness? What is the
universal blood type? How long until my blood is used? Are
health history questions necessary every time? Do America's Bloo
Centers' members pay donors for giving blood? Why do blood
shortages occur? Is America's Blood Centers affiliated with the
Red Cross? The process for whole blood donation usually takes
about one hour. The blood collection itself is usually about 10
minutes. The donation process includes registration, a brief
medical screening, blood collection and refreshments. Expect to
spend about two hours for apheresis (platelet) collections.
Whole blood and apheresis (pla