QUESTIONs

We know there are many things to consider before making a blood donation. Find answers to your questions and other common questions about blood donation below.

Convalescent Plasma donation faqs


General Blood Donation Questions

Why should I give blood?
Is it safe to give blood?
Does it hurt to give blood?
Should I do anything to prepare for donating blood?
Do I have to know my blood type before I can give blood?
How long does the donation process take?
Where can I give blood?
How often can I donate?
What happens to my blood after I’ve donated?
Who receives my blood?
Why are more minority donors needed?
Should I wait for a local emergency or natural disaster to donate?
Can I be paid to donate blood?
I gave blood recently and now believe my blood shouldn’t be used.
Can I give blood to get tested for AIDS or other diseases?
After I gave blood, I received a letter that indicated something might be wrong with my blood.

Eligibility Questions

Can I give blood?
How old do I have to be to give blood?
Can I donate blood if I take medications?
Can I donate blood if I have some medical conditions?
Do any vaccinations make me ineligible to donate?
Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo and/or body piercings?
Can I donate blood if I have traveled outside of the United States or Canada?
Can I give blood if I have had cancer or have received a blood transfusion?
Can I give blood if I am pregnant?
Can I still give blood after being deferred?

Donation Procedure Questions

What types of donations can I make?
What is a whole blood donation?
What is an automated donation?
What is a double red blood cell donation?
What is a platelet donation?
What is a plasma donation?
What donation is right for me?
Does LifeShare offer Therapeutic donations?
Can I make a donation for myself or a family member?

Blood Drive Questions

Can anybody organize a blood drive?
What does it take to organize a blood drive?
How many donors do I have to sign up to have a blood drive?
Why do I have to sign up people to give blood before the blood drive?
How far in advance do I have to schedule the blood drive?
Should I have an indoor blood drive or use the mobile donor coach?
Can I organize blood drives at a Donor Center?

More questions

I have more questions, how do I get answers?

          LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La. in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.