BLOOD DONATION BASICS

Get all your questions and answers about blood donation in one spot.

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How do I find out if I’m eligible?

Most people who are in good health, at least 18 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds may donate. Many vaccinations, tattoos, and travel plans won’t impact your eligibility!

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Can people under 18 donate?

Take it from Olivia: you can donate as early as 16 with a parent’s permission. And in Oregon, no permission form needed.

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What if I’m not eligible?

Everyone can play! If you can’t give blood for local patients, you can probably donate for research or volunteer in other powerful ways.

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Can’t you make that in a lab?

You can’t manufacture talent and you can’t manufacture blood: there’s no substitute.

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Does it hurt?

Most people feel just a pinch, and then it’s all good vibes.

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How much time does it take?

Donating blood takes about an hour from start to finish, and the donation itself averages less than 10 minutes: you’ve probably waited longer in line for a ballpark hot dog!

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How often can I donate?

You can donate whole blood every 56 days. Donate as often as you can – even if you can only give in the off-season.

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Do you need my blood type?

It takes all positions to win a game and all blood types to save lives.

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What if I don’t know my blood type?

We’ll tell you after your first donation – score!

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Is there really a need?

One out of every four Americans will need a blood transfusion in our lifetimes. The best offense is a good defense: help us be prepared for whatever comes along.

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Can I donate if I have tattoos or piercings?

If your body art was done in a licensed shop locally or in one of 40 other approved states, there’s no wait to donate. For everything else, it’s a three-month deferral.

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How do I prepare for my donation?

An athlete always warms up before taking the field! Drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal before your appointment.

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Can I donate if I have diabetes?

If your diabetes is under control, on or off medication, you can donate.

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Can I donate if I take medication?

Many medications do not impact your ability to donate blood. Check out a list of common medications and for more information, contact our Clinical Specialists by emailing [email protected].

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Is the mad cow ban still in place?

Is a football round or oblong? You can debate this with one of our blood collection specialists -- we lifted UK travel restrictions earlier this year.

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Who will receive my blood?

Root for the home team: your donations go to patients in more than 95 hospitals in the Pacific Northwest.

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What if I have more questions?

Our Donor Care team is here to help! Call us at 800-398-7888 or send us an email

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What's It Like to Give Blood?

Bloodworks will have you wrapped up in an hour or less, cookie in hand, with the warm feeling that you just gave local patients another shot at life.