MedStar Health - Questions

QUESTIONS?

Of course you've got questions! No Superhero comes to the rescue without asking a few important questions. After all, you need to know what to expect and how to best plan your dramatic rescue! Here are some often-asked questions and quick answers. If your question isn't listed here, just call 1.866.493.6667 - and ask away!

My daughter wants to give blood. How old does she have to be to donate?
Anyone who is fit and healthy, and above the age of 17, may donate.

How often can I give blood?
Every 8 weeks (56 days).

What blood types are needed most?
All blood types are needed, but the need for some blood types is more critical than others due to the natural distribution of blood types among our population. The approximate percentages of blood types in the U.S. population are shown in the chart below.

Blood Type	% of Population
O+ (universal donors)	38%
O- (universal donors)	7%
A+	34%
A-	6%
B+	9%
B-	2%
AB+ (universal recipients)	3%
AB- (universal recipients)	1%

In an emergency, anyone can receive Type O red blood cells, which makes it the most needed type. Type AB individuals can receive red blood cells from any Type A, B, or O donors. Therefore, people with Type O blood are known as "universal donors" and those with Type AB blood are known as "universal recipients."

I was just out of the country. Can I still give blood?
You must wait one year after returning from any foreign country that has a high percentage of malarial contamination before giving blood. Call the Donor Hotline to learn which countries apply, as changes often occur.

I'm pregnant. Can I give blood?
You may not donate if you are pregnant. You should wait six weeks after a full-term, uncomplicated delivery before donating. You should also wait six weeks after a pregnancy that was terminated in its early months.

Can I get a disease if I give blood?
No. Sterile equipment is used for every donation. The sterile needle is thrown away after each use.

My grandfather wants to donate. Is there an age limit?
If you are healthy and your doctor has no objections, there is no upper age limit for donating blood.

I am recovering from a chest cold. Can I give blood?
You cannot give blood if you have a chest cold, active cold sore or sore throat. You must be symptom free of any cold or flu related illnesses for at least 7 days prior to donating blood.

Can I get AIDS from donating blood?
No. There is no risk of getting AIDS or any other disease by donating blood.

I weigh 100 pounds. Can I give blood?
No. You must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood.

I have a tattoo or body piercing. Can I give blood?
You'll have to wait at least one year from the date of your tattoo or piercing before you can give blood.

How will giving blood affect my health?
Donating blood does not affect your health. It takes your body only about 24 hours to replenish the fluid lost from the donation.

How much blood will I lose?
Typically, one unit of blood - roughly equivalent to a pint - is collected. Adult males have about 12 pints of blood in their circulation and adult females have about nine pints.

How am I going to "Save Three Lives"?
Because patients seldom require all of the components of whole blood, it makes sense to transfuse only that portion needed by the patient for a specific condition or disease. This "blood component therapy" allows several patients to benefit from one unit of donated whole blood, utilizing the red blood cells, the blood platelets and blood plasma.

What - exactly - does blood DO?
Blood is used to transport nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body. It also helps fight infections and its components help ensure beneficial clotting that heals wounds. Blood literally supplies the very materials that maintain life. Your blood sustains life within your body - and your blood does the same heroic work in other bodies, too.

QUESTIONS?

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

SUPERHERO HALL OF FAME

LATEST E-CARD

TELL YOUR SUPERFRIENDS