Blood is a living tissue made up of blood cells, platelets, and a fluid called plasma that contains protein and a number of other components. A blood transfusion is the administration of blood or blood components directly into the bloodstream. Every year, more than 4.5 million patients need blood transfusions in the United States and Canada. Someone needs blood on an average of every 2 seconds.
The May 21, 2008, issue of JAMA includes an article about blood donations by 16- and 17-year-olds. This Patient Page is based on one published in the April 17, 2002, issue of JAMA.
Persons who have lost blood because of internal bleeding or severe injuries
Persons who lose blood during surgical procedures
Certain individuals with cancer, sickle cell disease, and other disorders
There are a few requirements for blood donors; however, most individuals are eligible to donate as often as every 8 weeks. To donate, you must
Be at least 16 or 17 years of age depending on state laws
Weigh at least 110 pounds
Be in good health
If you are taking medication, you can usually donate blood; inform the blood donation staff before you donate.
Individuals may be temporarily or permanently deferred from donating blood. Individuals who are temporarily deferred are those who have a short-term condition or circumstance under which donation is not recommended, including
Low blood cell count
During pregnancy and until 6 weeks after giving birth
Having received a tattoo or any body piercing within the past year
Recent travel to certain areas of Africa, Central or South America, Mexico, or Southeast Asia
If you are temporarily deferred, you can check with your local blood bank to find out when you can donate.
Individuals who are permanently deferred should never donate blood. Permanent deferrals in the US include
Anyone with a positive test for HIV
Having had hepatitis at age 11 years or older
High risk of having HIV because of injection drug use or sexual contacts
Anyone who has ever received clotting factor concentrates
Anyone who has had babesiosis or Chagas disease
Anyone who has spent 3 months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996
Anyone who has spent 5 years or more in Europe from 1980 to the present
Give the gift of life! One pint of blood can save up to 3 lives. Less than 10% of eligible individuals actually donate annually. As a result, the blood supply nationwide often runs short, especially around holidays and during summer months.
Donating blood is safe and relatively painless. The entire process takes about 1 hour. You cannot get HIV (the virus that causes AIDS [acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]), hepatitis, or other diseases from donating blood.
American Association of Blood Banks http://www.aabb.org
America's Blood Centers http://www.americasblood.org
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. A Patient Page on blood transfusion was published in the October 6, 2004, issue.
Sources: American Association of Blood Banks, America's Blood Centers, American Red Cross
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 203/259-8724.
TOPIC: BLOOD DONATION
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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