Frquently Asked Questions

How often can I donate blood?

You have to wait a period of 56 days between blood donations. Eat plenty of iron-rich food between donations.

How often can I donate platelets?

You have to wait a period of 3 days between platelet donations, but you can only donate a maximum of 24 times a year.

Donated platelets must be used within 5 days of collection - new donations are constantly needed.

How often does Tech have blood drives?

The Virginia Tech Red Cross Club sponsors blood drives about 30 days apart and you can donate at every other one!

Blood Sits, or blood drive advertising, usually begins the week before a blood drive.

Why should I donate blood?

Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood and more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. You should donate to save lives. Unfortunately, a very low percent of eligible donors do so.

What should I do on the day of donation?

Drink extra fluids before and after donation. Eat foods containing protein or complex carbohydrates. Eat a small meal or snack before you donate.

Blood type information

First time donors will receive a card in the mail from the American Red Cross with their blood type on it a few weeks after their donation. Keep this card in your wallet or your purse so doctors know which type of blood to give you. (If they don't know, they'll give you O-, the universal donor type).

Iron

Low iron is a common cause of deferral for potential donors. Try to eat iron-rich foods the week before you will be giving blood. These include red meat, fish , poultry or liver, beans, iron-fortified cereals, raisins and prunes. Vitamin C also helps increase iron uptake in the blood.

Is donating blood safe?

The American Red Cross will make sure you are elegible and well enough to donate, and we adhere to extremely strict sanitation procedures, including sterilization of all equipment.

Should I donate even though I'm sick?

You should wait to donate until you are healthy. You're body needs to fight off the bacteria or virus that is causing your sickness and losing blood wont help you. You also don't want the person who needs blood to get infected.

How long will it take to donate blood?

The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

What about my privacy?

Information you give to the American Red Cross during the donation process is strictly confidential. It may not be released without your permission except as directed by law.

Am I eligible to donate blood?

You can find all the information you need to know about donation requirements here.

What should I expect when donating blood?

You can find all the information you need to know about the donating process here.

Beltline Training

For all American Red Cross Blood Drive Volunteers: Manual

The Virginia Tech Red Cross Club site is under perpetual development. Please send comments, suggestions, or questions to sdolenc@vt.edu.