What are the requirements for giving blood, how often can you donate, and how safe is it to give or to receive blood?
Also, please explain what a universal donor is. Thank you for your time. Answer: The questions you ask are some of the most common received by blood banks about blood donation. These are good questions and we appreciate you sending them to us. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, about 14 million units of blood are donated every year in the U.S. by about 8 million volunteer donors. This supply of blood is used by 4 million patients, including accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients with leukemia, cancer, and other diseases. Just one pint of donated blood can help save three lives. To give blood, you must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. All donors also must pass the physical and health history examination. Each donation requires approximately 1 to 2 hours of your time. You can donate blood about every 56 days, or 6 times a year. Blood from potential donors is tested for ABO group (blood type) and Rh type (positive or negative).
