Frederick Health Blood Donor Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if I am eligible to donate blood?
We will ask about your overall health and medications you are taking. We will also ask if you have traveled to or lived in other countries. We will ask about your risk for infections that can be transmitted by blood – especially HIV (which is the virus that causes AIDS), and viral hepatitis. Finally, we will take your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and a small blood sample to be sure your blood count is acceptable before you donate.
Do you accept walk ins?
We highly encourage you to schedule your donation using our online scheduling form found here or call 240-566-3700.
What is my blood type?
It is not necessary to know your blood type prior to donating. However, there are eight blood types.
- A+
- A-
- B+
- B-
- AB+
- AB-
- O+
- O-
Among these, O- is in the highest in demand as it is the universal donor type, meaning it can be given to patients with any blood type in emergencies. O+ is also high in demand, as it can be received by a large portion of the population.
How much blood will I donate?
475 mL. or 1 pint. This makes up only a small percentage of the blood in your body. During the donation, please let us know at any time if you wish to stop the process.
Does donating blood hurt?
Typically the only discomfort you'd experience from donating blood is just a pinch when the needle is first inserted and potentially a bit of arm soreness after donation.
How often can I donate?
You can donate blood every 56 days or up to six times a year. This is because it takes several weeks for your body to replace red blood cells.
How do I know that my blood is safe to donate?
We will determine your eligibility by asking you general questions, doing a minor physical examination, and performing blood tests on your donation.
We test your blood to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Some of those tests include:
- Blood antigen: Determines a blood type
- Antibodies screening: Determine donor antibodies that may react with the receiving patients
- Hemoglobin level: Checks for adequate iron levels in the blood to ensure it’s safe for you to donate
- Infectious disease and bacterial screening: Tests for various infectious diseases or contaminants
- Cross matching: Ensures compatibility if blood is being prepped for a specific patient.
Note: An individual may test negative for infectious diseases immediately after acquiring an infection, referred to as the "window period". It is very important that you answer the eligibility questions truthfully. You should not donate blood to obtain infectious disease testing.
Do you accept apheresis donations for platelets or plasma?
Currently, we are only accepting whole blood donations and not accepting apheresis donations.
Can I donate if I have tattoos or piercings?
You must wait three months to donate blood after getting a tattoo or piercing.
How long after pregnancy should I wait to donate?
Six weeks.
How will I feel after donating blood?
Most people feel fine after donating. It is important to follow the instructions given to you to eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and not over-exert yourself. The most common side effects of donating blood are lightheadedness and bruising at the site.
Can I donate blood if I’m taking medications?
You should not stop taking medications prescribed by your provider to donate blood. Some medications may require a deferral, but many people on prescription medications can still donate.
You are accepted if you are taking,
- Birth Control Pills
- Insulin - with well controlled diabetes (except for Bovine Insulin injected anytime since 1980)
- Aspirin
- Oral Antibiotics - 24 hours after (1) completing full course of oral antibiotics and infection is fully resolved and (2) completing preventative medication. e.g. acne, chronic prostatitis, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, after a splenectomy, or valvular heart disease. Donors with acute infections cannot donate.
- Injection Antibiotics - Acceptable 10 days after last injection
- NSAIDS - non-aspirin NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Must not be for a serious, long-term illness and donor should be symptom-free. Feldene (Piroxicam) has a 48-hours deferral.
Can I be disqualified from donating blood?
There are several conditions or factors that may disqualify you from donating blood including:
- Having hepatitis
- Having current heart condition other than a murmur
- Engaging in sexual activities that may put you at risk for AIDS
- Being HIV+
- Taking any antiretroviral therapy medication
- Having been in juvenile detention or jail in the past 12 months
- Ever having had the Ebola virus
Finally, do not donate if you currently have these symptoms, which can be present before you test positive for HIV:
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph glands
- Sore throat
- Rash
What are some things I can do to prepare for donating blood?
Before donating
- Always be sure to drink plenty of water before donating blood
- Eat a protein or iron-rich meal
- Avoid alcohol and fatty foods for 24 hours before your donation
- Do not take aspirin (if donating platelets) for 48 hours before your donation
After donating
- Drink plenty of water to rehydrate
- Sit down or lie down if you feel lightheaded or dizzy
- Take an iron supplement and/or eat foods rich in iron and vitamin C
- Don't perform heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after donating
- Be sure to keep that bandage on for a few hours