Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) - Glossary

Donation Eligibility

Cancer
Diabetes
Exposure Risk
Heart Disease
Lung Disease
Medications
Past Deferral Review
Pregnancy
Recent Travel
Transfusion or Transplant
Vaccines
Viral Infections

Types of Donations

Autologous Donation
Directed Donation
Double Red Cell Donation
Granulocytes Donation
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Plasma Donation
Platelet Donation
Testosterone Therapy
Therapeutic Phlebotomy
Whole Blood Donation

Blood Types

O Positive
O Negative
A Positive
A Negative
B Positive
B Negative
AB Positive
AB Negative

Understanding Your Test Results

Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
Hemoglobin
Pulse

Donation Myths

Myth: I can’t donate if I have tattoos.
Myth: I can’t donate if I got a piercing recently.
Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve just been to the dentist.
Myth: Blood can be manufactured.
Myth: Blood donation is painful.
Myth: Blood is only needed in times of emergency.
Myth: Donating blood causes my body to start over producing blood cells.
Myth: Donating blood makes you gain weight.
Myth: Donating blood takes a long time.
Myth: Donating blood will impact my ability to do my daily activities.
Myth: Giving blood will harm me by taking away red cells or platelets that my body needs to function.
Myth: I can catch an infectious disease by donating blood.
Myth: I have a common blood type, so you don’t need my blood.
Myth: Donating blood can harm my immune system.
Myth: Other people are already giving enough blood.
Myth: Vegetarians or vegans cannot donate blood.
Myth: I cannot donate blood because I have diabetes.
Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve had low hemoglobin (iron) levels in the past.
Myth: I must make an appointment to donate blood.
Myth: I should fast before I donate.
Myth: I can’t donate blood when I’m on my menstrual cycle.
Myth: Sometimes, needles and other materials are reused.
Myth: I can’t donate blood because phlebotomists won’t be able to find my veins.

Glossary

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can give blood?
Where does my blood go?
Which patients use what blood products?
What types of photo ID are accepted?
What tests are performed on blood?
What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
What can I eat to raise my hemoglobin levels?
Is it safe to receive blood transfusions?
I don’t have sickle cell anemia, but I carry the trait. Can I still donate blood?
How will I feel after I donate blood?
How often can I donate blood?
How much blood is taken?
How long does it take?
Can I donate blood for myself?
When was Carter BloodCare founded?
Can people with high blood pressure donate blood?
Can people who have tested positive for HIV or AIDS donate blood?
Can gay or bi-sexual men donate blood?
What is Apheresis?
How long can blood be stored?
Are children allowed to accompany a donor to the donation location? Can I bring children with me when I donate?
Can I donate if I have a physical disability and may need assistance?

Representing the Local Community

Hispanic Heritage
R0 Subtype
Sickle Cell Disease

LGBTQ+

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Antigens present on most cells of the body which are unique to the individual. HLA antigens are important for the body to recognize its own tissues and are important in matching organs and tissues for transplantation.