- 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.
- Who can give blood?
- Where does my blood go?
- Which patients use what blood components?
- What types of photo ID are accepted?
- What tests are performed on blood?
- What is vCJD?
- 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?
Autologous Donation
What is an autologous donation?
Donation of your blood to be used for your planned (non-emergency) surgery. The unit(s) will only be used for your surgery and will not be used for other patients.
Unfortunately, we are not able to draw and store your blood “in case I ever need it”.
How do I know if I’m able to donate for myself?
The patient must meet several health requirements including:
- Cannot have serious heart or lung issues.
- Cannot be pregnant within six weeks of the donation.
- Will be tested for infectious diseases (HBV, HCV, HIV, etc.) Some hospitals will not accept blood with positive test results for infectious diseases.
Requirements for autologous donation
Your physician must submit Carter BloodCare’s completed request form to Donor Notification Department. at least 10 days prior to the surgery date. Carter BloodCare’s Medical Directors must approve the request. Donor Notification staff will contact you to schedule your donation(s) no less than 5 days and no more than 30 days prior to the surgery date.
Other options to autologous blood donation that can be reviewed with your physician include:
- Iron supplementation before your surgery to “build up” your red blood cells.
- Intra-operative blood salvage (aka blood recovery) may be used during surgery.
- Medications, such as erythropoietin, which stimulate your bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells.
- Coagulation medications that conserve blood and minimize blood loss during surgery.
Does an autologous donation have a fee?
Yes. Donor Notification staff will contact you and explain the associated processing and handling fees once your request has been approved by CBC Medical Directors.
How do I make an appointment to donate?
Donor Notification staff will contact you to schedule the appointment for a CBC donor center that can collect these special donations. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Questions?
Donor Notification contact information: call 817-412-5308 weekdays or email us at DN@carterbloodcare.org