- 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.
- 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 give blood?
- How will I feel after I give blood?
- How often can I give blood?
- How much blood is taken?
- How long does it take?
- Can I give 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?
Autologous Donation
Medically reviewed on July 1, 2022.
What is an autologous donation?
Donation of your own blood (usually red blood cells) prior to planned (non-emergency) surgery is available with the request of your physician.
How do I know if I’m able to donate for myself?
A request for an autologous donation must be made by your physician.
Requirements for autologous donation
Donations must be made within a specific time frame (no less than 5 days and no more than 30 days prior to surgery). Donations must be scheduled in advance through the special donations department.
Does an autologous donation have a fee?
An autologous donor processing fee applies.
How do I make an appointment to donate?
Once the procedure has been approved, the special donations department will facilitate the scheduling of this appointment. Walk-ins will not be accepted for autologous donations.