WHOLE BLOOD

Whole blood donation is what most people are familiar with. This is the traditional way of donating, and allows us to draw a pint of blood containing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma at one time. Whole blood donations expire after 42 days.

DONATION TIME:

Only 5 to 20 minutes

TOTAL PROCESS TIME:

30 to 45 minutes

DONATION FREQUENCY:

Every 8 weeks or 56 days

BEST SUITED BLOOD TYPES:

O -, O+, A-, B-

PLATELETS

Platelets are the type of blood cell that allow our bodies to form clots. Patients across West Tennessee rely on platelet donations for recovery. Many cancer patients receive platelet transfusions, making platelet donations a top priority in West Tennessee.

Platelet donations expire after 5 days. This means we rely on frequent, regular platelet donors, just like how many patients rely on frequent, regular platelet transfusions.

Note: Donors who have had aspirin or aspirin containing products within 48 hours are not acceptable for platelet donation.

DONATION FREQUENCY:

Up to 24 times a year

TOTAL PROCESS TIME:

1.5 to 2 hours

All blood types can donate platelets, but A+, B+, AB+, and AB- are highly recommended.

PLASMA

For many with rare diseases, plasma protein is the only therapy available to treat chronic conditions.

DONATION TIME:

45 to 60 minutes

DONATION FREQUENCY:

Every 28 days

TOTAL PROCESS TIME:

1 to 1.5 hours

BLOOD TYPES BEST SUITED FOR PLASMA DONATIONS:

A+, AB+, AB-