An official website of the United States government
          Here's how you know
        Here's how you knowDot gov**Official websites use .gov**
              
              A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
        Https**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
              
              A **lock** (   Locked padlock
 ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.  **
Menu


    close

        
        
                      Información en:Español

          
          Giving Blood
      
                
        
  
          **Giving Blood**
          
                        
              Why donate?
      
                        
              What is the process?
      
                        
              What are the donation types?
      
                        
              Can I donate?
      
                        
              What if I have concerns?
      
                        
              Who benefits?
      
                        
              Where can I donate?
      
                        
              Giving Plasma
      
                
        
  
          **Giving Plasma**
          
                        
              Why give plasma?
      
                        
              What is the process?
      
                        
              Can I give plasma?
      
                        
              What if I have concerns?
      
                        
              Who benefits?
      
                        
              Where can I give?
      
                        
              About the Campaign
      
                
        
  
          **About the Campaign**
          
                        
              Blood Campaign Materials
      
                        
              Plasma Campaign Materials
      
                        
              Campaign Updates

Enter the terms you wish to search for.
      Search
Start Giving
 Giving Blood



  
      Why donate?
              
                          
                          
        
        
        What is the process?
              
                          
                          
        
                          
        What are the donation types?
              
                          
                          
        
        
        Can I donate?
              
                          
                          
        
        
        What if I have concerns?
              
                          
                          
        
        
        Who benefits?
              
                          
                          
        
        
        Where can I donate?
                  
                  The Different Types of Blood Donations


“The generosity of those who donated the blood that helped save me allowed me to live again." Quote from Cesar, a blood donation recipient.
      

            There are a few different kinds of blood donation: Whole blood donation takes all the parts of your blood, whereas the other types of donation each take a part of your blood. Donated blood is called a “blood product.” Each kind of blood product is needed and has a limited shelf life. This is why it is so important to give blood several times a year, or more often, if you can.

Apheresis is the process of removing a specific component of the blood, including platelets, red blood cells, and plasma. During this process, you give blood through a needle and tube, like you do during a regular blood donation. But, unlike a regular blood donation, the tube is connected to a high-tech machine that separates out a certain part of your blood, then returns the blood and remaining blood components back into your body through the same tube. Apheresis donation takes longer than a whole blood donation. A whole blood donation takes about 20 minutes, and an apheresis donation can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the blood component that is being donated.

**Whole blood donation** collects blood so that it can either be used as a whole blood transfusion or separated into its different parts (red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma) to benefit multiple people. It is the most common type of donation **Shelf life: 42 days**
	**Platelet donation** collects platelets, the tiny cells that help blood clot. A machine separates the blood to collect platelets along with some plasma, then returns the red cells and most of that plasma back to your body. **Shelf life: 5–7 days**
	**Double red cell donation** collects two units of concentrated red blood cells. This is double the amount of life-saving red blood cells that you can give in a whole blood donation. A machine separates the blood to collect red cells, then returns platelets and plasma back to your body. **Shelf life: 42 days**
	**Plasma donation** collects plasma, the liquid portion of blood. A collection device separates the blood to collect plasma, then returns cells and platelets back to your body. **Shelf life: 1 year**There are usually different eligibility requirements for each kind of donation. You can contact a donation center directly to learn more. Help save the lives of people in your community by donating regularly.
      

  Content last reviewed on
                  September 27, 2022

   





Find a Donation Center

      
  
  ZIP Code
      
    
          

            Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB)  provides a location service for blood centers across the U.S. Find a donation center near you and make an appointment to save lives today. HHS.gov/givingequalsliving

    A federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201

              Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775

          
    
    Footer - Column One
  

        
      Careers
                              Contact HHS
                              HHS FAQs
                              Nondiscrimination NoticeFooter - Column Two
  

        
      Accessibility
                              HHS Archive
                              Privacy Policy
                              Viewers & PlayersFooter - Column Three
  

        
      Budget/Performance
                              EEO/No Fear Act
                              Guidance Portal
                              Inspector GeneralFooter - Column Four
  

        
      FOIA
                              The White House
                              USA.gov
                              Vulnerability Disclosure Policy