Persons who are older than 65 and in good health may usually donate with the approval of the blood bank physician. Detailed guidelines . It is not possible to contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, by donating blood. Each needle used in the procedure is sterile and is disposed of after a single use. People in good health who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate a unit of blood as often as every eight weeks.
Bloodmobiles travel to high schools, colleges, churches, and other community organizations.
The average adult's body contains 10 to 12 pints of blood.