The blood used at most hospitals is from volunteer donors. Donors are not paid for giving blood or blood products. Each blood donor must answer medical history questions and be given a limited physical examination before being accepted as a donor. The donated blood is carefully tested for hepatitis, syphilis, and antibodies to two immunodeficiency viruses, including the AIDS virus. These tests decrease the chances of transfusion-related infections.
Blood is collected and stored in sterile bags.
The bags are used once and then thrown away. The blood will be given through a needle or catheter placed in the vein. Your child s temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate will be checked many times while the blood is being given. It may take a few hours to complete the process. The donor is usually a family member or a close friend that has been chosen by the patient's family.