Less than 5 percent of healthy Americans eligible to donate blood actually donate each year. Patients scheduled for surgery may be eligible to donate blood for themselves, a process known as autologous blood donation. In the weeks before nonemergency surgery, an autologous donor may be able to donate blood that will be stored until the surgical procedure. There are many other places where blood donations can be made. People can also donate at community blood centers and hospital-based donor centers.
Many people donate by participating in blood drives at their workplaces.
A donor must be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. Most blood banks have no upper age limit. All donors must pass the physical and health history examinations given prior to donation. Nearly all blood used for transfusion in the United Sates is drawn from volunteer donors. The donor's body replenishes the fluid lost from donation in 24 hours.