You cannot contract any infectious disease, including AIDS, from donating blood. The needle and supplies are sterile and used only for your donation. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. These drugs sometimes cause false reading on blood test that can result in permanent deferral from giving blood. How your blood donation is used Your donation can be separated into components and used to treat several patients.
Platelets control bleeding in patients with leukemia and other illnesses.
Your blood type You can find out your blood type by giving blood. In six to eight weeks after your first donation, you'll receive a Red Cross donor card with your blood type. Bring the card with you each time you give. The ABO and Rh blood groups are the most important because they determine the compatibility of donated blood with its recipient. The chart below indicates the percentages of the ABO and Rh factors in our donor population.