Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions and answers. Please feel free to call us at (559) 389-5433 to ask our staff for more information on any of these topics.
How long does it take to give blood?
The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection, and time for refreshments in the Canteen. For whole blood donations, the entire process usually takes about 45-60 minutes, with the actual blood collection lasting about 10 – 15 minutes. For apheresis (platelet) donations, the entire process typically takes about 1.5 – 2 hours.
How much blood is taken?
A whole blood donation is approximately one pint.
What are platelets?
Platelets are tiny cells that circulate throughout the blood and are essential for blood clotting. Platelet donations are especially important for patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery, or experiencing trauma. If you are interested in donating platelets or would like more information, please contact us at (559) 389-5433.
How often can I give blood?
Whole blood donors may donate once every 56 days (eight weeks), allowing time for red blood cells to replenish. Apheresis (platelet) donors may donate more frequently—up to twice in one month (and as many as 24 times per year) because platelets and plasma are replaced more quickly than red blood cells. Platelet and plasma levels typically return to normal within a few hours, while red blood cells may take two weeks or longer to fully recover.
Are the health history questions necessary every time?
Yes. To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must answer the required health history questions at every donation. This practice is mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all blood centers. When you use Quickpass, you can answer the questions remotely, but must be done the same day of your appointment.
Why do I have to read the information sheet each time I donate?
Donors are required to read the pre-donation information sheet before every donation, regardless of how often they donate. This FDA-required document outlines high-risk activities and situations that may affect donor eligibility. Because guidelines and information can change, donors must review the sheet each time.
How much blood do I have in my body?
As a general rule, women have approximately 10 pints of blood and men have approximately 12 pints.
How does giving blood affect me?
For most donors, the impact is minimal. Fluid levels return to normal within 24 hours, and white blood cell counts return to normal within about 72 hours. Since adults typically have 10 to 12 pints of blood, the one pint donated is quickly replenished.
Is there a minimum or maximum age limit to donate blood?
Donors must be at least 16 years old. Donors who are 16 or 17 years old may donate with written parental consent. There is no upper age limit as long as the donor meets eligibility requirements.
What is the universal blood type?
Type O negative is considered the universal donor blood type and occurs in about 7% of the U.S. population. It can be given to patients of any blood type. AB positive, which occurs in about 3% of the population, is considered the universal recipient blood type because it can receive blood from any type.
How long does it take for my blood to be used?
Most blood donations are processed, tested and ready for use within 48 hours or less. Whole blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, platelets for up to 5 days, and plasma can be frozen and stored for up to one year.
What do you test for?
Blood donations are carefully tested to ensure safety for patients. Blood components have specific storage limits: red blood cells last up to 42 days, platelets last up to 5 days, and plasma can be frozen and stored for up to one year.
How can I increase my iron level?
Some donors may be temporarily deferred due to low iron or hematocrit levels. This requirement helps protect a donor’s health. Eating iron-rich foods such as red meat, dark leafy greens, and raisins, or taking a multivitamin with iron, may help increase iron levels.
Why are pregnant women unable to donate blood?
The safety of blood donation during or shortly after pregnancy has not been fully established. To protect the health of both mother and baby, individuals who are pregnant or have recently been pregnant are not eligible to donate.
If I was deferred under the previous MSM policy, can I donate now?
As of May 2023, the FDA replaced the categorical, time-based deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) with individualized risk assessments, allowing more gay and bisexual men to donate blood. The new policy uses gender-neutral, behavior-based questions to evaluate all donors, deferring those—regardless of gender or orientation—who have had new or multiple partners and anal sex in the past 3 months.
Does the Central California Blood Center pay donors?
No. California and FDA regulations require an all-volunteer blood supply and do not allow payment for blood donations. Research has shown that volunteer donors help ensure a safer blood supply. The Central California Blood Center is proud to remain a volunteer-supported, nonprofit organization.
Why is there often a blood shortage?
CCBC works to maintain a five- to seven-day supply of blood. However, unpredictable events such as major accidents or trauma cases can quickly increase demand. When supplies fall below a three-day level, CCBC reaches out to the community to help restore a safe inventory.
Can I bring children with me when I donate?
For safety and confidentiality reasons, children are not permitted in the screening room or blood collection area. Children may remain in waiting or canteen areas, and staff are happy to answer questions and explain the donation process when time allows.
Is the Central California Blood Center affiliated with the Red Cross?
No. The Central California Blood Center is an independent, nonprofit organization that exclusively serves patients and hospitals throughout Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, and Mariposa counties.
Where are Central California Blood Center locations?
CCBC operates five fixed donation centers located in Northwest Fresno, Central Fresno, North Fresno, Clovis, and Visalia. In addition, mobile blood drives are held throughout the Central Valley at schools, workplaces, and community locations.
How can I host a blood drive at my workplace?
To learn more about hosting a blood drive, please contact the Central California Blood Center at (559) 389-5433 or communitydevelopment@donateblood.org.
How can I help if I am not eligible to donate blood?
There are many ways to support CCBC’s mission. You can encourage others to donate, volunteer at blood drives, host a blood drive, or help spread awareness in your community. Every effort helps save lives.
