A Negative

The best donation for your blood type is double red cells.* By donating double red cells, you can give two units of these lifesaving cells at one time. Double red cell donation is a special automated process.

Automation allows you to donate certain components of your blood in larger amounts. During an automated donation, your blood is drawn into a machine which separates the needed component from the rest of the blood. The component is collected in a donation bag, while the rest of the blood is returned to you.

To schedule your double red cell donation, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Double Red Cells:

Shelf life:
42 days
Patients who need red blood cells:
trauma or surgery patients
Best blood type to donate:
O+, O-, B-, A-
Estimated donation time:
1 hour and 15 minutes
How often you can donate:
every 112 days, 3 times a year
To be eligible you must:
Males:
  • be at least 17 years old
  • be at least 5'1"
  • weigh at least 150 lbs.
  • have a hemoglobin of at least of 13.3 gm/dl
Females:
  • be at least 17 years old
  • be at least 5'5"
  • weigh at least 175 lbs.
  • have a hemoglobin of at least of 13.3 gm/dl

Click here to learn more about your blood type.

* Platelet, plasma and double red cell donations are not available at all Red Cross donation centers or mobiles. Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to learn about opportunities in your area.