B Positive
The best donation for your blood type is automated platelet donation.* By donating platelets, you can give more of this lifesaving blood product than you can with a whole blood donation. Platelet 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 final component is collected in a donation bag, while the rest of the blood is returned to you.
To schedule your donation, call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE.
Platelets:
- Shelf life:
- 5 days
- Patients who need platelets:
- cancer patients, organ transplant patients
- Best blood type to donate:
- A+, A-, B+, AB+, AB-
- Estimated donation time:
- 1 ½ – 2 ½ hours
- How often you can donate:
- up to 24 times per year. We recommend you donate once every two to four weeks.
- To be eligible you must:
-
- be at least 17 years old
- weigh at least 110 lbs.
- be in good health
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.
Abby Bridgewater has needed multiple blood product transfusions during her treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Today, Abby is in remission and looking forward to going back to school.
Click here to read Abby's story about the power of a blood donation.
