When You Need a Transfusion

Who Can Donate Blood?
Any healthy person age 18 or older, who meets Puget Sound Blood Center’s donor screening requirements, may donate blood. A signed Blood Center permission slip is required for donors ages 16 and 17. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Approximately 900 blood donors are needed each weekday to meet the transfusion needs of patients in the communities served by the Blood Center. While almost everyone will need a transfusion at some point in their lifetime, only about six percent of all people donate blood regularly. With an increasing population and the use of more sophisticated medical and surgical procedures, the need for new donors continues to grow.

The entire donation procedure takes about one hour, including registration, medical and social history screening and blood collection. There is no risk of being exposed to any infectious disease from the donation procedure, as only sterile supplies are used. Needles, bags and tubing are disposed of after being used; they are never reused.

Can I earn credit by giving blood?
No, it is not necessary to earn credit by donating blood because the Blood Center does not charge a replacement fee for patients who use blood. The credit system has been eliminated throughout most of the United States. Today, our entire community shares the responsibility for providing a safe and ample blood supply for patients.