The plasma portion of a donation is replaced within hours, the platelet portion within days and red blood cells in about 56 days. This is why blood donors cannot give more often than once every 56 days.

Your body replenishes the fluid lost from donation within 24 hours. It may take up to two months to replace to lost Red Blood Cells.

In normal healthy persons there is a slight drop in blood count (not enough to be noticed) which returns to normal levels within 3 - 4 weeks. During this time the donor must be receiving adequate amounts of dietary iron (needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen and gives blood its red color).

The entire process takes approximately one hour. The blood draw is done by a skilled, specially trained, medical staff-person and only takes 7 to 10 minutes. You will rest for 15 minutes after your donation while enjoying refreshments in our canteen area.

The amount of blood taken is approximately 450 ml or 1 pint. It is equivalent to about 10% of your total blood volume. You will feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted. Most people do not find this uncomfortable.

It takes the body 24 – 48 hours to replace the plasma portion that is about 80% water and 3 – 5 weeks to replace the red cells. Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid before and following the donation to assist the replacement process. Also, regular and frequent donors should eat plenty of iron-containing foods (ex. meat).

Although it may seem like a lot of blood goes into the tubes, it is really a very small portion of your total blood supply. Each tube contains about one teaspoon of blood compared to the average adult's total blood volume of about 1 gallon. If you have a drink of water or juice right after, your blood volume will be back to normal within an hour or so. Your body will replace the missing blood cells within a few days.

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is committed to building a strong network and inventory of high-quality cord blood units available to any patient who needs a transplant. We work with expectant parents and public cord blood banks to increase the number and diversity of cord blood units available for patients. We are also committed to improving transplant results for patients. That is why we are conducting a research study on cord blood transplantation and patient outcomes.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus spread by air droplets (from coughing & sneezing), sexually, and by blood contact. In healthy persons it may cause minor flu-like symptoms, cough, sore throat and enlarged glands (resembling infectious mono), or no symptoms at all. It occurs at all ages, and by adulthood, blood tests show that about 50 percent of healthy adults have had the virus (and are now immune to it).

Identifying information is never exchanged between a cord blood donor and cord blood transplant recipient. The identity of the cord blood donor is kept confidential at the cord blood bank.

Blood you donate here at Hoag begins being processed for use by our patients as soon as you donate. You'll get the satisfaction of knowing you have directly helped another person and a free mini-medical examination including a blood pressure check. An identification card showing your blood group and Rh type will be mailed to you and you will become a member of our Gallon Club when you have given 8 blood donations.

Although the blood supply today is very safe, autologous blood is the safest and most compatible blood for you.

Your physician may recommend autologous blood donation if there is a possibility that you may need a blood transfusion during or after your surgical procedure. Autologous (pronounced aw-TOL-o-gous) blood donation is when you donate and store your own blood prior to your surgery. During surgery, should you require a transfusion, the blood that you donated will be given back to you.

Plan to spend an hour for the entire blood donation process, which includes some paper work and a mini physical. The actual blood collection of blood takes just 5 to 8 minutes. After donating, you will rest, enjoy refreshments and experience the satisfaction of knowing that you just saved up to three lives. It will be the best hour of your day. Comfort levels vary from person to person but many donors say there is nothing to it. You will feel a slight pinch and it is all over before you know it!

You should donate blood because it's an easy, relatively painless thing to do. The safety of the nation's blood supply is dependent on volunteer blood donors. 60% of the nation's population will require a blood transfusion at some time in their lives. Despite this fact, only 2% of the eligible donors in Southern California participate in blood donation. You'll feel good about doing something for someone else. It's an opportunity to share your good health with others.

It usually takes about 45 minutes for screening, donating a unit, and a short rest period after you are finished. The actual donation itself takes about 15 minutes.

Research has shown that BYETTA starts working as soon as the very first dose. So you can see better control of your blood glucose levels on the first day. As you continue to take BYETTA, you should see overall improvements in your A1C (a 3-month average of your blood glucose levels).