A group of tests that are important for diagnosing lupus will be performed. The results of these tests (serology) will be sent to you if you choose to receive them. The DNA in your blood will be analyzed to determine which genes may be involved in lupus and to address other scientific questions about lupus as they arise. A permanent cell line will be established and this cell line may be used for other approved lupus research at a later time.

You can give blood every 56 days (8 weeks). Every time you donate, you will have to meet the same criteria as you did before, and pass the medical examination.

Each of us has a complete set of our genetic information in almost every cell of our body. Genetic information consists of our genes, which we inherit from our parents. Genes are made up of DNA. A simple, reliable way for us to get a copy of your DNA is through a blood sample. We then use that DNA to try to determine the location of risk genes.

It is the blood obtained from the umbilical cord at birth. The cord blood contains stem cells. Stem cells are the cells that make all of the other cells in your body, i.e., heart cells, neural cells, etc. These stem cells continue to reproduce throughout life unless they are destroyed by cancer or blood disease. If your stem cells are destroyed, you will die unless they are replaced by transplant.

You must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. There is no maximum age limitation as long as you are in good health. Blood pressure medication - most are allowed, blood pressure must be acceptable on the day of donation. Check with CBB nurse. Malaria exposure - if you travel to a malaria endemic area with or without medication, wait one year.

Blood Pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. Your heart is like a pump. When it contracts, or beats, it sends a surge of blood through the blood vessels and pressure increases. This is called your systolic pressure. When your heart relaxes between beats, your blood pressure decreases. This is called your diastolic pressure. These two numbers provide important information about your health.

Most patients do not require blood transfusions. Your doctor will have discussed or will discuss this with you.

Anyone in good health, age 17 or older, may donate blood. Donors must weigh 110 ponds or more. There are some medical conditions that can temporarily or even permanently keep you from giving blood. People who have been exposed to hepatitis or the AIDS virus are not eligible to donate, nor are those with a history of cancer, or heart disease. Our donor guidelines are set to protect the donor's health and safety as well as the health of the recipient.

NO. You cannot get AIDS or any other disease by giving blood. The materials, including the needle used for your donation, are new, sterile, disposable and used only once, for your blood donation and are then discarded.

There are four major blood groups---O, A, B, and AB-each of which is divided into Rh positive or negative types. A patient's blood and the donor blood being transfused should be compatible, both in regard to major ABO group and Rh type. Of each 100 individuals, on the average, 45% will be group O (39% Rh positive, 6% Rh negative) ...40% will be group A (35% Rh positive, 5% Rh negative)...10% will be group B (8% Rh positive, 2% Rh negative)..

A unit of blood is a little less than a pint (approximately 450 milliliters). The average adult has between 8 and 12 pints of blood and can easily spare one. Blood is composed of cells suspended in liquid. The cells-red cells, white cells and platelets---account for 45% of the volume of blood. The remaining liquid portion is plasma, which is used for direct transfusion or as the starting material for preparation of derivatives such as albumin and clotting factors.

Absolutely not. The human body is the only "manufacturer" of this precious fluid---literally, the "Liquid of Life."

Most people can. In general, anyone who is at least 17 years of age and in good health and weighs 110 lbs. or more is eligible to donate. You may NOT donate if you have had hepatitis, have a current heart condition other than a murmur, or have engaged in activities that may put you at risk for AIDS.