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).

Blood volume or plasma is replaced within 24 hours. Red cells need about 4 to 8 weeks for complete replacement.

Blood levels will be fully replenished within four or five hours. White blood cells take 12 hours to recover and platelets take three days. Red blood cells take the longest to be replaced: two months. This is why it is important to leave a two-month gap between blood donations.

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 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.

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 body replaces blood volume or plasma within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to eight weeks for complete replacement.

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!