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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens first when you come to donate?
You will be asked to provide some basic information such as your name, address, age, and social security number, in addition to positive identification. A medical history is taken and a drop of blood is analyzed for red blood cell level. Your pulse, blood pressure and temperature are checked.
How long does the donation take?
The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, the blood collection, and time for refreshments in the canteen. For whole blood the the actual blood collection takes 5 to 7 minutes. For apheresis (platelet) collections the entire process is about two hours.
What should I bring with me?

When you come to donate, be sure and bring the following items:

  • Personal Identification Document
  • List of medications currently being taken
  • List of countries outside United States and Canada you have visited since 1980
Does the needle hurt?
There is a little sting when the needle is inserted, but there should be no pain.
How much blood is taken?
Whole blood donations are approximately one pint. Apheresis donations also take about a pint of fluid; both weigh approximately one pound.
How long will it take to replenish the blood?
Blood volume or plasma is replaced within 24 hours. Red cells need about 4-5 weeks for complete replacement.
How will I feel after the donation?
Most people feel great! Donors who know what to expect and have eaten regular meals before donating are fine. After donating, drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours.
Can I donate during my menstrual period?
Yes, if you are feeling well.
How soon after donating can I practice sports?
Avoid strenuous activities such as lifting, pushing, or picking up heavy objects for at least 4 to 5 hours after giving blood. Aerobic activity should be limited for the remainder of the day of donation. Most donors can resume normal aerobic activities the day following their donation.
What happens to my blood after donating?
After blood is drawn, it is tested for ABO group (blood type) and Rh type (positive or negative) as well as for any unexpected red blood cell antibodies that may cause problems in the recipient. Screening tests are also performed for evidence of donor infection with hepatitis viruses B and C, human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) 1 and 2, human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) I and II, syphilis and West Nile Virus. The whole blood unit is then separated into the needed blood components, and labeled for distribution.
Is giving blood safe?
Whether giving whole blood, platelets or plasma, special care and concern is given to the donor. Highly skilled-trained professionals perform the procedures.
Is there a long wait to donate blood?
For walk-ins, there may be some wait time. For appointments, there is no wait time.
How often can I donate blood?
Whole blood donors may give once every 56 days in order to allow plenty of time to replenish their red cells. Apheresis platelet donors can donate more frequently, as much as twice in one week up to 24 times per year, because the platelet and plasma components are replaced in the body more quickly than red cells.
How much blood do I have in my body?
As a general rule, women have approximately 10 pints and men have approximately 12 pints of blood.
Is there a minimum or maximum age limit on donating blood?

Minors may donate at 16 or 17 years old with a Blood Bank of Alaska Parental Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian. Donors over age 74 require a written consent from their physician each year.
What is the universal blood type?
Type O negative, occurring in about 7% of the U.S. population, is the universal donor blood type. O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any other blood type. AB positive, which occurs in only 2.5% of the U.S. population, is the universal recipient. Patients with AB positive blood can receive blood from any other blood type.
Are the health history questions necessary every time?
To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all screening questions must be asked of all donors at each donation. The FDA requires that all blood centers conform to this practice.
Why are pregnant women unable to donate?
Although no problems have been reported, the safety of donating blood during or shortly after pregnancy has not been fully established. There may be medical risks to mother and baby if a blood donation is made while pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.
Does BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA pay donors for giving blood?
The Blood Bank of Alaska does not pay for blood donations. Studies have shown that volunteer donors provide a safer blood supply than donors who are compensated for their donation.
Why is there often a blood shortage?
Major accidents, multiple patient incidents, roller coaster donating trends, and managing expiration dates of blood are all important elements that are constantly being juggled. An emergency occurs when one of these elements gets out of control. When this happens we contact the local media to assist us in getting the word out. Holiday weekends and seasonal shifts also create complications. Since these changes are predictable we usually increase our proactive efforts and contact the news media ahead of time. This means that many news reports are actually a proactive attempt to avoid an emergency blood shortage.
How can I schedule a mobile blood drive?

For more information about the requirements to host a blood drive, please call 222-5633.
Where are your donation centers located?

BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA currently has four donation centers located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and Soldotna. BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA also has mobile collection units that travel throughout the state.

West Nile Virus Q & A

What is it?
West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. The virus eventually finds its way into the mosquito’s salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus may be injected into humans and animals, where it can multiply and possibly cause illness.
Where did the West Nile Virus come from?
The West Nile virus has been commonly found in humans, birds and other vertebrates in Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, and the Middle East. Until 1999, the West Nile virus had not previously been documented in the Western Hemisphere. It is not known from where the U.S. virus originated, but it is most closely related genetically to strains found in the Middle East.
What are the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus?
Most WNV infections are mild and often clinically unapparent. Approximately 20% of those infected develop a mild illness. The incubation period is thought to range from 3 to 14 days and symptoms generally last 3 to 6 days.

Reports from earlier outbreaks describe the mild form of WNV infection as a febrile illness of sudden onset often accompanied by:

  • Anorexia
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Eye pain
  • Headache
  • Rash
Is the Blood Bank of Alaska testing for West Nile virus?
The Blood Bank of Alaska is participating in a national research study and in addition to our routine testing, a research test called a Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) for the West Nile Virus will be performed on all units of blood. This test is not licensed or required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is an investigational or research test. Those donors who test positive will be asked to participate in a research study sponsored by the manufacturers of the test. It is designed to determine if the positive NAT test result is significant to your health.
Should people avoid donating blood because of WNV?

No. There is no risk of West Nile virus infection for people who give blood. Blood saves lives and is always needed, especially during the summer months. For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.

 

Hematocrit Q & A

What is Hematocrit?

A whole blood sample contains Red Blood Cells and Plasma. Hematocrit is the percent of red blood cells found in the whole blood sample.

Red blood cells carry hemoglobin which carries oxygen (fuel) to all of the cells of our body. Low hematocrit can be a reflection of decreased hemoglobin – but not always
Why do we screen donors using Hematocrit?

For the purposes of screening donors for blood donation, a hematocrit level is determined in order to evaluate a donor’s general red cell status. This screening test is used to determine if a potential donor has an adequate supply of red blood cells.

Our minimum acceptable value of hematocrit is set at a level to assure that donating a unit of blood will not adversely affect the donor’s red cell status. If a donor’s hematocrit level falls below our minimum value, we are unable to collect a unit that day, so the donor is deferred.

It is important to remember that the Hematocrit reading taken at the blood bank is a “snapshot” of your red cell status at one particular moment. It is normal for hematocrit values to vary from day to day or even hour to hour.

Blood banks would not want to remove blood from a donor who’s red cells could become depleted by the donation process. We never want to jeopardize a donor’s health through the donation process. And we always want to encourage donors to try again, because we are often able to accept a donor on subsequent attempts.
What does a Hematocrit deferral mean for my health?

When hematocrit is below pre-set parameters, it is not necessarily an indication that there is something wrong. Hematocrit can be influenced by such things as diet and hydration as well as health issues.

The hematocrit obtained during screening for blood donation is not meant to be diagnostic or predictive of any disease state. It is simply meant to reflect whether or not a person who is wishing to donate blood falls within the predetermined acceptable range.

Does a Low Hematocrit Mean I’m Anemic?

No! Women tend to have lower hematocrit levels than men. A low hematocrit level does not mean that you are unhealthy or anemic. It is possible to be anemic and have a “normal” hematocrit. Conversely, it is possible to have an abnormal hematocrit and not be anemic.

Frequent blood donors will sometimes run a borderline low hematocrit. This may simply be a reflection of their bodies not replacing their red cells as quickly as they are being removed. Sometimes spacing donations further apart can help in this situation.
What Can I Do About a Low Hematocrit?

Diet can affect hematocrit and a diet high in iron can help raise hematocrit levels. Diet alone is not the only consideration, however. A prospective blood donor who eats a balanced diet and maintains good general health will not need to be overly concerned with eating high iron foods other than to help replace reserves that are depleted through blood donation.
The Bottom Line on Hematocrit:

Our final word to blood donors is this: If your hematocrit runs low and you are deferred from donating, please don’t be discouraged. Try again in a week or so! Hematocrit is only one of several tests that can determine a person’s health; high or low hematocrit on any given day may just be a natural variant in an otherwise healthy individual.

If a person consistently runs a lower than average hematocrit value, they may wish to check with their health care provider about more specific testing to see if there is a possible health issue.
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