Question about donating blood

[Paula Sims]

With all the legit frustration about groups of people not allowed to donate blood, I have a question-- how long is it between donation and use?

So if I give today, when would it be used? If I contracted some blood disease yesterday (hepatitis, HIV), when would it show up? So if I were not in a known risk group (or lied so I could donate at the office blood drive), isn't that the same risk as someone who is gay but definitely disease whatever free?

Sorry if these questions are basic and stupid - I'm more of a calculus and matrix algebra rather than biology girl.

How does this work?

Note: because of personal health issues donating blood isn't an option for me so I don't know these things.

Thank you

[PeaceNikki]

1. It's usually a couple days before donation and use.

http://m.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/what-happens-donated-blood

Most blood donations are processed and available for use within 48 hours.

Yeah, if you contract a disease and/or lie to donate, you put patients at risk.

I've coordinated 22 drives and personally donated 6 gallons to date.

[lpbk2713]

4. Thank you for giving the gift of life.

I truly admire that.

[PeaceNikki]

5. I love being able to help in this way.

Not everyone is able, and fewer than 5% of eligible donors donate regularly. I run 2-3 drives at work per year, another scheduled next week. I'm O neg so I know the importance of having a good supply.

My brother donates platelets every two weeks like clockwork. And he has matched with a rare antibody that helped a specific patient in desperate need and donated whole blood just for her three times.

I have two friends who are only alive today because of organ donation, blood and organ donation are so important. I'm also on the bone marrow registry and hope I can help someone someday with that. The link is https://join.bethematch.org/grant?source=BSDAds_Search_GG-Engagement-US&subsource=Marrow%20Registry_bone%20+marrow%20+registry&utm_source=search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GG-Engagement-US&utm_content=Marrow%20Registryutm_term=bone%20+marrow%20+registry&gclid=Cj0KEQjws_m6BRCv37WbtNmJs-IBEiQAWKKt0PkbYjV3zbOJvI5sTXjTqfSabf8DUDoKVbWprF23u8EaAqXX8P8HAQ for anyone interested.

[Skittles]

2. whole blood must be used within 42 days

[Paula Sims]

3. thank you!!

[Laffy Kat]

6. I was turned away last time I tried to donate.

A few months after #2 son was born, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Once you have that diagnosis you can no longer donate. I'm fine now and have a much-needed blood type, but can't give. ):