These are questions donors often ask.

What happens to my blood after I donate?
The blood goes to the blood center laboratory for typing and testing. It is then labeled, stored at the proper temperature, and distributed to area hospitals to help save patients' lives.

What are the chances that my family, friends or I will ever need blood?
It is estimated that 60 percent of the population will need blood or blood components sometime during their lives.

If I, or someone I know, needs blood, what can I do to make sure blood is there when they need it?
As your community blood provider, United Blood Services makes sure blood is available for anyone who needs it, whether or not they donate. We hope that you will give blood, but if you cannot, you can support your community blood program by encouraging others to donate.

Can I donate blood for myself or ask others to donate for me?
Yes, if you have a surgery scheduled and are healthy enough to donate blood, you may be able to donate blood for your own use. This is called an autologous donation. Some people who are planning non-emergency surgery prefer to receive blood donated by relatives, friends or co-workers (directed donations), although there is no evidence these donations are safer than the community blood supply. Contact United Blood Services for more information about these services.

If I ever use blood, will I be charged?
Even though blood is freely given by volunteer donors, it does cost money to collect, process, test and deliver the blood to hospitals for patient use. United Blood Services recovers those costs by charging hospitals a service fee. This service fee generally is included on the patient's bill, often with other charges for hospital laboratory services. Most medical insurance programs cover this fee.

How does United Blood Services collect the blood that patients need?
United Blood Services collects blood from volunteer donors in two ways. For donor convenience, blood drives are conducted on site in communities, businesses, churches, high schools, and colleges. Also, recruiters phone donors to invite them to donate at our conveniently located donor centers. To set up a blood drive or to make an appointment to donate blood, click here for the United Blood Services location nearest you.

Are there any age restrictions for blood donors?
Yes, the minimum age is 17. However, some states require written parental permission for donors under 18 years old. Please contact your United Blood Services donation center for further information.

Why am I asked the same questions every time I donate?
Donors who give several times a year can almost recite the questions right along with our staff. When you donate blood, your body has to replenish the blood you gave. So, you have to wait at least eight weeks between whole blood donations and 16 weeks between double red cell donations. A lot can happen in that time. Our questions are the first layer of protection for patients who receive blood. But there are some things you can do to move the process along a bit more quickly, such as download a FastTrack form, fill it out, and bring it with you to your appointment.

I could not donate blood last year because the hemoglobin content in my blood was below your required level. Can I do anything to build up my hemoglobin level?
Hemoglobin is a protein that contains iron. It carries oxygen to the body tissues and gives blood its red color. The most frequent cause of low hemoglobin, but not the only one, is not having enough iron. It can take several months to build up your hemoglobin with diet alone. Iron deficiency can be corrected faster with medication such as ferrous sulfate. However medication for iron deficiency should only be taken with a doctor's advice.

I found out that I have CMV negative blood. Can I still donate?
Yes! In fact, United Blood Services maintains a list of donors whose blood is CMV negative. When a patient needs CMV negative blood, a CMV negative donor with the patient's blood type can be called to donate for that patient. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus carried by more than half of the population. Most people who have the virus never know it and for the average healthy person, CMV does not cause a problem. However, for patients whose immune systems are not functioning properly(premature babies, cancer patients and others who cannot fight infection), CMV can be very serious. Testing for CMV is not required, but some donated units are tested for evidence of the virus when it is necessary to provide blood from donors who have not had CMV.

What do I get if I donate?
A dependable blood supply. Your donation helps assure that blood will be there for you, your family, friends and neighbors when it is needed. Since it can take up to two days to test and prepare some blood components, volunteer donors are needed on a continual basis in order to maintain the community blood supply at all times.

Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
Contact your local hospital, blood drive coordinator or United Blood Services.