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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffBlood donation is a voluntary procedure. You agree to have blood drawn so it can be given to someone who needs a blood transfusion. Millions of people need blood transfusions each year. Some may need blood during surgery. Others depend on it after an accident or because they have a disease that requires blood components.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be:
- In good health
- At least 17 years old (The minimum age varies by state. There's no upper age limit.)
- At least 110 pounds
- Able to pass the physical and health history assessments
- AABB. Blood FAQ. http://www.aabb.org/Content/About_Blood/FAQ/bloodfaq.htm. Accessed Feb. 23, 2009.
- Blood donation eligibility guidelines, May 2008. American Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility. Accessed Feb. 24, 2009.
- FAQs about donating blood. American Red Cross. http://www.givelife2.org/donor/faq.asp#4. Accessed Feb. 24, 2009.
- Blood donation process. American Red Cross. http://www.givelife2.org/donor/process.asp. Accessed Feb. 24, 2009.
- Tips for a good donation experience. American Red Cross. http://www.givelife2.org/donor/tips.asp. Accessed Feb. 25, 2009.
- Winters JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., March 1, 2009.
