FAQ's

Can Receive	O+ O- A+ A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O+         O- A+             A-         B+             B-         AB+               AB-               39% 7% 34% 6% 8.5% 1.5% 3.5% .5%
	PERCENTAGES OF PEOPLE WITH BLOOD TYPE:

Where can I donate, and do I need an appointment?

A schedule of donation sites and collection hours can be found by clicking the When & Where link to the left. You do not need an appointment, unless you are scheduling an apheresis donation. Although appointments are encouraged, walk-in donors are always welcome.

Who can donate blood?

You are eligible to donate blood if you are at least 17 years of age, (16 years of age with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and you are in good health.

How often can I donate?

Whole blood donors can give one unit (approximately one pint) of blood every 56 days (8 weeks). See When and Where for a calendar.

How long is the donation process?

The entire process, from the time you enter the donor center until the time you leave, generally takes no longer than an hour. The actual blood donation takes between 6 to 10 minutes. The rest of your time is spent in reception, in the donor history and the post donation refreshment area.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and registered, then a brief medical history will be taken. Your pulse, blood pressure and iron level will be checked. You're then settled into a comfortable chair where a trained and certified phlebotomist will draw your blood. After the donation, you will be asked to enjoy some refreshments in the canteen. In California, donors are asked to remain on site for at least 15 minutes. At this time, we encourage donors to make a commitment for their next visit. Delta Blood Bank would like to see you several times a year; as frequently as every eight weeks.

Is there anything that may disqualify me as a donor?

Yes. The list (below) identifies possible disqualifying conditions. (A review of your planned donation will be conducted by our nursing staff just prior to your phlebotomy). Changes to our policy are in red.

Temporary Deferral:

• Bacterial infections (until resolved and off antibiotics) 
• Colds, flu, sore throat (until resolved) 
• Dental work - within the last 72 hours 
• Pregnancy - within the last 6 weeks 
• Heart Disease (if currently symptomatic, or under treatment with cardiac medication) Formerly, a permanent deferral.

Longer Term Deferrals:

• Syphillis - 1 year after treatment completion 
• Tuberculosis - 5 years after treatment completion 
• Cancer - 1 year after treatment completion Formerly, a 5 year deferral.
• Tattoos - 1 year after receiving tattoo 

Permanent Deferrals:

• AIDS (HIV infection or positive test for HIV) 
• Hepatitis (after 10 years of age) 
• I.V. drug use (ever) 

For specific questions regarding donor eligibility, call (209) 943-3830 and ask to speak to a nurse. 

What should I do prior to donating blood?

Continue with your normal daily activities. You should eat a light, low fat meal, preferably without meat, several hours before you plan to donate. (If you do eat a heavy meal, it should not prevent you from donating.) Try not to eat just before you arrive, as this may cause your blood to be a bit cloudy. Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) before and after your donation.

What will I feel?

Most individuals find donating blood to be a very rewarding. Most donors describe the phlebotomy itself as similar to a sharp pinch. The nursing staff is well trained in blood collecting. Everything is done to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of this life giving experience.

How do I make a difference?

The majority of us will need a blood transfusion at some time during our life. Nine out of ten people will need some blood component to sustain their life. Your blood donation will help two or even three individuals. Every time you donate blood, your good health is making someone else better. The only source of that blood is from the generosity of volunteer community blood donors like you.

Can I request my blood to be donated for someone in particular? 

Yes. Patients and their physicians can make arrangements through the Directed Donor Program to designate the specific donors to be used for a planned surgical procedure.

Can I donate blood in someone's name or as a credit against future blood needs? 

Yes. Delta Blood Bank operates on a credit system. Each blood donation creates a credit that can be used for one of several options: Replacement Credit, Blood Plan Credit, or Community Donor Credit. 

• Replacement Credits can be applied to a patient who is using blood, to help reduce the patient's hospital bill. The name of the patient and the name of the hospital should be provided to us at the time you register to donate. 
• Blood Plan Credits can be used to start or renew a Blood Service Insurance Policy in your name, a family or friend's name or the name of a group that has established a Group Blood Plan. One donation keeps a Blood Plan policy active for one year for an individual or a family. The policy pays the actual cost of blood transfusions, regardless of the number of transfusions or the amount charged per unit transfused. Some limitations apply. 
• Community Credits are unassigned credits that remain open for one year and can be designated at anytime during the year as Replacement Credits or Blood Plan Credits. 

If I am planning to have surgery, can I donate blood for myself? (Autologous donation) 

Yes. Arrangements can be made between your physician and Delta Blood Bank. Please call our special donation coordinator at (209) 943-3830 for the details.

When I need blood, will it be there for me? 

Yes, thanks to the generosity of donors like you. Please help us make sure blood will be available should you, your family or your friends need blood. PLEASE DONATE SOON!

If you have further questions regarding eligibility please call the Nursing staff at the Stockton Center at (209) 943-3830 or the Modesto Center at (209) 549-8484 or Toll Free (888) 94-BLOOD.