Common Concerns
![A blood donor and a nurse.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/donate-blood/components/856x423-common-concerns-needles.jpg.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
I Don't Like Needles
You’re not alone: fear of needles certainly prevents some people from donating blood. But if you’re willing to spend a few minutes facing your fears (donating really can be that fast) you may find that the satisfaction you feel makes it worth it.
Try the Helpful Tips Below:
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Take Pride
Try to focus on the good you are doing - your blood donation can help save more than one life.
![A red icon of an open book within a grey circle.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/concerns-prepared.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
Be Prepared
Before your appointment, read up on the donation process so you know what to expect at every step.
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Relax
Listen to music, read a book, talk to our staff, or simply close your eyes and rest for a few minutes.
![A blood donor receiving a sticker nametag after registration.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/donors-with-masks/Donor_registering.jpg.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
I'm Not Sure I'm Eligible
There’s a very good chance you meet the criteria.
For most donations, these are the basic requirements:
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Good Health
You generally feel well, even if you're being treated for a chronic condition. Learn about health and wellness.
![A red icon of a weight scale within a grey circle.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/eligibility-healthy-weight.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
110 lbs
Additional weight requirements apply for donors age 18 or younger and all high school donors.
![Image of a squeeze ball held in a persons hand.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/donate-blood/components/856x423-common-concerns-safe.jpg.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Is it Safe to Donate?
Yes, donating blood is safe. You can’t get AIDS or any other infectious disease from giving blood because we always use new, sterile needles that are discarded after one use.
You’ll even be given a mini-physical at your appointment, to ensure you are healthy enough to donate that day. We’ll check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin.
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I'm Afraid I'll Faint
Most donors feel fine after donating blood, but if you do feel faint or fatigued, simply lie down until you feel better. It might help you to think about this: you have about 10 pints of blood in your body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation. Your body can replenish that loss in a short time (a matter of hours for some components, a few weeks for others).
![A blood storage box at a blood drive.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/redcrossblood/en/donate-blood/how-to-donate/common-concerns/_jcr_content/par/section_control_1798659050/column-parsys-1/image_copy_copy_copy.img.jpg/1719950829837.jpg)
I Don't Have the Right Kind of Blood
Perhaps you’ve heard an appeal for donors that says we’re running low on certain blood types. That doesn’t mean other types aren’t valuable: there’s always a need and purpose for every type of blood. Here’s what we’re looking for today:
![A red icon of a drop of blood within a grey circle.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/concerns-all-types.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
All Types
Whether you’re A, B, AB or O – or unknown – all types of blood are valuable and can help save lives.
![A red icon of a hand with a white drop of blood in the center within a grey circle.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/concerns-volunteers.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
Volunteer Donors
The most important thing is that you are willing to make this generous, life-saving donation.
![A blood donor in a chair.](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/donate-blood/components/378x257-common-concerns-save-lives.jpg.transform/1288/q82/feature/image.jpeg)
Ready to Help Save a Life?
Find a convenient blood drive near you and schedule an appointment to donate today.