Types of Blood Donation

Whether you're a volunteer donor giving blood for the first time or you’ve done it before, choosing the right type of blood donation is easy. For most first-time donors, whole blood donation is the best place to start. From there, you may be eligible for other donation types based on your blood type and patient needs.

Compare the different types of blood donation to see how each one helps patients, how long each donation takes and which option may be the best fit for you.

Donation Type	Best For	Time to Donate	Frequency
Whole Blood	First-time donors	~1 hour	Every 56 days
Platelets	Frequent donors	~2-3 hours	Every 7 days
Plasma	Eligible donors, especially those with AB blood types	~1-2 hours	Every 28 days
Power Red	Eligible O-, A-, B- and O+ donors	~90 minutes	Every 112 days

Compare the Different Kinds of Blood Donation

Every single blood donation helps save lives, but each donation type supports patients in a different way. Whole blood, platelets, plasma and Power Red donations all play an important role in maintaining a safe and reliable blood supply.

Not sure which donation is right for you? Watch the video below for a quick overview, then explore each donation type to learn how it works, who it's best for and how it helps patients.

Types of blood donation

Every blood type is needed to help patients who count on lifesaving transfusions.

Whole Blood Donation

Whole blood is the most common type of blood donation and is recommended for most first-time donors. During a whole blood donation, approximately one pint of blood is collected. Your donation is then separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets so it can help multiple patients with different medical needs.

Learn More About Whole Blood Donation

Best for: First-time donors and most eligible blood donors
Donation time: About 1 hour
Donation frequency: Every 56 days
Commonly used for: Trauma patients, surgeries, blood loss and everyday hospital needs.

Power Red or Double Red Cell Donation

Power Red is a specialized red blood cell donation, also known as a double red cell donation, that collects two units of red blood cells during one appointment while returning your plasma and platelets. Because red blood cells are the most frequently transfused blood component, Power Red donations are especially valuable for maintaining the blood supply.

Power Red donor eligibility is limited to donors with certain blood types.

Learn More About Power Red Donation

Best for: Eligible O-, O+, A- and B- donors
Donation time: About 90 minutes
Donation frequency: Every 112 days
Commonly used for: Trauma patients, surgeries, blood loss and emergency care

Platelet Donation

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help control bleeding. They are often used to support cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients and others with serious medical conditions. Because platelets have a short shelf life, donors are needed every day.

Platelet donation uses plateletpheresis, an apheresis collection process that collects only platelets. The remaining blood components are safely returned to your body.

Learn More About Platelet Donation

Best for: Frequent donors who want to help patients with ongoing treatment needs
Donation time: About 2-3 hours
Donation frequency: Every 7 days (up to 24 times each year)
Commonly used for: Cancer treatment, organ transplants and serious bleeding disorders

Plasma Donation

Plasma is a liquid component of blood that carries nutrients, proteins and clotting factors throughout the body. Plasma donations help patients experiencing severe burns, trauma and clotting disorders.

Plasma donation uses plasmapheresis, an apheresis process that collects only plasma while your red blood cells and platelets are returned to your body.

Learn More About Plasma Donation

Best for: Eligible donors, especially those with AB blood types
Donation time: About 1-2 hours
Donation frequency: Every 28 days
Commonly used for: Burn patients, trauma care and clotting disorders

Granulocyte Donation

Platelet and plasma donors may be able to help patients fight life-threatening infection by making a granulocyte donation. Granulocytes are vital for patients with weakened immune systems, including pediatric cancer patients and people receiving bone marrow or stem cell transplants. Granulocytes are collected for specific patients and must be transfused within 24 hours. The collection process is similar to platelet donation, with donors receiving medication to temporarily boost white blood cell levels. Granulocyte donors must meet specific criteria, and currently Vitalant collects them in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Arizona and Denver areas. Please call Special Services at 480-675-5554 to ask about becoming a granulocyte donor for seriously ill patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Blood Donation

What Are the Four Types of Blood Donations?

Vitalant offers four types of blood donation: whole blood, platelets, plasma and Power Red. Each donation type supports patients in different ways across transfusion medicine, from emergency trauma care to cancer treatment and chronic illnesses. The right donation for you depends on your blood type, eligibility and current patient needs.

If you're donating for the first time, whole blood is typically the best place to start. Learn more about each donation type above or explore our Blood Donation Process page to see what to expect during your appointment.

Is It Better to Donate Whole Blood or Power Red?

Whole blood and Power Red donations both help save lives, but the best option depends on blood type compatibility and eligibility. Whole blood is recommended for most first-time donors and remains the most common type of blood donation. Power Red collects two units of red blood cells in one donation, making it an excellent option for eligible donors with certain blood types.

Not sure which donation is right for you? Review the Power Red eligibility requirements or speak with a Vitalant team member when scheduling your appointment.

Who Cannot Donate Power Red?

Power Red donation includes screening tests and requires height, weight and hemoglobin eligibility minimums.

Because Power Red collects two units of red blood cells during one donation, these minimums are in place for donor safety. At mobile blood drives, eligible male donors must be taller than 5'1" and weigh more than 130 pounds, while eligible female donors must be taller than 5'5" and weigh more than 150 pounds. Donors must also have a hemoglobin level greater than 13.3 g/dL and a hematocrit greater than 40%. Anyone who does not meet these requirements is unable to donate Power Red.

Review the full Power Red eligibility requirements to see if this donation type is right for you.

Why Give Plasma Instead of Whole Blood?

Plasma donation helps patients who need clotting factors and plasma proteins. Unlike whole blood donation, plasma donation returns your red blood cells and platelets to your body while collecting only the plasma. This allows eligible donors to provide a blood component that hospitals need for specialized treatments.

Learn more about plasma donation and see whether it's the right choice for your next appointment.

What Is the Most Useful Blood Type to Donate?

Every blood type plays an important role in maintaining a safe blood supply, but some blood types may be especially valuable for certain donation types, such as O-negative for emergency blood transfusions. The most useful donation is often the one that matches both your blood type and current patient needs.

If you don't know your blood type, Vitalant can help you learn it after you donate. You can also schedule a blood donation today to help maintain a safe blood supply.

Types of Blood Donations: Which One Is Right for You?