In keeping with updated CDC guidance, masks will be required for all donors, staff and guests, at all Vitalant blood drives and facilities regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your understanding, and let's continue to save lives together!

All donors, regardless of vaccination status, are needed for blood, platelet and plasma donations. Read our COVID-19 FAQs.
 

How Different Types of Blood Donation Help Patients

Every blood donation you make has an amazing impact on the world–it can save lives.

But did you know there are different types of blood donation? The typical donation is one pint of whole blood, but special equipment allows us to collect parts of your blood separately. These parts are called blood components.

This process is called apheresis. While apheresis donations take a little more of your time (from an extra 30 minutes to two hours depending on donation type), these special donations help hospitals to better meet the needs of patients.

woman donating
 
 

TYPES OF BLOOD DONATION

 
 

Whole Blood Donation

whole blood donation image

During a whole blood donation, about one pint of your blood is collected. After we test it, the donation is separated into components, like red blood cells and plasma, to help patients in need.

Learn more about
the donation process

Patients helped: Most often trauma and surgery patients

Recommended Blood Types: All types

Total time: 1 hour
Donation time: 15 minutes

How often you can donate: Every 56 days up to 6 times a year.

 
 

Power Red or Double Red Cell Donation

power red donation image

A Power Red donation uses an automated process that removes twice the amount of red cells as a whole blood donation, then returns your platelets and plasma to you.

Learn more about
Power Red Donation

Patients helped: Pediatric patients, trauma or surgery patients, people with anemia

Recommended Blood Types: O-, O+, A-, B-

Total time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Donation time: 30 to 45 minutes

How often you can donate: Every 112 days up to 3 times a year

 
 

Platelet Donation

platelet donation image

Platelets help clot your blood and stop bleeding. During a platelet donation, an automated process removes your platelets and returns your red blood cells and plasma to you. Platelets must be transfused within a week, meaning platelet donors are needed frequently to ensure patients have enough for their treatments.

Learn more about
Platelet Donation

Patients helped: Cancer patients, people with blood disorders, open-heart surgeries and organ transplants

Recommended Blood Types: A+, B+, AB+ and AB-

Total time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Donation time: 2 hours

How often you can donate: Every 7 days up to 24 times a year

 
 

Plasma Donation

plasma donation image

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. A plasma donation also uses an automated process to remove the plasma from your blood and return the red cells and platelets to your body.

Learn more about
Plasma Donation

Patients helped: Patients in shock, those with severe burns or clotting disorders

Recommended Blood Types: AB+, AB-

Total time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Donation time: 30 to 45 minutes

How often you can donate: Every 28 days up to 13 times a year

 
 

Our staff may ask if you’d like to make a different type of blood donation at your appointment, based on your blood type.

You can also choose what type of donation you would like to make when scheduling an appointment.

Not all donation types are available at all locations. Final eligibility for any blood donation is determined on the day of donation.