Donation Facts
What Is Blood & What Are Blood Components?
Blood is living tissue that circulates throughout the body. It is made up of plasma, red cells, white cells, and platelets. Plasma brings water and nutrients to every cell in the body; it also sends waste product to the kidneys for excretion. Red cells are carriers of oxygen from the lungs to the entire body. White cells are protectors against disease and infection. They destroy bacteria and help immune defense. Platelets control bleeding; they are tiny cells that help blood to clot.
BLOOD TYPES & PERCENTAGES
Blood types are determined by the ABO system and the Rh factor. The blood group system called ABO is broken down into 4 categories: O, which is the most common; proceeded by A and finally B or AB which are less common ABO's. The Rh factor determines whether an ABO is positive or negative. The rarest type is what is not available when you need it!
| O Positive | 37.4% |
| O Negative | 6.6% |
| A Positive | 35.7% |
| A Negative | 6.3% |
| B Positive | 8.5% |
| B Negative | 1.5% |
| AB Positive | 3.4% |
| AB Negative | 0.6% |
Blood Donors are Needed Every Single Day
People need blood when they undergo surgery, when they've been in accidents, or when they have any number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. It's becoming increasingly difficult to ensure that an adequate supply of blood is available for patients who need it.
Central Jersey Blood Center supplies the blood and blood products needed by the area hospitals. In order to meet these requirements, we must recruit over 700 volunteer donors every week. Blood donations can be made at a mobile blood drive in your area or one of our three fixed sites: Central Jersey Blood Center, Shrewsbury, the Howell Donor Center or the Toms River Donor Center. For information please contact CJBC at 732.842.5750 or e-mail us at info@cjbcblood.org.
Things To Know Before You Donate
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Most Healthy Individuals Can Give Blood.
Blood donors who are 17 years old, weigh at least 120 pounds, and have never had hepatitis are good candidates to give blood. There is no upper age limit.
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Most Medications are Acceptable.
Medications frequently taken by healthy individuals, such as aspirin, diet pills, birth control pills, blood pressure medication and cholesterol medication are not a reason for deferral. The use of other medications will be evaluated by a nurse.
Prior to donation Donor Deferral Guidelines are available to donors for review.
The Donation Process
- The first step is registration. Signature ID must be presented.
- Next, your medical history will be taken, and your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin (iron level) will be checked.
- After your mini physical, your blood will be drawn by a phlebotomist.
In addition to a whole blood donation, our staff of experienced phlebotomists may ask that you consider an automated blood donation. There are two basis protocols available via automation; a blood donor may give one unit of red cells and one unit of plasma or two units of red cells. The type of blood donation is determined by height, weight and hematocrit. Central Jersey Blood Center staff will direct you to the appropriate donation procedure. The automated donation is quick and simple. The entire process takes just 15 minutes longer than a whole blood donation visit. We know your time is precious; make it count for you and those patients who rely on you to help.
Are Appointments Necessary?
While appointments are preferred, we are usually able to accommodate donors on short notice. Please call 732-842-5750 ext. 264 to schedule an appointment or request your appointment here.
What Happens To My Blood After I Donate?
All blood collected is taken to the laboratory at Central Jersey Blood Center for processing. In addition to blood typing, each unit undergoes a rigorous testing procedure to ensure safety. Your blood may also be separated into red cells, platelets and plasma.
After Your Donation
After the donation you may stay and have refreshments. Please refrain from lifting heavy objects with the donating arm within the next four hours and do not smoke for at least one hour.
