The NIH Blood Bank relocated in June 2024! Our new donor center is conveniently located off the central corridor of the Magnuson Building (around the corner from the FAES coffee shop and across from the Harvey J. Alter exhibit).
How to Prepare for Donation
Whether you’re a rookie- or a veteran-blood donor, the NIH Blood Bank encourages everyone to review and remember the following tips before donating blood or platelets:
- Find Out if You’re Eligible
- Make an Appointment
- Be Well Rested & Hydrated
- When you donate a unit of blood the amount of blood in your circulatory system is reduced by about 10%. With adequate fluid intake, your blood volume should return to normal within 12 hours. After you give blood, remember to drink an extra 4 8-ounce glasses of fluid and avoid alcohol for 24 hrs.
- Eat a Healthy Meal
About Your Blood Type
Do you know your blood type? Donating blood is a great way to find out! Learn more about your blood type and the best type of donation for you.
| Blood Type | Frequency | Facts |
|---|---|---|
| O+ | 40% | The most common type, therefore always in demand for patients. Can give blood to patients with any + type (O+, A+, B+ AB+), ideal for whole blood or double red cell donations. |
| O- | 7% | Uncommon type; can give blood to patients of ANY blood type (universal blood/red cell donor). However, O- patients can only receive blood from O- donors. Ideal for whole blood or double red cell donations. |
| A+ | 30% | The second-most common type, so your donations are always in demand. Can give blood to patients with type A+ and AB+. Great candidates for platelet donations. |
| A- | 6% | An uncommon type, so your donations are always needed for Rh- patients. A- patients can only receive blood from A- or O- donors. Great candidates for platelet donations. |
| B+ | 9% | Uncommon type, more common in Black population, can give blood to patients who are B+ or AB+. Great for either blood or platelet donations. |
| B- | 2% | A rare type, so your donations are always needed for Rh- patients. B- patients can only receive blood from B- and O- donors. Great for either blood or platelet donations. |
| AB+ | 4% | A rare type, can only give blood to patients who are AB+, can give plasma to ANY patient (universal plasma donor). Great candidates for plasma and platelet donations. |
| AB- | 1% | The least common type, can give blood to AB+ or AB- patients, universal plasma donor, great candidate for plasma and platelet donations. |
Rare blood types
Did you know? Apart from the major blood types listed above, there are over 35 other blood groups and over 600 other known antigens. Antigens are proteins and sugars present on the surface of your red cells, which you inherited from your biological parents. The unique mix of antigens on your red cells determines your extended blood type and whether you fall into one of these rare and uncommon blood groups.
One of these extended blood types is the R0 blood type, which is critically needed for patients with sickle cell disease and is over 10 times more common among persons of African descent (44%) than white persons (%4). Persons who are O+, A+ B+ or AB+ may have the R0 type.
About Donating
You may donate if you:
- Are healthy
- Are at least 17 years of age
- Weigh at least 110 pound
Find Out More