Critical Needs
Platelets are also greatly needed.
Schedule your appointment today!
Donating at the NIH Blood Bank
Can I donate if...?
Read this list of questions donors frequently ask. The eligibility criteria for donation at the NIH Clinical Center’s Department of Transfusion Medicine reflects local NIH policy as well as national regulations.
Different Types of Donations
There are a few different kinds of blood donation: Whole blood donation is the most common and takes all the parts of your blood, whereas the other types of donations use a process called apheresis to take a part of your blood. There are different eligibility requirements for each kind of donation. Read to learn more about the types of donations you can make at the NIH Blood Bank.
African American Blood Donors Needed
Black and African American donors are most likely to be a match for patients with sickle cell disease who are participating in clinical research studies at the NIH Clinical Center. However, less than 3% of blood donors are Black. Find out more about the need to diversify the blood supply.
Special Update for LGBTQ+ Donors
NIH implemented the changes outlined in the recently revised FDA Guidance that recommends the adoption of Individual Donor Assessment (IDA) to determine blood donor eligibility. The finalized guidance poses the same donor screening questions to every donor, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Did You Know
The blood you donate at the NIH Blood Bank is used to support the many patients who come from all over the world to receive treatment. The whole-blood and component requirements of the Clinical Center vary according to the needs of the current patient population.
Red Blood Cells units to treat patients with chronic anemias
Platelets units to control bleeding in patients with leukemia, cancer, etc.
Plasma units for patients with surgical, cancer, and immunologic deficiencies
Cryoprecipitate units for patients with bleeding disorders
Granulocyte units for severe infections linked to white blood cell disorders
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Llasmin's Story:
Llasmin is forever grateful!
Llasmin is forever grateful to all the blood, platelet, and granulocyte donors that helped restore her health during the time she was a patient here at the NIH Clinical Center. She is back in her hometown after two years of hospitalization, and for the first time in many years, not on any medications. Attending University while enjoying a happy life with her family, Llasmin aspires to dedicate her professional life to the service of others.
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Adam's Story:
Adam loves being able to make the most of his time on campus.
Adam is smiling because he gets to donate blood via double red cell apheresis (DRCA), a special donation option which lets him give twice the amount of red blood cells with each visit. DRCA takes only slightly longer than a single-unit donation and the interval after donation is extended a bit longer.
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Sophia's Story:
Sophia visits the NIH Donor Center at Fishers Lane in Rockville, MD.
Sophia, once an inpatient at the NIH Clinical Center, expresses her gratitude for all of the donors and staff who made sure she received the blood products she needed during her treatment.
After being diagnosed with aplastic anemia Sophia underwent multiple stem cell transplants.
Throughout her treatment, Sophia required granulocyte transfusions to treat and overcome severe fungal infection. Her recovery highlights the collaborative efforts of medical staff and volunteer blood donors.
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Marty's Story:
Marty Zimelis is Mr. 300!
Marty Zimelis, affectionately known as "Mr. 300," has donated platelets more than 300 times with the NIH Blood Bank. He has made a profound impact on the lives of NIH patients and their families, as evidenced by reaching such a huge milestone.
We are so proud of Marty – and the rest of our donors – for their dedication, their generosity, and their unwavering commitment to patient care.
Thank you for your interest in us. We'll do our best to be helpful.
MAILING ADDRESS
NIH Blood Bank
10 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
NIH Donor Center at Fishers Lane
5625 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20852 (Suite 1S02)
PHONE
Platelet Apheresis Donor Program Coordinator:
(301) 496-4321
Hemochromatosis Program Coordinator:
(301) 435-3049
Research Donor Program Coordinator:
(301) 496-0092