WHY SHOULD I DONATE MY OWN BLOOD?

Because receiving your own blood reduces the risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED IN DONATING MY OWN BLOOD?

Donating blood is a very safe procedure, however, if you have certain conditions such as cardiac or cerebrovascular disease, there are increased risks involved. Your doctor will determine if you are physically qualified to make a blood donation. If it is determined that you cannot donate your own blood, please be assured that advances in donor screening and blood testing have dramatically improved blood safety, reducing the risk of transmitting infectious disease.

If you have health problems which will make donation problematic, please ask your doctor to help you weigh the risks versus the benefits of becoming your own donor.

CAN I BE SURE THAT MY BLOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE?

It is possible that your donated pint or pints may not be available for you due to problems that could occur during the collection, testing or processing of your blood, but your blood is never given to anyone else.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

Generally, the whole process will take between one to two hours. However, the actual drawing of blood only takes about ten minutes.

WILL I NEED ADDITIONAL BLOOD?

This is best answered by your physician. It depends on the type of surgery you are having. If you do need additional blood, you can be sure that the American Red Cross will provide for your needs. The community blood supply comes from carefully screened, healthy volunteers. Every unit of blood is tested before it can be sent to a hospital. Your safety is our highest priority.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?

There is an autologous service fee for collecting, processing, storing and distributing autologous blood that is charged to your hospital and may be passed on to you. You should check with your insurance company to see if it will be covered.

I UNDERSTAND THE ADVANTAGE OF RECEIVING MY OWN BLOOD, AND I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING MY OWN DONOR. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Ask your doctor if you can be your own (autologous) donor. If you are eligible, your physician will give you a prescription.

Call the American Red Cross at 1-800-542-5663 and ask for Special Collections. We will schedule a time for your donation or donations at our Greensburg Blood Center or a location convenient for you.