A common question we get from donors is exactly how much blood is taken when they donate. Remember, a blood donation is not the same as a blood draw you might need for your routine physical. When you donate blood, you are giving for a blood transfusion that will be given to another person.

Your blood is comprised of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The total amount of each component given when you donate blood can change depending on your donation method.

So, how much blood is taken when you donate?

Whole Blood Donation

Whole Blood Donation is the donation method most individuals are familiar with. This type of donation includes your red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

On average, 500ml of blood, or one pint, is collected when you donate whole blood.

The average adult has around five liters, or 10-12 pints, of blood in their body. That means, approximately 10% of your blood supply is taken when you donate whole blood. That’s why you need to wait 56 days before you can donate again, so your body can replace the blood cells it lost.

Double Red Cell Donation

During a Double Red Cell Donation, we only collect your red blood cells, excluding the platelets and plasma. This specialized donation process, known as automation or apheresis, focuses on extracting red blood cells.

When you make a double red cell donation, two 250ml units of red blood cells are collected.

Platelet Donation

Only platelets are collected during a Platelet Donation, using a similar apheresis process as double red cell donations. 

A normal platelet count for adults ranges between 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter. The number of platelets collected when you make a platelet donation is determined by a ratio of your platelet count to blood volume. Additionally, 200-400ml of plasma is also collected to sustain the platelets. Up to three doses of platelets can be donated at a time.

Donors with AB-, AB+, O+, A+, and B+ blood types are encouraged to donate platelets for patients in need.

Whichever way you choose to give, know that you are helping patients by giving them a second chance at life!

Donors who qualify may give whole blood as often as every 8 weeks, double red cells every 16 weeks, and platelets every 7 days. Donate blood at a OneBlood Big Red Bus or Donor Center near you today.