Self Blood Donation

Deciding What’s Right for You

• There is less risk of a reaction to your own blood; you can’t give yourself infections you don’t have.

• Usually recommended for patients planning elective surgery in which there is a good chance that blood will be needed. Many operations often don’t require blood transfusions.

• There are no set age restrictions.

• Patients should usually weigh at least 90 pounds.

• Some conditions that would keep you from self-donating are anemia, upper respiratory conditions, and abnormal blood pressure.

• A sample of your blood will be taken for testing.

• Patients taking antibiotics for infections usually cannot donate.

Planning Ahead

• Plan carefully in advance so you will be able to donate enough blood before your operation.

• You will probably need to make more than one deposit.

• Waiting a week between visits is common.

• Your doctor may prescribe a daily iron pill.