Home About Us Employment Special Programs Contributions Research News Volunteer Contact Us Site Map ISBT128 Donation Types Basic Qualifications Donating Made Easy Donation Process Parental Consent Form Donor Centers Make an Appointment General Facts FAQs Stories Frequently Asked Questions about Donating Blood Who can donate? Can I eat before I donate? What should I bring at the time of donation? What is the general process for donating blood? How will I feel after I donate? Can I exercise after donating? How do the different blood components work? Can I get AIDS from donating blood? Do I have enough blood in my body to donate? How often can I donate? Can donated blood be stored indefinitely until it is needed? Why are there often blood shortages? Are the health history questions during the medical interview necessary each time I donate? How much time does it take for my body to replace the blood that I donated? How is my blood be used? If I have a cold or the flu, can I donate blood? How long will the actual donation process take? Do I have to be a certain age to donate? Is there an age limit to donating? Do I have to be a certain weight to donate? Do I need to make an appointment to donate blood or do you take walk-ins? Where can I donate blood? Can I donate my own blood for surgery? Can I donate blood after receiving a flu shot? Am I allowed to donate if I've recently taken aspirin? Can I be paid for donating blood? If I was deferred once before, am I still ineligible to donate? How can I organize a Mobile Blood Drive in my community? What is a Replenishment Blood Drive? What is a directed donation? Is Central Blood Bank affiliated with the American Red Cross? How can I become a volunteer? If I have further questions, whom may I contact?   1-866-DONORS1 (1-866-366-6771) Privacy Statement