AUTOLOGOUS DONATIONS
For information on sponsoring a
Blood Mobile drive, please call
(202) 884-6524
WHOLE BLOOD DONATIONS
Red blood cells carry vital oxygen to your
body’s tissues and organs. Whole blood is
collected through a single use, sterile needle.
The collection usually takes between 5 and 10
minutes. After the collection, your whole
blood donation will be separated into red
blood cells and life saving plasma, too.
PLATELET DONATIONS
111 Michigan Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20010-2970
To make an appointment or to
request information, please call
(202) 884-KIDS
or visit
www.dcchildrens.com
Platelets are vital to your body’s ability to clot
and are used to help treat many diseases. They
are collected using a sterile, single use needle
and disposable kit. Your blood is drawn into
a machine that separates the platelets from
blood. The platelets are collected in a separate
bag and the blood is returned to you. This
process is repeated until the amount of
platelets needed have been collected. The
collection process will take 45 minutes to
2 hours. During this time, you may read,
watch TV or view one of our many DVDs.
DIRECTED DONATIONS
When families want to recruit specific donors
for their children, a directed donation can be
made. Your child’s physician or the Blood
Donor Center can provide you more
information on this process.
Some children can give blood for themselves;
this is called an autologous blood donation.
The child must be healthy, cooperative, not be
anemic, and be at least 10 years old. Small
children can’t be their own donors. Your
doctor can advise you on whether your child
can donate.
TRANSFUSION BUDDY PROGRAM
The Transfusion Buddy Program was
established to provide frequently transfused
patients with blood that specifically matches
their own. Children who are transfused
frequently, such as Sickle Cell Disease
patients, have specific blood types which
sometimes makes it difficult to find
compatible blood for them. By closely
matching specific donors blood to the
patient’s, we can decrease the antibodies that
frequently transfused children develop.
The Blood Donor Center needs many donors,
specifically African-American, to be on the
Transfusion Buddy list to increase the odds
of finding compatible donors. Please contact
the Blood Donor Center if you are interested
in this program.
202-476-KIDS
Help save lives by
being a Blood Donor!
C
hildren’s National Medical Center has
provided hope to sick children and their
families throughout the region for more
than 130 years. What started as a small
hospital in the city has grown to a nationally recognized leader in pediatric medicine
with research facilities, satellite offices
around the beltway, and primary care
centers. Our physicians and nurses are
among the best in the nation -- providing
everything from routine well-baby exams
to pediatric specialists in all medical disciplines to advanced transplant surgery.
With the incredible growth going on at
Children’s, your blood donations are
needed more than ever. Babies having
heart surgery need blood that is no more
than five days old. Some children with red
blood cell abnormalities such as sickle cell
anemia or thalassemia need one to ten
units of blood every four weeks. Our
Transfusion Buddy program is designed
to provide a consistent supply of donors
who share these patient’s unique blood
qualities.
You can help to save a life by coming to
our Blood Donor Center or by hosting
a Blood Mobile drive at your place of
business, community center or place of
worship.
WHY SHOULD I DONATE?
The need for blood and platelets affects us all.
Nine out of ten of us will need blood sometime in our lives. Many children in the hospital
require fresh blood or special rare types.
Blood and platelets are in constant demand
for victims of accidents, cancer treatments,
blood diseases and many types of surgery.
The need for blood never takes a vacation.
WHO MAY DONATE?
Anyone in good health between the ages of
17 and 70, who weighs more than 110 pounds
may donate.
Most people are eligible to give blood and
don’t even know it. Some of our medical
criteria are listed on page 5 of this brochure.
Before I Decide To Donate Blood
I’d Like To Know…
WHAT WILL HAPPEN FIRST?
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REPLENISH THE
PINT?
Your body replaces blood volume or plasma
within 24 hours. Red blood cells need about
four to eight weeks for complete replacement.
The average healthy body has between 10 and
12 pints of blood and can easily spare one.
IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I NEED TO DO
BEFORE MY DONATION?
Please be sure to eat a light, low-fat meal and
drink plenty of fluids before your donation.
If you are donating platelets, please do not
take any products containing aspirin for at
least 72 hours before your scheduled
appointment.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE DONATION?
Most people feel great! Donors who know
what to expect and have eaten regular meals
before donating are usually fine. After
donating, drink extra fluids for the next 24
hours.
HOW SOON AFTER DONATING CAN I GET
BACK TO MY ROUTINE?
You will be asked to provide some basic
information such as your name, address, age,
and so on. You must also show identification
with your photo on it. A medical history is
taken and you are given a mini physical to
determine if you are eligible to donate.
After your donation, you will relax and have a
snack. You can then resume normal activity as
long as you feel well. Just avoid strenuous
lifting, pushing or exercising until the next
day.
HOW LONG DOES THE DONATION TAKE?
You can donate blood every 56 days and
platelets once a month. Please contact the
Blood Donor Center at 202-884-KIDS (5437)
or dcchildrens.com to make an appointment.
The entire blood donation process takes
about 30 to 45 minutes, while a platelet
donation can take about 1 to 2 hours.
HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE?
The Most Common Reasons for
Not Being Able to Give Blood
TEMPORARY REASONS
Condition
Deferral Period
Cold, sore throat, flu
Antibiotics
Accutane, Proscar &
Propecia
Pregnancy
Caesarian Section
Surgical procedure
with an overnight stay
3 days after last symptom
3 days after last dose and no
infection or symptoms
1 month after last dose
6 weeks after vaginal delivery
6 months after procedure
6 months post procedure,
completely healed and no
symptoms
Avodart
6 months after last dose
Piercing
12 months, unless done by
a professional under sterile
conditions
Tattoo
12 months after procedure
Travel to an area
12 months after return from
endemic for malaria
malarial area
Blood transfusion
12 months after receiving blood
Needle stick or human 12 months after incident
bite
Treated for syphilis or 12 months after last dose and
gonorrhea
symptom free
Had sex with a
12 months after last sexual
prostitute
contact
Sexual partner took
12 months after last sexual
illegal drugs by needle contact
Spent 72 hours or more 12 months from date of release
in a Correctional facility
Snorted cocaine
12 months from last episode
Soriatane
3 years after last dose
PERMANENT REASONS
Please do not give blood if you:
• Have ever used illegal drugs with a needle
• Are a man who has had sex with another man
• Have ever had HIV/AIDS
• Have ever had Hepatitis
• Have ever had babesiosis or Chagas disease
• Have ever taken Tegison for psoriasis
• Have Mad Cow Disease (vCJD) or a relative who does
• Had a brain covering graft
• Have taken clotting factor concentrates
Notes:
The reasons for not being able to donate blood sometimes
change and the list above is not complete. For any questions,
please contact the Blood Donor Center.
C
hildren’s National Medical Center has
provided hope to sick children and their
families throughout the region for more
than 130 years. What started as a small
hospital in the city has grown to a nationally recognized leader in pediatric medicine
with research facilities, satellite offices
around the beltway, and primary care
centers. Our physicians and nurses are
among the best in the nation -- providing
everything from routine well-baby exams
to pediatric specialists in all medical disciplines to advanced transplant surgery.
With the incredible growth going on at
Children’s, your blood donations are
needed more than ever. Babies having
heart surgery need blood that is no more
than five days old. Some children with red
blood cell abnormalities such as Sickle
Cell Anemia or Thalassemia need 6-8
units of blood every 4-5 weeks. Our
Transfusion Buddy program is designed
to provide a consistent supply of donors
who share these patient’s unique blood
qualities.
You can help to save a life by coming to
our Blood Donor Center or by hosting
a Blood Mobile drive at your place of
business, community center or place of
worship.
WHY SHOULD I DONATE?
The need for blood and platelets affects us all.
The majority of people will need blood sometime in their lives. Many children in the hospital
require fresh blood or special rare types.
Blood and platelets are in constant demand
for victims of accidents, cancer treatments,
blood diseases and many types of surgery.
The need for blood never takes a vacation.
WHO MAY DONATE?
Anyone in good health between the ages of
17 and 70, who weighs more than 110 pounds
may donate.
Most people are eligible to give blood and
don’t even know it. Some of our medical
criteria are listed on page 5 of this brochure.
Before I Decide To Donate Blood
I’d Like To Know…
WHAT WILL HAPPEN FIRST?
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REPLENISH THE
PINT?
Your body replaces blood volume or plasma
within 24 hours. Red blood cells need about
four to eight weeks for complete replacement.
The average healthy body has between 10 and
12 pints of blood and can easily spare one.
IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I NEED TO DO
BEFORE MY DONATION?
Please be sure to eat a light, low-fat meal and
drink plenty of fluids before your donation.
If you are donating platelets, please do not
take any products containing aspirin for at
least 72 hours before your scheduled
appointment.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE DONATION?
Most people feel great! Donors who know
what to expect and have eaten regular meals
before donating are usually fine. After
donating, drink extra fluids for the next 24
hours.
HOW SOON AFTER DONATING CAN I GET
BACK TO MY ROUTINE?
You will be asked to provide some basic
information such as your name, address, age,
and so on. You must also show identification
with your photo on it. A medical history is
taken and you are given a mini physical to
determine if you are eligible to donate.
After your donation, you will relax and have a
snack. You can then resume normal activity as
long as you feel well. Just avoid strenuous
lifting, pushing or exercising until the next
day.
HOW LONG DOES THE DONATION TAKE?
You can donate blood every 56 days and
platelets once a month. Please contact the
Blood Donor Center at 202-884-KIDS (5437)
or dcchildrens.com to make an appointment.
The entire blood donation process takes
about 30 to 45 minutes, while a platelet
donation can take about 1 to 2 hours.
HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE?
The Most Common Reasons for
Not Being Able to Give Blood
TEMPORARY REASONS
Condition
Deferral Period
Cold, sore throat, flu
Antibiotics
Accutane, Proscar &
Propecia
Pregnancy
Caesarian Section
Surgical procedure
with an overnight stay
3 days after last symptom
3 days after last dose and no
infection or symptoms
1 month after last dose
6 weeks after vaginal delivery
6 months after procedure
6 months post procedure,
completely healed and no
symptoms
Avodart
6 months after last dose
Piercing
12 months, unless done by
a professional under sterile
conditions
Tattoo
12 months after procedure
Travel to an area
12 months after return from
endemic for malaria
malarial area
Blood transfusion
12 months after receiving blood
Needle stick or human 12 months after incident
bite
Treated for syphilis or 12 months after last dose and
gonorrhea
symptom free
Had sex with a
12 months after last sexual
prostitute
contact
Sexual partner took
12 months after last sexual
illegal drugs by needle contact
Spent 72 hours or more 12 months from date of release
in a Correctional facility
Snorted cocaine
12 months from last episode
Soriatane
3 years after last dose
PERMANENT REASONS
Please do not give blood if you:
• Have ever used illegal drugs with a needle
• Are a man who has had sex with another man
• Have ever had HIV/AIDS
• Have ever had Hepatitis
• Have ever had babesiosis or Chagas disease
• Have ever taken Tegison for psoriasis
• Have Mad Cow Disease (vCJD) or a relative who does
• Had a brain covering graft
• Have taken clotting factor concentrates
Notes:
The reasons for not being able to donate blood sometimes
change and the list above is not complete. For any questions,
please contact the Blood Donor Center.
C
hildren’s National Medical Center has
provided hope to sick children and their
families throughout the region for more
than 130 years. What started as a small
hospital in the city has grown to a nationally recognized leader in pediatric medicine
with research facilities, satellite offices
around the beltway, and primary care
centers. Our physicians and nurses are
among the best in the nation -- providing
everything from routine well-baby exams
to pediatric specialists in all medical disciplines to advanced transplant surgery.
With the incredible growth going on at
Children’s, your blood donations are
needed more than ever. Babies having
heart surgery need blood that is no more
than five days old. Some children with red
blood cell abnormalities such as Sickle
Cell Anemia or Thalassemia need 6-8
units of blood every 4-5 weeks. Our
Transfusion Buddy program is designed
to provide a consistent supply of donors
who share these patient’s unique blood
qualities.
You can help to save a life by coming to
our Blood Donor Center or by hosting
a Blood Mobile drive at your place of
business, community center or place of
worship.
WHY SHOULD I DONATE?
The need for blood and platelets affects us all.
Nine out of ten of us will need blood sometime in our lives. Many children in the hospital
require fresh blood or special rare types.
Blood and platelets are in constant demand
for victims of accidents, cancer treatments,
blood diseases and many types of surgery.
The need for blood never takes a vacation.
WHO MAY DONATE?
Anyone in good health between the ages of
17 and 70, who weighs more than 110 pounds
may donate.
Most people are eligible to give blood and
don’t even know it. Some of our medical
criteria are listed on page 5 of this brochure.
Before I Decide To Donate Blood
I’d Like To Know…
WHAT WILL HAPPEN FIRST?
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REPLENISH THE
PINT?
Your body replaces blood volume or plasma
within 24 hours. Red blood cells need about
four to eight weeks for complete replacement.
The average healthy body has between 10 and
12 pints of blood and can easily spare one.
IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I NEED TO DO
BEFORE MY DONATION?
Please be sure to eat a light, low-fat meal and
drink plenty of fluids before your donation.
If you are donating platelets, please do not
take any products containing aspirin for at
least 72 hours before your scheduled
appointment.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE DONATION?
Most people feel great! Donors who know
what to expect and have eaten regular meals
before donating are usually fine. After
donating, drink extra fluids for the next 24
hours.
HOW SOON AFTER DONATING CAN I GET
BACK TO MY ROUTINE?
You will be asked to provide some basic
information such as your name, address, age,
and so on. You must also show identification
with your photo on it. A medical history is
taken and you are given a mini physical to
determine if you are eligible to donate.
After your donation, you will relax and have a
snack. You can then resume normal activity as
long as you feel well. Just avoid strenuous
lifting, pushing or exercising until the next
day.
HOW LONG DOES THE DONATION TAKE?
You can donate blood every 56 days and
platelets once a month. Please contact the
Blood Donor Center at 202-884-KIDS (5437)
or dcchildrens.com to make an appointment.
The entire blood donation process takes
about 30 to 45 minutes, while a platelet
donation can take about 1 to 2 hours.
HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE?
The Most Common Reasons for
Not Being Able to Give Blood
TEMPORARY REASONS
Condition
Deferral Period
Cold, sore throat, flu
Antibiotics
Accutane, Proscar &
Propecia
Pregnancy
Caesarian Section
Surgical procedure
with an overnight stay
3 days after last symptom
3 days after last dose and no
infection or symptoms
1 month after last dose
6 weeks after vaginal delivery
6 months after procedure
6 months post procedure,
completely healed and no
symptoms
Avodart
6 months after last dose
Piercing
12 months, unless done by
a professional under sterile
conditions
Tattoo
12 months after procedure
Travel to an area
12 months after return from
endemic for malaria
malarial area
Blood transfusion
12 months after receiving blood
Needle stick or human 12 months after incident
bite
Treated for syphilis or 12 months after last dose and
gonorrhea
symptom free
Had sex with a
12 months after last sexual
prostitute
contact
Sexual partner took
12 months after last sexual
illegal drugs by needle contact
Spent 72 hours or more 12 months from date of release
in a Correctional facility
Snorted cocaine
12 months from last episode
Soriatane
3 years after last dose
PERMANENT REASONS
Please do not give blood if you:
• Have ever used illegal drugs with a needle
• Are a man who has had sex with another man
• Have ever had HIV/AIDS
• Have ever had Hepatitis
• Have ever had babesiosis or Chagas disease
• Have ever taken Tegison for psoriasis
• Have Mad Cow Disease (vCJD) or a relative who does
• Had a brain covering graft
• Have taken clotting factor concentrates
Notes:
The reasons for not being able to donate blood sometimes
change and the list above is not complete. For any questions,
please contact the Blood Donor Center.
AUTOLOGOUS DONATIONS
For information on sponsoring a
Blood Mobile drive, please call
(202) 884-6524
WHOLE BLOOD DONATIONS
Red blood cells carry vital oxygen to your
body’s tissues and organs. Whole blood is
collected through a single use, sterile needle.
The collection usually takes between 5 and 10
minutes. After the collection, your whole
blood donation will be separated into red
blood cells and life saving plasma, too.
PLATELET DONATIONS
111 Michigan Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20010-2970
To make an appointment or to
request information, please call
(202) 884-KIDS
or visit
www.dcchildrens.com
Platelets are vital to your body’s ability to clot
and are used to help treat many diseases. They
are collected using a sterile, single use needle
and disposable kit. Your blood is drawn into
a machine that separates the platelets from
blood. The platelets are collected in a separate
bag and the blood is returned to you. This
process is repeated until the amount of
platelets needed have been collected. The
collection process will take 45 minutes to
2 hours. During this time, you may read,
watch TV or view one of our many DVDs.
DIRECTED DONATIONS
When families want to recruit specific donors
for their children, a directed donation can be
made. Your child’s physician or the Blood
Donor Center can provide you more
information on this process.
Some children can give blood for themselves;
this is called an autologous blood donation.
The child must be healthy, cooperative, not be
anemic, and be at least 10 years old. Small
children can’t be their own donors. Your
doctor can advise you on whether your child
can donate.
TRANSFUSION BUDDY PROGRAM
The Transfusion Buddy Program was
established to provide frequently transfused
patients with blood that specifically matches
their own. Children who are transfused
frequently, such as Sickle Cell Disease
patients, have specific blood types which
sometimes makes it difficult to find
compatible blood for them. By closely
matching specific donors blood to the
patient’s, we can decrease the antibodies that
frequently transfused children develop.
The Blood Donor Center needs many donors,
specifically African-American, to be on the
Transfusion Buddy list to increase the odds
of finding compatible donors. Please contact
the Blood Donor Center if you are interested
in this program.
(202) 884-KIDS
Help save lives by
being a Blood Donor!