You can donate either a pint of blood or specific blood components using our automated technology. Our request to you may depend on your blood type, platelet count, the date of your last donation and, of course, patient needs at the time of your donation. Listed below is a brief description of the different types of blood donations.
Whole Blood Donation
Most people donate whole blood—approximately 1 pint. After donation, your blood is separated into its components (red blood cells, platelets, and plasma) for distribution to local hospitals.
Total time to donate: 1 hour (from registration through refreshments)
Can be donated: every 56 days
Giving 101: Are You Ready to Save Lives?
Double Red Cell Donation (Alyx)
If you meet minimum height and weight requirements (males must weigh at least 130 lbs and be at least 61” tall; women must weigh at least 150 lbs. and be at least 65” tall), we strongly encourage you to make an automated red cell donation. In this type of donation, you give just red blood cells while your platelets and plasma are returned to you. The procedure uses a smaller needle, and collects enough red blood cells to be transfused to two different patients. Type O donors are especially valuable as double red cell donors.
Total time to donate: 1 hour, 15 minutes (from registration through refreshments)
Can be donated: every 112 days
Learn More About Double Red Cell Donations - Double the Donation, Double the Lives Saved
Platelet Donation
A platelet donation uses automated technology to collect a concentrated volume of platelets, which are necessary for clotting and may be needed by cancer patients, accident victims, and other patients with blood clotting problems.
Total time to donate: up to 2 hours, 30 minutes (from registration through refreshments)
Can be donated: up to 24 times each year
Learn More About Platelet Donations - Give More, Give Platelets
Plasma Donation
A plasma donation uses automated technology to collect a concentrated volume of plasma, most often needed to treat accident and burn victims, that helps transport nutrients and proteins in blood throughout your body via the circulatory system. Type AB donors are especially valuable as plasma donors.
Total time to donate: 1 hour, 15 minutes (from registration through refreshments)
Can be donated: every 28 days
Learn More About Donating Plasma - Give More and Give Plasma
Autologous Donation
Autologous blood donations are made by patients for their own use, usually for an upcoming surgery. These types of donations can be given once each week over a 5-week period. Donations may be made up to 5 working days before surgery. The procedure carries a processing fee.
Directed Donation
A directed blood donation is made by a donor for a specific patient, for a processing fee.
Learn More About the NYBCe Cord Blood Program
To learn more about the NYBCe Cord Blood Program or request Cord Blood units for research, visit our National Cord Blood Program page.