The Basics
Q: How many pints of blood does the average adult have in their body?
Between 8 to 12 pints.
What is the standard minimum weight required to donate blood in the U.S.?
110 pounds.
Who discovered the ABO blood groups in 1901, later winning a Nobel Prize?
Karl Landsteiner.
Approximately how many blood donations are collected globally every year?
About 118.5 million.
What is the rarest blood type in the world, often called "Golden Blood"?
Rh-null. It lacks all 61 antigens in the Rh system and has been found in fewer than 50 people worldwide.
What is the standard amount of blood collected during a single whole-blood donation?
One pint.
Q: How many days must a donor wait between whole-blood donations?
56 days (8 weeks).
What was the primary obstacle to early successful blood transfusions before the 20th century?
Blood clotting.
What percentage of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, and what percentage actually does?
Approximately 37–38% are eligible, but only about 3% donate annually.
Donated blood is separated into three primary components; name them.
Red cells, platelets, and plasma.
Which blood type is considered the "Universal Donor" for red blood cells?
Type O-negative (O-).
True or False: You can contract HIV or other diseases by donating blood.
False. A new, sterile needle is used for every donation.
Q: When is donated blood typically in the shortest supply?
During summer and winter holidays.
How often does someone in the U.S. need blood or platelets?
Every two seconds.
Why are donors given salty snacks and juice after donating?
To help restore blood volume and blood sugar levels quickly, preventing dizziness or fainting.
Which blood type is the "Universal Donor" for plasma?
Type AB.
In the U.S., which government agency regulates the collection and storage of donated blood?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Q: How long does the actual blood collection (the "needle time") usually take?
Approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
In low-income countries, more than half of all blood transfusions are given to which specific age group?
Children under five years of age.
What is the name of the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and gives blood its red color?
Hemoglobin.
What is the approximate shelf life of donated red blood cells?
42 days (6 weeks).
What is the most common reason for a potential donor to be temporarily deferred?
Low iron (hemoglobin) levels.
What major 20th-century invention replaced breakable glass bottles for blood collection in 1950, allowing for easier separation of blood into components?
Plastic blood collection bags.
Which region of the world has the highest prevalence of Type B+ blood?
South and Central Asia (particularly India and Pakistan).
Which blood type is often specifically requested for neonatal (newborn) emergencies?
O-negative. This type is safest for babies with undeveloped immune systems.