What is a donation
Directed donation is when you choose your own blood donors. If your doctor says you may need a blood transfusion, this may be one option. Some people feel more comfortable if their blood transfusions come from donors they know. Yet, many doctors do not recommend this as a first choice. Here are some questions and answers to help you better understand this choice.
Are Donations From Family and Friends Safer?
No. Directed donation does not mean safer blood. There is no proof that blood given by people close to you is safer than any other blood supply. In fact, it may be less safe. Donors you choose may feel pressured to donate even when they should not.
Having others give blood for you takes time and planning.
First, you need to get a written order from your doctor to collect the blood. Next, appointments at the Red Cross will need to be scheduled for the donors. After the blood is given, you need to call the blood center to check on the final number of units of blood that your family members or friends were able to give. Let your doctor know if the number of units received is less than what was ordered.
Is There An Added Expense for Directed Donation?
There may be extra charges for Directed donation. While there is no charge for the blood itself, there are costs for testing and handling. If the blood is given by your family members, the blood will need to meet standard donation criteria. The costs may not be covered by insurance. You will need to find out whether your policy covers them. It is best to check on this before your family members donate the blood.
Can Any Person I Choose Donate Blood for Me?
No. Directed donors must meet the same basic requirements as other donors. They must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be age 17 or older. The donors must be free of certain health conditions or medicines. The blood type of the donors must be compatible with your own.
If Your Blood Type Is... |
You May Receive... |
AB+ |
0-, 0+, B-, B+, A-, A+, AB-, AB+ |
AB- |
0-, B-, A-, AB- |
A+ |
0-, 0+, A-, A+ |
A- |
0-, A- |
B+ |
0-, 0+, B-, B+ |
B- |
0-, B- |
0+ |
0-, 0+ |
0- |
0- |
Should Women in Childbearing Years Receive Blood From Their Partners?
No. Being exposed to your partner's blood could cause you to produce antibodies against his blood cells. If you become pregnant at some later time, these same antibodies could harm your unborn child.
Why Should Mothers Not Give Blood for Their Children?
During pregnancy, you produce antibodies against your unborn child. If your son or daughter receives your blood, the antibodies could cause serious problems. It could cause a fatal breathing problem called TRALI (Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury).
Will the Blood Given for You Be Tested?
Yes. The blood has the same testing that is done with all other blood. First, the blood will be tested to make sure that the blood type matches your blood type. Next, the blood is tested for diseases carried by blood---hepatitis, syphilis, and AIDS.
How Soon Before Surgery Do My Friends and Family Need to Donate Blood?
Donations must be made from 10 to 42 days before surgery. Blood can be stored for only 42 days. Whole blood can only be stored 21 days. And, there must be no less than 10 days to have enough time to collect, process, test, and ship the blood.
What Should I Do If I Want to Have Others Donate Blood for Me?
First, discuss this option with your doctor. If it is an option for you, your doctor will write a required order. You will be given an American Red Cross (ARC) “Special Order Collection” form signed by your doctor. Next, complete proper sections of the form and fax to 309-674-9642 which is the ARC Madison collection facility before your directed donor’s blood donation.
Alternate Collection Facilities
For a list of collection facilities outside of Dane County you can call the Madison location at
1-800-Red-Cross.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 01/09/2013
Copyright © 01/09/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5058
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