A blood bank is a place where blood is collected and stored before it is used for transfusions. Blood banking takes place in the lab. This is to make sure that donated blood and blood products are safe before they are used. Blood banking also determines the blood type. The blood is also tested for infectious diseases.
Most blood donors are volunteers. But you may also donate blood several weeks before having surgery. This is so that your blood is available in case you need a transfusion. Donating blood for yourself is called an autologous donation.
Volunteer blood donors must meet certain criteria. These include:
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Must be at least 16 years of age, or the minimum age set by state law
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Must be in good health
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Must weigh at least 110 pounds
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Must pass the physical and health history exam given before donation
Some states let people younger than 16 or 17 years to donate blood, with parental consen