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‘We Give Blood’
Give blood. Save lives.
The need for new blood donors is high, and so is our passion for inspiring them. Abbott partnered with the Big Ten conference to create the “We Give Blood” drive — the biggest blood donation competition of our lifetime. Catch all the action during Season 2.
How blood donation works
The blood donation process consists of a few parts:
- Scheduling a time to donate
- Completing the on-site screening
- Giving blood
- Resting and refueling
Check out our articles and FAQ below for more insights.
Help in action
FAQs
How do I donate blood?
First of all: Thank you for wanting to help save lives! The donation process starts with finding a location and determining your eligibility.
How long does it take to donate blood?
The process for whole blood donation usually takes about one hour, with the collection itself lasting about 10 minutes. The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments.
How should I prepare for my donation appointment?
Drink at least two large glasses of water beforehand to hydrate, and know your health history. You can also eat iron-rich foods in advance.
What is the universal blood type for donation?
If your blood type is O negative, you are what’s known as a “universal donor.” That means anyone can receive the red blood cells you donate.
Can I donate blood if I am living with diabetes?
People living with prediabetes and diabetes are generally eligible to donate blood. It’s recommended that you monitor your glucose levels afterward.
Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?
Yes. But in many countries, the precautionary waiting period between getting a tattoo and donating is six-12 months. Read more about this common misconception about tattoos.
What is Abbott’s interest in blood donation?
The U.S. continues to face urgent blood shortages, with some blood centers reporting less than a one-day supply of blood on hand. Blood donations are needed every two seconds for a wide variety of medical reasons, including trauma and accident victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, and individuals receiving cancer treatment. As people get older, they become less likely to be eligible to donate blood. At the same time, the number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years. With the “We Give Blood” drive competition, Abbott is working with Big Ten universities and blood centers across the country to ignite the next generation of lifelong blood donors.