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Donor Sign-inDo you know your blood type?
Blood donors make a difference in hundreds of lives each and every day. Each type has special qualities that provide unique benefits for patients in need. There is no easier way to learn your blood type than through the simple act of giving blood. Donors must be at least sixteen years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good health.
When newborn infants need blood, only Pediatric Blood Donors will do. Can you help save an infant’s life?
Do you have what it takes to be a Pediatric Blood Donor?
Type O negative blood donors provide the universal blood type most often used in emergency situations. This blood type is not common – less than 8% of the population has it. But there is an even rarer donor needed to help save newborn infants.
Throughout our lifetime, we are exposed to many types of viruses. Among these is a relatively common virus with a long name – Cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is harmless for most otherwise healthy children and adults. In fact, while an estimated 50% – 80% of the population has been infected with it, most don’t ever realize it.
For infants, especially those who are born prematurely, it is safer to receive blood from donors who have not had this virus. Type O negative blood donors who are also negative to CMV antibodies are uniquely qualified to save these tiny patients.
Pediatric Blood Donors are critical to the mission of providing life-saving blood for pediatric patients.