About Giving Blood

The immense support we receive from donors like you helps us meet 90 percent of our patients' needs for blood transfusions each year at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Giving blood is safe, and we do everything we can to make it easy and comfortable for you when you give this most precious gift to the children in our care.

Blood Donor Qualifications

Below are the following blood donation qualifications based on FDA and AABB guidelines and regulations:

Read the Blood Donation Qualification fact sheet for more.

Changes in Blood Donor Eligibility Rules are NOW in Effect

Effective August 3, 2020, CHLA can accept some individuals as blood donors who were previously deferred by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. All revisions to blood collection guidelines were made after careful study by the FDA to ensure the safety of the blood supply.

The FDA announced the revised guidelines in April 2020, but CHLA required time to modify computer systems, write procedures, and train staff in order to implement these changes safely. Thank you for your patience.

Changes include:

No deferral (eligible to donate) for individuals with a prior risk of vCJD (“mad cow” disease):

  • Individuals who were stationed with the military or lived on a military base in Europe from 1980 to 1996
  • Individuals who lived in Europe for 5 years or more from 1980 to the present        
    Two exceptions still remain:
    • Those who have spent a total of 5 years or more in France and Ireland cumulatively in the period from 1980-2001
    • Those who have spent a total of 3 months or more in the United Kingdom in the period from 1980-1996
  • Individuals who used bovine insulin for diabetes

Deferral period reduced to 3 months (previously 1 year) for individuals at risk of HIV or malaria:

  • Following travel to a malaria endemic area (as long as you were not a resident of a malarial endemic country)
  • Following any possible blood exposure including, but not limited to, tattoo or piercing in unlicensed facility, needle stick exposure, blood transfusion, skin or bone graft
  • Following treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea
  • Following male-male sexual contact
  • Following sexual contact with a high risk individual

There are other changes not listed in the interest of space. If you have previously been deferred by an answer on the donor history questionnaire, call in advance to discuss your existing deferral and to schedule an appointment.

What if I can't donate?

Don't let the blood donation rules discourage you from supporting care for our patients. You can still help our patients in numerous ways:

  • Organize a Blood Drive        
    By encouraging others to donate, and by organizing a blood drive, you can contribute far more than a pint of blood every eight weeks.
  • Distribute Information        
    You can also distribute information about the importance of blood donations for sick and injured children at school, work, and to your church or synagogue. Email us or call 323-361-2441 to receive materials and ideas about how to encourage your friends and relatives to donate blood for our patients.
  • Volunteer        
    You may choose to donate your time by volunteering at our hospital.
  • Make a Monetary Gift        
    A monetary gift or pledge can make a significant difference in our ability to provide the highest quality care for children who are seriously ill or injured.

Before You Donate

Instructions for Blood Donors

  • The day before donation drink extra fluids
  • Eat a healthy meal at least four hours before donating
  • Do not fast
  • Bring I.D. with you (must have valid picture I.D.)

Instructions for Platelet Donors

Individuals should not take any ibuprofen, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication 48 hours prior to donating. Platelet donors may need to be screened in advance.

Do you need translation services?

To protect your confidentiality, family and/or friends cannot serve as interpreters during the screening process.  Please let us know in advance if you require translating services, we will be more than happy to make arrangements for you (call or email).

During Your Donation

The entire process of a blood donation takes about 45 minutes.

  • Verify Your Eligibility        
    A healthcare professional will ask you about your medical history and your general health on the day of donation.
  • Check Your Vital Signs        
    One of our staff members will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and take a blood sample for anemia.
  • Begin Your Donation Process        
    The actual collection for a whole blood donation takes only 15 minutes. It is important for you to relax. Your body starts replenishing blood almost immediately. Blood can be donated every 8 weeks. 
  • Ready for Departure        
    We will provide you with cookies, juice, and validation for your parking. If it's your second time donating blood at our Blood Donor Center, we'll make you a Donor Identification Card to make things easier for you next time you come.

After You Donate

  • Remember to drink plenty of fluids
  • Leave your bandage on for about two hours
  • Do not smoke for at least one hour
  • Do not skip a meal
  • Do not perform any strenuous activities
  • Make an appointment for your next donation

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