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New Minimum Weight to Donate Blood
Mar. 1st, 2015 04:17 pmI noticed that the minimum weight to donate blood has changed at the place where I donate. It's up from 110 to 115 pounds. (Fortunately, I had no trouble meeting that requirement.)
This article from the February 9 2010 Austin American Statesman says that the minimum weight changed from 110 pounds to 123 pounds starting January 12, 2010. I guess I never noticed and they've since lowered it.
The reason given is that they've started using bigger bags (500 mL versus 450 mL). (So it's not my first guess that they're taking so many more vials for additional tests that it's adding up!)
The article says that centers can decide for themselves which minimum weight to enforce so long as it's at least 110 pounds.
I have questions. I guess it's good to get more blood when people donate since most people can safely afford it. Does the extra blood make a difference? In reality, are fewer bags needed now that each one holds more?
This article from the February 9 2010 Austin American Statesman says that the minimum weight changed from 110 pounds to 123 pounds starting January 12, 2010. I guess I never noticed and they've since lowered it.
The reason given is that they've started using bigger bags (500 mL versus 450 mL). (So it's not my first guess that they're taking so many more vials for additional tests that it's adding up!)
The article says that centers can decide for themselves which minimum weight to enforce so long as it's at least 110 pounds.
I have questions. I guess it's good to get more blood when people donate since most people can safely afford it. Does the extra blood make a difference? In reality, are fewer bags needed now that each one holds more?