Blood Donations
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill
– Winston Churchill
History of Blood Donation
The Honolulu Blood-Plasma Bank (now the Blood Bank of Hawaii) was founded in 1941 and included mobile units that responded to the needs of Hawaii’s citizens during WWII.
Blood Bank of Hawaii opened its doors in February 1941 on the grounds of what is now The Queen’s Medical Center. Known then as Honolulu Blood-Plasma Bank, the blood bank served as a wartime agency under the Office of Civilian Defense, returning to its non-profit civilian status in 1943. Honolulu Blood-Plasma Bank officially changed its name to Blood Bank of Hawaii in 1946.
In the early years, blood was collected in glass bottles, hemoglobin checks were done via the earlobe, and a single van went around the island to collect blood. Services were expanded to included neighbor island blood drives and Hawaii’s unique ethnic population became nationally recognized as a source for many types of rare blood.
Today, state-of-the-art blood bags are used for collections, adequate iron levels are verified through technology, and blood is collected at two fixed sites, along with two bloodmobiles that travel to Oahu’s neighborhoods providing convenience for donors. Blood Bank of Hawaii adheres to the highest standards of safety and quality and continues its long commitment to providing a safe and adequate blood supply for Hawaii’s patients.
Blood Bank of Hawaii is accredited by AABB and is a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the nation’s largest network of community-based blood programs. Blood Bank of Hawaii is licensed and regulated by U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Blood Types
Although all blood is made of the same basic elements, not all blood is alike. In fact, there are four common human blood groups determined by the presence or absence of two chemical markers, or antigens “A” and “B” on the surface of red blood cells. This classification of human blood types is known as the ABO Blood Group System.
A-
About 6% of the population on the mainland has A- type blood. Here in Hawaii, Rh-negative blood types are half as common, with A- making up only 2.6% of Hawaii’s donor population. If you wonder why you should donate blood when there are not so many people with your blood type, remember it only takes one person in need with your blood type to make it the most important.
A+
In Hawaii, A+ is the second most common blood type (32%), so you’re in good company. Sure, lots of people have your blood type but there’s nothing common about your type if it’s not on the shelf when someone needs it.
B-
B- makes up only 0.8% of Hawaii’s donor population. If you’re thinking a small percentage means your donation is, remember it only takes one person in need with your blood type to make it the most important.
B+
B+ is much more common among Asian populations. So it makes sense it’s prevalent in Hawaii making up 16% of Hawaii’s population. More people with your blood type mean your blood type is needed. Even here with lots of B+ donors, sudden high usage of B+ results in unexpected shortages.
O-
As a universal donor, anyone can receive your blood. In an emergency when there’s no time to match the blood type, you save the day. On the mainland, 7-8% of the population has O- blood. Here in Hawaii, you’re in the exclusive 3% club. Your blood type is scarce and patients are always in need of your red blood cells.
As the universal red blood cell donor, you can help everyone, but only O- donors can help you. Which is also why those with O- blood types are always needed! Also, your red blood cells are safest for newborn infants with under-developed immune systems.
O+
O+ is the most common blood type in Hawaii (39%) and is always in high demand. Because your red cells can be given to anyone regardless of the patient’s blood type, your red cells are more impactful than your platelets or plasma.
For O+ donors, the need for your blood changes with the patients’ needs. Depending on the day you come in, you may be asked to donate platelets and/or plasma. When there is no time to find out a person’s blood type, O comes to the rescue. You want as many O+ donors also donating so there is blood on the shelves should you need it. As on O+ donor, you can only receive O type blood.
AB-
Here in Hawaii, Rh-negative blood types are half as common. AB- makes up only 0.4% of our donor population. If you’re thinking a small percentage means your donation is nonessential, remember it only takes one person in need with your blood type to make it the most important.
AB+
In Hawaii, we are lucky to have a higher percentage of AB+ donors. Although it may be small in percentage (6%) it is mighty for patients with uncontrolled bleeding, liver disease, and trauma. As the universal plasma donor, your plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type.
JK-3 Negative
What Does it Mean to Have Jk3-Negative Blood? Red blood cells have markers called antigens, and one antigen, called Jk, is found on a protein responsible for transporting urea in the red blood cells and the kidneys. Nearly all people have some Jk antigens on their cells, but a few rare individuals do not — they have what is known as Jk3-negative blood, one of the world’s rarest types. Jk3-negative blood is still rare among American Samoans, and among Polynesians in general — but far less rare than among other population groups in the US. Even in Hawaii, only 1 in 10,000 Hawaiians have JK3-negative blood – .01 percent of the population. However, within the Polynesian community, close to 1 in 100 (0.9%) will have this Jk3-negative blood type. Therefore, it would be much easier to find this blood type within the Polynesian population, if only there were more donors.
Click here for more information about JK-3.
What is MAX Red?
What makes a MAX Red donation different from a whole blood donation is that donors are able to give more of the most needed blood components. Even though the process is slightly longer, studies have shown that donors reported feeling no different, and sometimes even better and more hydrated, compared to a whole blood donation.
The MAX System matches a donor blood type with the patient need on any given day. This allows Blood Bank of Hawaii the ability to quickly react to hospital needs. Other benefits include an automated process that separates blood components, built-in safety measures and improved efficiencies.
Can I donate?
Donors must meet the following minimum requirements:
How Blood Cells Work
Blood cells fight infection, carry oxygen and help control bleeding. They are produced in bone marrow, especially the vertebrae, ribs, hips, skull and sternum. Among other components, blood cells consist of red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma.
Donor Safety is Our Top Priority
Donors are given a mini physical, which includes checking blood pressure, pulse and temperature. In addition, a hemoglobin level is performed before the donation to make sure donors have enough blood to safely give away one pint. A trained nursing team member is present at all times.
All equipment used for the blood donation is sterile and disposable, used only once. It is impossible to get HIV/AIDS or hepatitis by giving blood.
Our goal every day: 100% safe blood.
The blood supply in the United States is much safer today than ever before. The risk of HIV transmission via blood has been nearly eliminated and the risk of hepatitis transmission greatly reduced thanks to multiple levels of safeguards, including:
Only volunteers are permitted to donate blood, and there are no incentives to give.
Studies prove that community volunteers are the safest source of blood for transfusion. Every donor completes a health history questionnaire and screening interview to identify donors who may be at risk for carrying blood-borne diseases. Strict confidentiality, as well as the absence of incentives or pressure to donate, encourage honest answers, and deferral of any potential donor with possible health risks.
Donated blood is tested for evidence of infectious disease, including hepatitis B and C, HIV 1 and 2, HTLV I and II, syphilis, West Nile virus and Chagas disease. The donor’s blood type is also determined. Any unit of blood that shows evidence of carrying an infectious disease is discarded and the donor is notified and deferred from subsequent donations until free of infectious disease, although some deferrals may be permanent.
Click here for more information about the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi
The Honolulu Blood-Plasma Bank (now the Blood Bank of Hawaii) was founded in 1941 and included mobile units that responded to the needs of Hawaii’s citizens during WWII.
Blood Bank of Hawaii opened its doors in February 1941 on the grounds of what is now The Queen’s Medical Center. Known then as Honolulu Blood-Plasma Bank, the blood bank served as a wartime agency under the Office of Civilian Defense, returning to its non-profit civilian status in 1943. Honolulu Blood-Plasma Bank officially changed its name to Blood Bank of Hawaii in 1946.
In the early years, blood was collected in glass bottles, hemoglobin checks were done via the earlobe, and a single van went around the island to collect blood. Services were expanded to included neighbor island blood drives and Hawaii’s unique ethnic population became nationally recognized as a source for many types of rare blood.
Today, state-of-the-art blood bags are used for collections, adequate iron levels are verified through technology, and blood is collected at two fixed sites, along with two bloodmobiles that travel to Oahu’s neighborhoods providing convenience for donors. Blood Bank of Hawaii adheres to the highest standards of safety and quality and continues its long commitment to providing a safe and adequate blood supply for Hawaii’s patients.
Blood Bank of Hawaii is accredited by AABB and is a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the nation’s largest network of community-based blood programs. Blood Bank of Hawaii is licensed and regulated by U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Blood Types
Although all blood is made of the same basic elements, not all blood is alike. In fact, there are four common human blood groups determined by the presence or absence of two chemical markers, or antigens “A” and “B” on the surface of red blood cells. This classification of human blood types is known as the ABO Blood Group System.
A-
About 6% of the population on the mainland has A- type blood. Here in Hawaii, Rh-negative blood types are half as common, with A- making up only 2.6% of Hawaii’s donor population. If you wonder why you should donate blood when there are not so many people with your blood type, remember it only takes one person in need with your blood type to make it the most important.
A+
In Hawaii, A+ is the second most common blood type (32%), so you’re in good company. Sure, lots of people have your blood type but there’s nothing common about your type if it’s not on the shelf when someone needs it.
B-
B- makes up only 0.8% of Hawaii’s donor population. If you’re thinking a small percentage means your donation is, remember it only takes one person in need with your blood type to make it the most important.
B+
B+ is much more common among Asian populations. So it makes sense it’s prevalent in Hawaii making up 16% of Hawaii’s population. More people with your blood type mean your blood type is needed. Even here with lots of B+ donors, sudden high usage of B+ results in unexpected shortages.
O-
As a universal donor, anyone can receive your blood. In an emergency when there’s no time to match the blood type, you save the day. On the mainland, 7-8% of the population has O- blood. Here in Hawaii, you’re in the exclusive 3% club. Your blood type is scarce and patients are always in need of your red blood cells.
As the universal red blood cell donor, you can help everyone, but only O- donors can help you. Which is also why those with O- blood types are always needed! Also, your red blood cells are safest for newborn infants with under-developed immune systems.
O+
O+ is the most common blood type in Hawaii (39%) and is always in high demand. Because your red cells can be given to anyone regardless of the patient’s blood type, your red cells are more impactful than your platelets or plasma.
For O+ donors, the need for your blood changes with the patients’ needs. Depending on the day you come in, you may be asked to donate platelets and/or plasma. When there is no time to find out a person’s blood type, O comes to the rescue. You want as many O+ donors also donating so there is blood on the shelves should you need it. As on O+ donor, you can only receive O type blood.
AB-
Here in Hawaii, Rh-negative blood types are half as common. AB- makes up only 0.4% of our donor population. If you’re thinking a small percentage means your donation is nonessential, remember it only takes one person in need with your blood type to make it the most important.
AB+
In Hawaii, we are lucky to have a higher percentage of AB+ donors. Although it may be small in percentage (6%) it is mighty for patients with uncontrolled bleeding, liver disease, and trauma. As the universal plasma donor, your plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type.
JK-3 Negative
What Does it Mean to Have Jk3-Negative Blood? Red blood cells have markers called antigens, and one antigen, called Jk, is found on a protein responsible for transporting urea in the red blood cells and the kidneys. Nearly all people have some Jk antigens on their cells, but a few rare individuals do not — they have what is known as Jk3-negative blood, one of the world’s rarest types. Jk3-negative blood is still rare among American Samoans, and among Polynesians in general — but far less rare than among other population groups in the US. Even in Hawaii, only 1 in 10,000 Hawaiians have JK3-negative blood – .01 percent of the population. However, within the Polynesian community, close to 1 in 100 (0.9%) will have this Jk3-negative blood type. Therefore, it would be much easier to find this blood type within the Polynesian population, if only there were more donors.
Click here for more information about JK-3.
What is MAX Red?
What makes a MAX Red donation different from a whole blood donation is that donors are able to give more of the most needed blood components. Even though the process is slightly longer, studies have shown that donors reported feeling no different, and sometimes even better and more hydrated, compared to a whole blood donation.
The MAX System matches a donor blood type with the patient need on any given day. This allows Blood Bank of Hawaii the ability to quickly react to hospital needs. Other benefits include an automated process that separates blood components, built-in safety measures and improved efficiencies.
Can I donate?
Donors must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Females need to be 5’5″ and weigh 150+ pounds
- Males need to be 5’1″ and weigh 130+ pounds
- Have a 13.3 iron count to donate
How Blood Cells Work
Blood cells fight infection, carry oxygen and help control bleeding. They are produced in bone marrow, especially the vertebrae, ribs, hips, skull and sternum. Among other components, blood cells consist of red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma.
- Red cells deliver oxygen.
- Red cells are disc-shaped cells containing hemoglobin, which enables the cells to pick up and deliver oxygen to all parts of the body.
- White cells defend the body.
- White cells are the body’s primary defense against infection. They can move out of the blood stream and reach tissues being invaded.
- Platelets help control bleeding.
- Platelets are small fragments of cells in the blood that control bleeding. They form clusters to plug small holes in blood vessels and assist in the clotting process.
- Plasma carries blood cells.
- Plasma is a pale yellow mixture of water, proteins and salts. One of the functions of plasma is to act as a carrier for blood cells, nutrients, enzymes, hormones and proteins including clotting factors.
Donor Safety is Our Top Priority
Donors are given a mini physical, which includes checking blood pressure, pulse and temperature. In addition, a hemoglobin level is performed before the donation to make sure donors have enough blood to safely give away one pint. A trained nursing team member is present at all times.
All equipment used for the blood donation is sterile and disposable, used only once. It is impossible to get HIV/AIDS or hepatitis by giving blood.
Our goal every day: 100% safe blood.
The blood supply in the United States is much safer today than ever before. The risk of HIV transmission via blood has been nearly eliminated and the risk of hepatitis transmission greatly reduced thanks to multiple levels of safeguards, including:
- Comprehensive evaluation of donors’ medical history to exclude donors who may be carriers of infectious agents
- Physical examination of the donor
- Strict donation procedures using sterile supplies
- Laboratory testing
Only volunteers are permitted to donate blood, and there are no incentives to give.
Studies prove that community volunteers are the safest source of blood for transfusion. Every donor completes a health history questionnaire and screening interview to identify donors who may be at risk for carrying blood-borne diseases. Strict confidentiality, as well as the absence of incentives or pressure to donate, encourage honest answers, and deferral of any potential donor with possible health risks.
Donated blood is tested for evidence of infectious disease, including hepatitis B and C, HIV 1 and 2, HTLV I and II, syphilis, West Nile virus and Chagas disease. The donor’s blood type is also determined. Any unit of blood that shows evidence of carrying an infectious disease is discarded and the donor is notified and deferred from subsequent donations until free of infectious disease, although some deferrals may be permanent.
Click here for more information about the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi
- For Blood Collections, call or email: (808) 848-4745. [email protected].
- To Become a Donor: https://www.bbh.org/become-donor/
- For Human Resources, call or email: (808) 848-4752. [email protected].
- For Hospital Services, email: [email protected].
Blood Bank of Hawaii experiences critical shortage of all blood types by KHON 2 News
Aug 3, 2021
The Blood Bank of Hawaii says it's experiencing a critical shortage of all blood types.
The most needed blood types are B-positive, O-positive and O-negative with less than a one-day supply of each.
The blood bank says it typically sees a 15% drop in donations during this time of the year.
COVID-19 has made it worse.
Click here for more information.
Aug 3, 2021
The Blood Bank of Hawaii says it's experiencing a critical shortage of all blood types.
The most needed blood types are B-positive, O-positive and O-negative with less than a one-day supply of each.
The blood bank says it typically sees a 15% drop in donations during this time of the year.
COVID-19 has made it worse.
Click here for more information.
“You don’t have to have a medical degree to save a life. Just a fair degree of humanity. Give Blood. Save Life.”
A phlebotomist for Blood Bank of Hawaii, Robert Protzman, prepares to take blood from volunteer Tiffani Loo during a blood drive at the Straub Medical Center in Honolulu.
Addition Resources:
Facts About Blood Donations from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
*Please check requirements with your local lab and donation centers.
The gift of blood helps save lives, and the demand for blood and blood products is great. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Learn more about blood types and compatibility, different ways to donate and the need for lifesaving blood so you can make an informed decision about donation.
Types of Donations:
Whole Blood
Blood Types
It's important to know your blood type—whether you're a donor or a patient in need of blood products. You may be surprised to learn how many people will benefit from your generous gift, no matter what type you have.
See how common or rare various types of blood are in the U.S. Whatever your blood type, we encourage you to donate.
*Please check requirements with your local lab and donation centers.
The gift of blood helps save lives, and the demand for blood and blood products is great. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Learn more about blood types and compatibility, different ways to donate and the need for lifesaving blood so you can make an informed decision about donation.
Types of Donations:
Whole Blood
- Whole blood is the most common type of donation.
- Blood from one donation can be divided into two components: red blood cells and plasma.
- The average adult has about 10 pints of blood, but a typical whole-blood donation is only 1 pint.
- Red blood cells have a short shelf life. They only last for 6 weeks (42 days).
- Donating whole blood takes only about 10-15 minutes.
- You can donate whole blood every 56 days—and we encourage you to donate as often as possible.
- Platelets are small, disc-shaped cells that aid in blood clotting.
- They are donated most often to cancer patients, organ recipients and those undergoing heart surgeries.
- Patients who need platelets often require multiple transfusions. That's why it's so important to donate as often as you can.
- Platelets do not last long. They have a shelf life of just 5 days.
- Those who have A, A-negative, B, B-negative, AB or AB-negative blood types are strongly encouraged to donate platelets.
- Donors are connected to a machine that separates platelets and some plasma from the blood and returns the red cells (and most of the plasma) back to the donor.
- Donating platelets takes approximately 90 minutes.
- You can donate platelets every 7 days, up to 24 times a year.
- Plasma is the light yellow liquid in your blood that makes up 50% of total blood volume. It contains proteins that help control bleeding and fight infections.
- It's used to treat various types of bleeding disorders. It's also given to patients who have suffered major traumatic injuries.
- Plasma can be frozen for up to a year.
- If you have type AB blood, you are a universal plasma donor.
- People who have blood types AB, AB-negative, A, A-negative, B or B-negative also are ideal donors for platelets.
- Donors are connected to a machine that separates out plasma and returns red cells to the body.
- Plasma donation takes about 40 minutes.
- You may donate plasma every 28 days.
- Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component.
- Donors are hooked up to a machine that collects the red cells and returns most of the plasma and platelets to the body.
- Donations from type O donors are crucial to maintaining blood levels in the body.
- Double red-cell donors with type O, O-negative, B or B-negative types, as well as donors with Rh-negative blood are in short supply.
- You must meet higher hemoglobin and height-to-weight requirements to donate double red cells.
- Double red cell donations take approximately 40 minutes.
- You can donate double red blood cells once every 16 weeks (112 days).
Blood Types
It's important to know your blood type—whether you're a donor or a patient in need of blood products. You may be surprised to learn how many people will benefit from your generous gift, no matter what type you have.
See how common or rare various types of blood are in the U.S. Whatever your blood type, we encourage you to donate.
Compatibility
Everyone who is eligible can donate blood, but depending on your blood type, you're only able to receive certain types of blood, plasma or platelets.
Whole Blood
There are eight different blood types, and they're not always compatible with each other. Interestingly, people who have O-negative blood are considered universal donors for the entire population.
Everyone who is eligible can donate blood, but depending on your blood type, you're only able to receive certain types of blood, plasma or platelets.
Whole Blood
There are eight different blood types, and they're not always compatible with each other. Interestingly, people who have O-negative blood are considered universal donors for the entire population.
Plasma & Platelet
When it comes to blood components, compatibility is the opposite of whole blood. Donors with Type AB blood are the universal donors of platelets and plasma.
When it comes to blood components, compatibility is the opposite of whole blood. Donors with Type AB blood are the universal donors of platelets and plasma.
Why Your Donation Matters
There are no substitutes for blood, platelets or plasma—they cannot be manufactured. Patients in need of blood or blood products must rely on donations from people like you. Those who are hesitant about donating blood for the first time often find that the donation process is easy and that saving lives is deeply gratifying.
One donation can save multiple lives. Here are the facts:
Can I Donate Blood?
Everyone willing to donate blood should understand the requirements. All donated blood and blood products are tested for diseases, and potential donors are carefully and confidentially screened to ensure their own safety and that of the patients who receive blood.
Requirements for Donating Blood (verify eligibility requirements with your local donation centers):
Before donating, there are some basic requirements that all donors must meet. Eligible donors will need to:
Common Reasons People Can't Donate
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration set strict requirements that apply to all blood donation centers. This protects not only patients who receive donated blood, plasma and platelets—it also protects the health of donors as well. Donating blood can be unsafe if you're on specific medications, have medical restrictions or have traveled to certain areas.
Medication Restrictions
You will not be able to donate if you:
See a complete list of medications that affect blood donor eligibility.
Click here for more information on possible restrictions.
*Note: Please verify requirements with your local lab or blood donation center.
There are no substitutes for blood, platelets or plasma—they cannot be manufactured. Patients in need of blood or blood products must rely on donations from people like you. Those who are hesitant about donating blood for the first time often find that the donation process is easy and that saving lives is deeply gratifying.
One donation can save multiple lives. Here are the facts:
- Just 1 donation can save up to 3 lives.
- The average red blood cell transfusion is 3 pints (or 3 whole-blood donations).
- More than 1 million people every year are diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Many of them will need blood—sometimes daily—during chemotherapy.
- More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
- Type O-negative whole blood can be transfused to people with any blood type, but this type of blood is rare, and supplies of it are low.
- Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients with all other blood types, but it's also in short supply.
- While 38% of the American population is eligible to give blood, only 2% actually donates.
Can I Donate Blood?
Everyone willing to donate blood should understand the requirements. All donated blood and blood products are tested for diseases, and potential donors are carefully and confidentially screened to ensure their own safety and that of the patients who receive blood.
Requirements for Donating Blood (verify eligibility requirements with your local donation centers):
Before donating, there are some basic requirements that all donors must meet. Eligible donors will need to:
- If you have received the COVID vaccine, please wait 3 days before attempting to donate
- Be at least 17 years old*
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Be in good health generally and feel well on the day of donation
- Bring a current photo ID on the day of donation
Common Reasons People Can't Donate
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration set strict requirements that apply to all blood donation centers. This protects not only patients who receive donated blood, plasma and platelets—it also protects the health of donors as well. Donating blood can be unsafe if you're on specific medications, have medical restrictions or have traveled to certain areas.
Medication Restrictions
You will not be able to donate if you:
- Are taking antibiotics for an infection (antibiotics for treating acne are fine)
- Are currently taking Cellcept or have taken Cellcept in the last 6 weeks
- Are currently using Avodart or Jalyn or have taken either in the last 6 months
- Are taking or have taken HIV Prevention (PrEP and PEP) medications Descovy, Sentress, Tivicay and Truvada in the past 3 months
- Are taking or ever taken HIV treatment also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- Have taken Absorica, Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Propecia, Proscar, Sotret, Thalomid, Rinvoq or Zenatane in the past 30 days or are currently taking any of these drugs
- Are currently taking or have taken Arava, Aubagio, Erivedge or Odomzo in the last 2 years
- Have taken Soriatane in the past 3 years or taking Soriatane now
- Have ever taken Tegison
- Taking a medication that contains aspirin (applies only to platelet donors)
See a complete list of medications that affect blood donor eligibility.
Click here for more information on possible restrictions.
*Note: Please verify requirements with your local lab or blood donation center.