Blood Donation Types
The need for blood products is constantly increasing. As a donor, giving the “right” type of blood donation – based on your blood type and patient needs – helps ensure the best use of your valuable contribution. SunCoast Blood Centers provides donors with several methods of donating blood products and the process can vary based on the type of donation ranging from whole blood and platelets to power red cells and plasma.
There’s an Urgent Need for Donations
Whole Blood
When most people think of “donating blood,” they think of whole blood donation. When you donate whole blood, approximately one pint of blood is taken. After it leaves your arm, it is separated into components by SunCoast staff. Components are transfused to local patients, like red cells, plasma, and platelets.
Whole blood donation takes about 30 minutes from arrival to walking out our front doors. The actual donation only takes around 15 minutes. You can donate whole blood every 56 days.
Platelets
In a platelet donation, an apheresis machine collects your platelets along with some plasma, returning your red cells and most of the plasma back to you. Platelets help control bleeding and are used by many people, such as cancer and transplant patients, burn victims, and those facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Power Red Cell
Power Red Cell blood donation allows you to give twice the red cells in half the time. Using the same apheresis technology that collects platelets, red blood cells are drawn while the rest of your blood components are returned to your body. Red blood cells are the component most frequently transfused to patients at our local hospitals because they carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Surgery patients, severe accident victims, cancer patients, and patients with anemia are common recipients of red cell transfusions.
You can donate red cells every 16 weeks. And they only take 35 minutes to complete, so Red cells can be donated every 16 weeks and the process only takes 35 minutes to complete, so it’s not much longer than a standard whole blood donation – from arrival, you’ll be in and out in a little over an hour in most cases. During a Power Red donation, red blood cells are separated and removed from the other whole blood components. The separated whole blood components are then returned to the donor.
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood that carries clotting factors and proteins. It is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns your red blood cells and platelets to you. The donation process takes only a few minutes more than whole blood. Plasma is used in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding.
Donate@Home
We believe that donating blood should be a comfortable and convenient experience – just like being at home. With our “Donate@Home” Program, it is… literally right outside your front door. Simply schedule an appointment for “Donate@Home” and our vehicle will meet you at your home or office for a private, one-on-one interaction with a member of our collection team. Some benefits include:
- We Come to You
- No Waiting
- One-on-One Service
- Available 6-days a week
Call 844-972-6819 to schedule your Donate@Home appointment!
Locations
When donating blood with SunCoast Blood Centers, your convenience and your comfort are our top-priority. Our state-of-the-art donor locations in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and Port Charlotte, as well as our fleet of bloodmobiles and our Donate@Home program, are ready for you to give your lifesaving gift.
Bradenton (Bayshore Shopping Center)
Hours
Mon. 10am – 5pm
Tues. 9am – 5pm
Wed. 9am – 4pm
Thur. 9am – 4pm
Fri. 8am – 3pm
Sat. 8am – 1pm
Sun. CLOSED
Lakewood Ranch (Behind Crowder’s ACE Hardware)
Hours
Mon. 9am – 6pm*
Tues. 9am – 5pm*
Wed. 9am – 5pm*
Thur. 9am – 7pm*
Fri. 7am – 3pm
Sat. 7am – 1pm
Sun. 8am-12pm**
*Platelet donation 8am
**EOW Platelets – RBC by appointment only
Port Charlotte – NOW OPEN!
Hours
Mon. 9am-5pm
Tues. 9am – 5pm
Wed. 9am – 5pm
Thur. 9am – 5pm
Fri. 8am – 3pm
Sat. 8am – 1pm
Sun. CLOSED
Sarasota (Downtown on Mound Street)
Hours
Mon. 9am – 7pm*
Tues. 9am – 5pm*
Wed. 9am – 5pm*
Thur. 9am – 7pm*
Fri. 8am – 3pm*
Sat. 7am – 1pm*
Sun. 6am – 12pm**
*Platelet donation 6am
**EOW Platelets – RBC by appointment only
Venice (Bird Bay Plaza)
Hours
Mon. 10am – 3pm
Tues. 9am – 5pm
Wed. 9am – 5pm
Thur. 9am – 5pm
Fri. 8am – 3pm
Sat. 8am – 1pm
Sun. 6am – 12pm**
**EOW Platelets – RBC by appointment only
Blood Donor Eligibility
Who is eligible to donate blood?
In general, healthy adults over the age of 16 with no history of blood-borne illness or pathogens can donate blood. Also, donors between 16 and 18 years of age can donate with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good health — that means you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes and you want to donate blood, it’s essential that you are being treated and the condition is under control. If you’re not feeling well on the day of your donation, please contact us to reschedule. Additional eligibility criteria apply, including certain medications, medical conditions, travel to certain countries, and personal history.
Are military personnel and their families eligible to donate?
We can now accept most previously deferred military personnel and their families, who were prohibited from donating because of time spent in Europe. There are still policies about the U.K., France, and Ireland. Please contact Suncoast Blood Centers for more details.
What if I have a tattoo or piercing?
If you have recently received a tattoo or piercing, the deferral period has been decreased from 1 year to 3 months unless applied by a state-regulated entity with a sterile needle and non-reused ink.
Are international travelers eligible to donate?
Travelers who have visited an area where malaria is considered endemic are deferred for only 3 months instead of 12 months after departure from the area if they have been free from symptoms suggestive of malaria.
Can I donate if I had COVID-19?
To be eligible, you must:
- You may donate after being completely symptom-free, feeling healthy and well.
- Provide written documentation of a positive COVID-19 test result
- Meet FDA donor eligibility guidelines
- You must call or email for an appointment