15652 NW US Hwy 441 Suite F
Alachua, FL 32615
386-418-0210
Hours of Operation:
Mon: Closed
Tue: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thu: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: Closed
To give blood you must be in good health, 17 years or older (or 16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo I.D.
Am I Eligible?
Alachua
15652 NW US Hwy 441 Suite F
Alachua, FL 32615
386-418-0210
Hours of Operation:
Mon: Closed
Tue: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thu: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: Closed
Brooksville
12395 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, FL 34613
352-596-2002
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. *
Tue: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. *
Wed: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. *
Thu: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. *
Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. *
Sat: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*Apheresis appointments are available to donors at 7:30 a.m. on these days.
Chiefland
2202 N Young Boulevard
Chiefland, FL 32626
352-490-7410
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tue: 10:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thu: 10:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: Closed
Gainesville - 13th Street
1221 NW 13th Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-334-1000
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tue: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thu: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Gainesville - Newberry Road
4039 Newberry Road
Gainesville, FL 32607
352-224-1600
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tue: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thu: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Inverness
2629 E Gulf to Lake Highway Ste A7
Inverness, FL 34453
352-344-5332
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Jacksonville
7840 Baymeadows Way
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Hours of Operation:Mon: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wed: noon – 7 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Baptist Medical Center
800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tue: Closed
Wed: Noon – 7 p.m.
Thu: Closed
Fri: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lake City
833 SW State Road 47
Lake City, FL 32025
386-755-0480
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lecanto
1241 S. Lecanto Highway
Lecanto, FL 34461
352-527-3061
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thu: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun: 10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ocala
1607 E. Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, FL 34470
352-622-3544
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Palatka
6003 Crill Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
386-328-7299
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Atlanta
4891 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30338
404-329-1994
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun: noon – 4 p.m.
Cumming - Temporary Pop Up
1586 Market Place Blvd
Cumming , GA 30041
888-795-2707
Coming Soon!
Gainesville
1200 McEver Road
Gainesville, GA 30504
770-538-0500
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: noon – 4 p.m.
Lawrenceville - Temporary Pop Up
1030 Old Peachtree Rd NW, Unit 202
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
888-795-2707
Opening February 13!
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: Closed
Thu: Closed
Fri: Closed
Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
McDonough
329 Westridge Parkway
McDonough, GA 30253
678-432-0637
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Stockbridge - Temporary Pop Up
3618 SR138 W
Stockbridge, GA 30281
888-795-2707
Coming Soon!
Valdosta
301 Woodrow Wilson Dr.
Valdosta, GA 31602
229-219-1616
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Albertville
8626 Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
256-894-6066
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sun: Closed
Birmingham
396 West Oxmoor Road
Birmingham, AL 35209
205-943-6000
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. -3 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cullman
219 Compass Way SW
Cullman, AL 35055
256-736-1594
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Daphne
26125 Capital Drive
Daphne, AL 36526
251-621-9644
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Decatur
2349 Danville Road SW, Suite 120
Decatur, AL 35603
256-552-0060
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m. – Noon
Dothan
3833 Ross Clark Circle
Dothan, AL 36303
334-792-9977
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Foley - Temporary Pop Up
2159 S. McKenzie St.
Foley, AL 36535
888-795-2707
Hours of Operation
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun: Closed
Huntsville - Huntsville Hospital
Huntsville Hospital
101 Sivley Road
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-265-6340
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Madison
8190 Madison Blvd.
Madison, AL 35758
256-533-8201
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. – Noon
Sun: 8 a.m. – Noon
Madison - County Line Rd. - Temporary Pop Up
12060 County Line Rd., Suite F
Madison, AL 35756
256-533-8201
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Mobile
967 Hillcrest Road
Mobile, AL 36695
251-706-1470
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Montgomery
4139 Carmichael Road
Montgomery, AL 36106
334-260-0803
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Opelika
505 East Thomason Circle
Opelika, AL 36801
334-705-0884
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: Noon – 5 p.m.
Shoals
307 Veterans Drive
Florence, AL 35630
256-765-7038
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: 1 – 5 p.m.
Tuscaloosa - Temporary Pop Up
1800 McFarland Blvd E., Suite 220
Tuscaloosa , AL 35401
888-795-2707
Opening February 8!
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tue: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wed: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thu: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Not near a center? Use our blood drive locator to find a bloodmobile near you.
LifeSouth is a community blood center, meaning the blood supply collected from our donors directly serves the needs of patients in our community. As a blood donor, you are a part of a team of individuals helping save the lives of patients in our community.
To give blood you must be in good health, 17 years-old or older or 16-year-old with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo I.D.
Below are instances that may prevent you from donating. To take this information on-the-go refer to our donor education materials. Our regulations continually change, so do not self defer, a patient could be counting on you! If you have further questions, please contact us.
We require all donors be at least 17 years-old or 16-years-old with a signed permission form from their parent or a guardian before the donation.
Low iron is not the same as being anemic; anemia must be diagnosed by a doctor. LifeSouth requires a hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL females and 13.0 g/dL males due to the American Association of Blood Banks suggested regulations. Some anemia is not due to inadequate iron consumption. If you are chronically anemic, please consult a physician.
Learn more about iron here.
There is no deferral period for those who have received tattoos in Alabama or Florida, or where tattoo parlors are regulated. There is no deferral for tattoos received in most of Georgia, however there is a 12 month deferral for tattoos received in the following Georgia counties: Burke, Emanuel, Forsyth, Glascock, Glynn, Hart, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren and Wilkes.
Blood pressure is checked before every donation to make sure it is within an acceptable range. Medication for high blood pressure is also permissible.
If your diabetes is being treated and is under control, you are most likely able to donate blood.
Aspirin and ibuprofen will not affect a whole blood donation. Apheresis platelet donors, however, must not take aspirin or aspirin products 48 hours prior to donation. Many other medications are acceptable. It is recommended that you check with your physician ahead of time to inquire about any medications you are taking.
While many medications may prevent you from giving blood, you may still be able to donate while taking medications in the treatment of non-infectious diseases such as arthritis, chronic pain, gout, etc.
Consult the Medication Deferral List and call 888-795-2707 with any questions.
Blood donor tests may not be available for some contagious diseases that are found only in certain countries. If you were born in, have lived in, or visited certain countries, you may not be eligible to donate. If you have traveled extensively, it may help if you bring your passport with you when you donate.
We will ask you about traveling you’ve done in the last three years. Please tell us about your travel history so that we can assess your risk.
Donors with a history of cancer must be evaluated and deemed eligible to donate. If you have had leukemia or lymphoma, you are not eligible to donate. Donors with other types of cancer are acceptable, provided they are not currently undergoing treatment.
If you are currently pregnant or have been recently pregnant, you should not donate blood for at least six weeks.
Pregnancy may cause women to develop antibodies to the fetus that is why additional laboratory testing may be needed to ensure that all components of their platelets and plasma are safe to transfuse. Multiple pregnancies increase the likelihood that a woman will develop these types of antibodies. These antibodies have no affect on the woman’s health, but when transfused to another person, they may cause an adverse reaction.
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers also has a public cord blood bank program. LifeSouth Cord Blood Bank accepts donations of umbilical cord blood after the delivery of a single birth, uncomplicated pregnancy for eligible mothers delivering at one of the 13 LifeSouth Cord Blood Bank collection hospitals in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Donating cord blood is free and harmless to the mother and baby. To learn more, please go to lifesouthcord.org
Here are our current rewards for the following months. Some are location specific; while supplies last.
February
March
To inspire people to give blood, we have found that the best motivation is to understand the patients who need blood in our community. Below is a collection of patient stories that we hope inspires you to donate today.
If you have a story to share contact us here.
To host a blood drive in your community, you will serve as Donor Chairperson, a vital link between your organization and LifeSouth. As a Chairperson you will work with a LifeSouth Team and Donor Recruiter to schedule, organize and promote your blood drives. Depending upon the size of your organization, it may be best to establish a blood drive committee of outgoing, dependable people who will help to ensure that your organization meets its blood drive goal. The most important ingredient in creating a successful blood drive is personal contact. Studies have shown that the most common reason people have not donated is because no one has asked them.
Interested in hosting your own community blood drive? For more information on hosting a blood drive, send us an email.
What age and weight do you have to be to donate blood?
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 year olds may donate with written parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit to donate blood.
Can I donate if I weigh less than 110 lbs. and give less than one pint of blood?
Generally, no. Blood donations take a standard amount of blood from each donor; around 500ml (slightly less than one pint) for the donation to make a difference for a patient.
Can I donate if I have a tattoo?
There is no deferral period for those who have received tattoos in Alabama or Florida, or where tattoo parlors are regulated. There is no deferral for tattoos received in most of Georgia, however there is a 12 month deferral for tattoos received in the following Georgia counties: Burke, Emanuel, Forsyth, Glascock, Glynn, Hart, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren and Wilkes.
Can I donate if I have a piercing?
If the piercing was done under aseptic (sterile) conditions with single-use equipment, there is no deferral period. If a sterile needle was NOT used, the deferral period is 12 months due to the risk of infection.
Can I donate if I'm pregnant?
You cannot donate if you’re currently pregnant or have been pregnant in the past 6 weeks.
Can I donate if I have diabetes?
Yes, donors with diabetes are eligible to donate.
Can I donate if I'm sick?
If you have any cold symptoms, it is best that you fully recover before donating, as donating blood can make the effects of common colds worse.
Can I get AIDS or HIV from donating?
No. Sterile procedures, materials and disposable equipment are used in all LifeSouth blood centers. You cannot contract HIV or other viral diseases by donating blood.
Can I donate if I have low iron?
Low iron is not the same as being anemic; anemia must be diagnosed by a doctor. LifeSouth requires a hemoglobin level of 12.5 d/dL females and 13.0 g/dL males due to the American Association of Blood Banks suggested regulations. Some anemia is not due to inadequate iron consumption. If you are chronically anemic, please consult a physician.
Learn more about iron here.
Can I donate if I have/had mononucleosis?
If you’ve been diagnosed with “mono,” as long as you have fully recovered, you are eligible to donate. Discuss this during your donor interview to determine your eligibility.
Can I donate if I have cancer?
Leukemia, lymphoma and blood-cell related cancers are a permanent deferral, but donation is possible with other types of cancer if the person is in full remission with no other treatment scheduled.
Can I donate if I have traveled recently?
Having traveled or lived outside of the U.S. doesn’t carry an automatic deferral. The FDA determines which areas may pose a risk, and the areas can change. For an updated list of areas that can defer you call us at 888-795-2707.
Can I donate with high blood pressure?
Unless levels are extremely high, donation is possible. The medications taken for high blood pressure are also permissible. Blood pressure is checked before every donation to make sure it is within an acceptable range.
Are there any medications that prevent me from donating?
There are very few medications that prevent you from donating blood. The deferral period is different for each medication. If you are taking any of the medications below, please call 888-795-2707 to find out what the deferral period is.
Anti-platelet agents (usually taken to prevent stroke or heart attack):
Anticoagulants or “blood thinners” (usually to prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs and to prevent strokes):
Acne treatment:
Hair loss remedy:
Prostate symptoms:
Basal cell skin cancer:
Relapsing multiple sclerosis:
Psoriasis:
Hepatitis exposure:
Other:
What is the donation process?
Donating blood is usually a simple and pleasant procedure. Your total time at the blood center or the bloodmobile will take about an hour.
If you’ve donated, please take a moment to fill out our donor survey:
Should I eat before donating?
At LifeSouth, we strongly recommend a meal or snack within two hours prior to donating blood.
What credentials do I need to donate blood?
We are not allowed to take your blood donation without first seeing an official form of identification. It must show proof of age, your signature and/or your photo. An example of such identification would be a valid passport or driver’s license.
What can I expect when donating whole blood?
First you must show a valid photo I.D. Then a donor technician completes computer registration for your donation. Then you answer questions relating to your medical history. A brief “mini-physical” tests your blood pressure, the iron content of your blood, your body temperature and pulse. The actual whole blood donation only lasts between four and eight minutes. Donors are asked to rest afterwards for about ten minutes before leaving. The entire donation process takes approximately 45 minutes.
Does it hurt to donate blood?
There may be a little sting when the needle is inserted, but there should be no pain during the donation.
How often can I donate blood or platelets?
You must wait at least 56 days between donations of whole blood and 16 weeks (112 days) between double red cell donations. Platelet apheresis donors may give every 2 weeks for a max of 24 times per year.
Will I feel faint?
Donors are served refreshments and encouraged to stay in the donor chair for a short time after donating. Occasional light-headedness may occur, especially if a donor leaves the chair before having a short rest, or uses alcohol or tobacco products soon after the donation.
What are the different components that are taken from blood?
The pint of donated blood is separated into three components; red blood cells, plasma and platelets. If needed, two additional components may be made from a pint of blood; cryoprecipitate and white blood cells. The blood components are then stored until they are needed. Patients only receive the blood components that their body lacks. Some patients, such as cancer patients, may only need platelets. Burn patients may need plasma. Patients that have lost a great deal of blood due to trauma injuries, transplants or major surgery may require transfusions of all blood components.
Will I be notified if I test positive for a disease?
Donors who test positive for infectious diseases will be notified based on state/federal regulations.
What is an antibody?
The body makes antibodies in response to foreign antigens (those you were not born with). If you receive a blood transfusion or if you are pregnant, you may be exposed to red blood cell antigens that differ from the ones you were born with. Since your body views these antigens as foreign, your body makes antibodies to defend itself against the foreign red blood cell antigens. These types of antibodies are called “unexpected red blood cell antibodies.”
If I'm notified that I have a positive antibody screen, should I do anything further?
You may wish to share this information with your doctor. While the positive antibody has no immediate impact on your health, if you ever need a blood transfusion, the fact that you have a positive antibody will be used to determine the blood most suited for any future need of blood transfusion.
What is an antigen?
Antigens are substances recognized by the body as foreign. A foreign antigen causes the body to produce an antibody to react with the antigen.
Blood antigens are found in everyone’s body. Specific antigens are attached to the red blood cells. The specific red blood cell antigens a person has are set at birth. These antigens determine your blood type. For example, people who have a blood type of A+ have the “A” antigen and the “Rh” antigen attached to their red blood cells. Your body will not recognize the antigens associated with your blood type as foreign. It basically ignores these antigens.
What does it mean if I have a positive antibody screen?
The blood center tests all blood donors for the presence of unexpected red blood cell antibodies because the donated blood may cause transfusion reactions.
A positive antibody screen test is no cause for alarm; it is very common. It simply means that testing has shown you may have unexpected red blood cell antibodies.
Can my blood still be used if I test positive for antibodies?
If a donor’s blood tests positive for the antibody screen, the red blood cells may still be used for patients. Since antibodies are mostly present in the plasma (the liquid portion of blood), donors with positive antibody screens are asked to donate whole blood or double red cell donations. If your donation tests positive for the antibody screen, the blood center will perform additional testing on the red blood cell component you donated. If this additional testing shows no evidence of the unexpected antibodies in the red blood cell component, it can be used for transfusion.
Donors with positive antibody screens should not donate apheresis platelets due to the high levels of plasma present in these components.
What type of tests are performed on my blood?
Blood donors are confidentially notified of any unusual results found by our blood tests. There is a possibility of false-positive test results with any laboratory test. A positive test may indicate the presence of disease.
Tests performed on every unit of blood:
• ABO and Rh
• Antibody Screening
• HBsAg – Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
• Anti-HBc – Hepatitis B Core Antibodies
• Anti-HCV – Hepatitis C Antibodies
• Anti-HIV 1/2 + O – HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibodies
• Anti-HTLV-I/II – HTLV-I and HTLV-II Antibodies
• Anti–T. cruzi – T. cruzi Antibodies – The agent that causes Chagas Disease (Tested only on LifeSouth first-time donors)
• HCV HIV-1 +2 NAT – A Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) that detects the RNA of the Hepatitis C virus and the HIV-1 virus.
• HBV NAT – A Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) that detects the DNA of the Hepatitis B virus.
• Syphilis
• West Nile Virus – A Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) that detects the RNA of the West Nile virus.
• Cholesterol – as a service to our donors
• Zika Virus NAT
Tests performed on some units of blood:
• Anti-HLA antibodies (previously pregnant females giving platelets or plasma)
• Anti-CMV
• Hemoglobin S (Sickle Cell)
• HLA Type – to locate compatible blood components and to match patients with special platelet needs.
• Red Blood Cell Antigen