Each year, The Blood Center of Central Texas needs to collect over 55,000 blood donations in order to have blood products available for as many as 150,000 area patients.


Donating whole blood takes 45 to 60 minutes. The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, taking your vital signs, collecting a unit of blood, and refreshments in the canteen. For apheresis (platelet) collections, the process is 1 ½ to 2 hours.


Whole blood donations are about one pint. Apheresis donations also take about one pint of fluid; both weigh approximately one pound.


Whole blood donors can give once every 56 days in order to allow their body the necessary time to replenish their red cells. Apheresis donors who just give platelets can donate more frequently—once every two weeks up to 24 times per year because platelet components are replaced in your body more quickly. ALYX donors may donate every 16 weeks.


To give blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. You should also bring a photo ID and know your Social Security number when you come to donate. We suggest drinking plenty of non-caffeinated beverages and eating a good meal before donating.


To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all screening questions must be asked of all donors at each donation. The FDA requires that all blood centers conform to this practice. 

Although no problems have been reported, the safety of donating blood during or shortly after pregnancy has not been fully established. There may be medical risks to mother and baby if a blood donation is made while pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.

The Blood and Tissue Center is fully committed to remaining a volunteer donor supported organization and does not pay for blood donations. Additionally, FDA regulations do not permit compensation for blood that is used for transfusion purposes as studies have shown that volunteer donors provide a safer blood supply.


The Blood and Tissue Center strives to maintain an optimum inventory level of a 4 to 5 day supply of all blood types. Due to unpredictable demands from trauma incidents, the inventory fluctuates hourly. When the supply drops below a 3-day level, the Center begins alerting local donors to increase the inventory to a safe operating level.


No. You cannot catch anything from donating blood. Each needle and blood bag used during the blood donation process is sterile and used only once. The needle is disposed of in a specially marked biohazardous container immediately following the donation.


For more information about the requirements to host a blood drive, please call (512) 206-1266 and ask for one of our Account Executives.

The Center has four locations for blood donations. See here. Some of the blood drives held at local churches and community organizations are open to the public. Check the Blood Drive Schedule to find a drive that is open near you.