Blood Donation
Give the Gift of Life
The Blood Donor Center at Torrance Memorial Medical Center was established in 1977 to assure that a steady supply of blood is available for our patients when they need it. On average, patients at Torrance Memorial use 1,200 units of blood and components per month. You can help us maintain an adequate supply by becoming a regular blood donor.
Why Donate Blood?
Giving blood means giving someone a second chance. Just one blood donation can help save the lives of up to two people. Donating is safe and simple - and, more importantly, it helps save our city. There's no one right reason to donate blood; they're all right.
It takes less than an hour to make a donation - your actions make a world of difference. Call 310-517-4647 to schedule an appointment today!
Blood Donor Guidelines
To qualify, donors must meet these FDA requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old (no upper limit)
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Have a valid photo ID to present at the time of donation
- Not currently taking antibiotics for an infection
You may not be eligible if you have taken certain medications, have traveled to high-risk malaria areas or have lived in Europe. See a full list of guidelines and information at the Torrance Memorial Blood Donor Center.
How to Help
There are many ways to help your family member or friend, or even others in the community:
- Directed: Talk with your loved one or his/her doctor about directing your donation to the patient in need. Learn more
- Replace: Schedule an appointment with the Blood Donor Center at 310-517-4647.
- Autologous: Donate your own blood for a future surgical procedure. Learn more
- Host: Honor your loved one by hosting a blood drive. Call the Blood Donor Center at 310-517-4647. We'll organize the event and provide the tools and information.
What is it Like to Donate Blood?
Blood Types
Blood type is an important factor in determining how your blood can be used. Once you've made a donation, the Blood Donor Center will identify your blood type. Depending on your blood type, your red blood cells can be used for patients with the same or different blood types.
| Your blood type: |
Your red blood cells can be donated to: |
| O+ |
O+, A+, B+, AB+ |
| O- |
Everyone |
| A+ |
A+, AB+ |
| A- |
A+, A-, AB+, AB- |
| B+ |
B+, AB+ |
| B- |
B+, B-, AB+, AB- |
| AB+ |
AB+ |
| AB- |
AB+, AB-0 |
Quick Facts About Blood Donation
- Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.
- Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from healthy, volunteer donors.
- A single donation can help save the lives of up to two people.
- Although blood usage in Los Angeles is high, less than 2% of the population donates.
- We can't wait until blood is needed; it always has to be available because, after blood is donated, it takes three to five days for it to be processed and tested before it can be transfused.
- Medical treatments utilize 60% of blood donations.
- It is OK to donate if you have diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol if it is controlled.
