MAX My Donation

What is a MAX Donation and why make one?

Blood is made of various components, such as platelets, plasma and red blood cells. A MAX donation gives you the opportunity to make a greater impact by safely and comfortably donating more amounts of just one part of your blood – the part you are uniquely suited to give. Using special donation machines with cutting edge technology, the other components are automatically returned to your body during the donation process.

If you are a good candidate for a MAX donation, an experienced team member will recommend the best donation based on your blood type, body type and current hospital demand. This allows Blood Bank of Hawaii (BBH) the ability to quickly respond to hospital and patient needs.

Will You Choose to MAX?

Based on preference, you can give a traditional whole blood donation or MAXimize your donation. MAX donors may be eligible for one or more of the following options:

MAX Donation Options

MAX Red (Red Blood Cells)

Red Blood Cells (RBC) contain hemoglobin, which enables cells to pick up and deliver oxygen throughout the body. MAX Red donors only donate RBCs, while plasma and platelets are returned to the body through a process called apheresis.

Ideal Blood Types: A-, B-, O-, O+
Frequency: Every four months (112 days)
Minimum Requirements:
- Females need to be at least 5’5″ and weigh at least 150 pounds
- Males need to be at least 5’1″ and weigh at least 130 pounds
- Required hemoglobins levels for females and males: 13.3 – 20 g/dL
- Must be at least 16 years old to donate
OK for First Time Donor (FTD)?: Yes
Average Donation Time: 20-30 minutes (time on bed)
Locations: All locations (subject to change)

MAX Plasma

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, and as a clotting factor. MAX Plasma donors only donate plasma, while RBCs and platelets are returned to the body.

Ideal Blood Types: A+, B+, AB+, AB-
Frequency: Every month (28 days)
Minimum Requirements:
- All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds
- No minimum height requirement
- Required hemoglobin levels for females: 12.5 – 18.3 g/dL
- Required hemoglobin levels for males: 13 – 18.3 g/dL
- Must be at least 16 years old to donate
OK for FTD?: Yes
Average Donation Time: 45-60 minutes (time on bed)
Locations: All locations (subject to change)

MAX Platelets

Platelets are small fragments of cells in the blood that control bleeding and assist in the clotting process. MAX Platelet donors only give platelets, while RBCs and plasma are returned to the body.

Ideal Blood Types: A+, B+, AB+, AB-
Frequency: Every two weeks (14 days)
Minimum Requirements:
- All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds
- No minimum height requirement
- Required hemoglobin levels for females: 12.5 – 18.3 g/dL
- Required hemoglobin levels for males: 13 – 18.3 g/dL
- Must be at least 16 years old to donate
OK for FTD?: No
Average Donation Time: 60-150 minutes (time on bed)
Location: Only at our Young Street Donor Center

MAX Combo

MAX Combo donors donate both plasma and platelets concurrently, while RBCs are returned to the body.

Ideal Blood Types: A+, B+, AB+, AB-
Frequency: Every month (28 days)
Minimum Requirements:
- All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds
- No minimum height requirement
- Required hemoglobin levels for females: 12.5 – 18.3 g/dL
- Required hemoglobin levels for males: 13 – 18.3 g/dL
- Must be at least 16 years old to donate
OK for FTD?: No
Average Donation Time: 60-110 minutes (time on bed)
Location: Only at our Young Street Donor Center