Most people donate whole blood - but you can also donate specific parts of your blood, like platelets (the cell fragments that cause clotting) or plasma (the liquid that contains antibodies and clotting factors). And, if you are eligible to donate blood - which 38 percent of Americans are - you’ll be able to make a life-saving gift to a fellow human in need. Such rigid regulations around blood donation may seem like a hassle, but it’s key to making sure that donated blood is safe for those receiving it. Should you just assume you won’t qualify to donate and throw in the towel? After all, a quick online search seems to yield pages of reasons why you may not be able to donate.

Have you ever considered donating blood? Maybe you have, but you’re worried you won't be eligible.