Best method for donating blood? O-, cmv-?

Question

I just learned that my blood type is O-, CMV-.

What is the best way for me to donate? I know there are a few different methods...

platelets, plasma, whole blood, power red.

Answer 1

Let your blood bank know you are will to do anything they want.  Donating platelets only takes longer because you are hooked up to a machine that filters them out of your blood.  Either way, your blood is extremely valuable and being CMV negative means that they can use your products for people undergoing chemotherapy.

Answer 2

Ask what they need.  Sometimes there is a local need for a certain blood type, and not every center is set up to do the other types of donations.

Whole blood is always appreciated.  They can separate it and make packed red blood cells and plasma out of it.  Platelets and plasma take longer to donate but you can donate more often because the RBCs are returned to your body.

And thank you for donating!