Donation Process
Thank you for considering donating blood. Your act of kindness will save lives!
Here’s what to expect during the donation process.
Before You Arrive
Have a healthy breakfast or lunch
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid fatty foods or milk product
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment
Picture ID
Present a picture ID at the counter. It can be a passport, state ID, driver’s license, or any official identification document with your picture and name.
Register
Answer a few questions about your health history, places you’ve traveled, and medications. You can answer confidentially on the app or at a kiosk.
Health Exam
We will do a quick health exam to make sure you’re able to donate safely. We will check your blood pressure, hemoglobin level, weight, and temperature.
Donation
If you’re donating whole blood, we will clean your arm and put a clean new needle in (It feels like a quick pinch for a few seconds). A whole blood donation will take around 8-10 minutes, and you can sit or lie down comfortably while we do it.
Rest 10-15 Minutes
Sit for 10-15 minutes after giving blood and keep the bandage on your arm for at least 4 hours. Don’t do any hard work or lift anything heavy with the arm you gave blood with for 4 hours, and drink lots of water and eat well after donating.
FAQ
What are the requirements to donate Blood?
Be in good health and feeling well, unless participating of a study.
Be at least 16 years old.
Weigh at least 110 lbs.
Who Can I Help by Donating Blood?
Blood donors save lives every day. They help people of all ages who are hurt in accidents, have burns, need heart surgery or organ transplants, or are fighting cancer. Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood. Here are a few examples of people you can help by donating blood:
- Cancer Patients
- Trauma Patients
- Sickle Cell Patients
- Burn Patients
- Patients with Chronic Diseases
What Types of Blood Donations are there?
Whole Blood Donation: It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets.
Platelets Donation: Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. Platelets are most often used by cancer patients and others facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Plasma Donation: Plasma is a part of your blood used to treat patients in emergency situations. AB plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type. Plasma is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns your red blood cells and platelets to you. It only takes just a few minutes longer than donating blood.
How Often Can I Donate?
Whole Blood Donations can be made every 56 days.
Plasma Donations can be made every 3 days.
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