The Donation Process
Registration
- Sign in and start your eligibility assessment.
- Don’t forget to bring your ID when you go.
- Get familiar with blood donation process and related information
Health History
- Provide a few answers to health history and travel questions
- Check if you took any prescription and/or over-the-counter medications
- Quick Check of your pulse, temperature, hemoglobin level, and blood pressure.
Your Donation
- If you’re donating whole blood, an area on your arm will be cleaned and a brand-new sterile needle will be insert for the blood draw.
- Other types of donations, such as platelets, are made using an apheresis machine which will be connected to both arms.
- A whole blood donation takes about 8-10 minutes, during which you’ll be seated comfortably or lying down.
- When approximately a pint of whole blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.
Refreshment and Recovery
- After donating blood, you’ll have a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area.
- You’ll leave after 10-15 minutes and continue your normal routine.
- Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing you are helping to save lives.
- Take a selfie, or simply share your good deed with friends. It may inspire them to become blood donors.