What Should You Do Before Donating?

We want your donation experience to be comfortable and rewarding.  Please remember the following:

• Maintain a healthy diet and appropriate fluid intake.
• Note the name and dosage of any medications you are taking.  Usually, medication does not keep you from donating, but the reason for taking the medication might.

How Does the Blood Donation Process Work?

Donating is safe and simple.  The entire process takes about an hour from start to finish.  Medical equipment is sterile, used only once and then discarded.  The actual donation process includes:

• Completing donor registration, which includes demographics such as your name, address, phone number, social security number, etc.
• Showing a government-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license, or a Red Cross blood donor card. If you don’t have either of these, you will be required to provide two other forms of identification, such as: professional license or certificate, sheriff’s card, voter’s registration card, birth certificate, social security card or donor card from a non-Red Cross blood center.
• Answering questions about your health.  All information is completely confidential.
• Undergoing a mini-health exam, including checks for blood pressure, temperature and pulse.  Additionally, a drop of blood will be taken from your finger to test for anemia.
• Lying on a donor bed where your arm will be cleaned with an antiseptic.  If you are allergic to iodine, please inform the phlebotomist.
• Donating one unit of blood.  This generally takes less than 15 minutes.
• Enjoying refreshments in the canteen after your donation.

What Should You Do After Donating?

We recommend the following after your donation is complete:

• Increasing your fluid intake for the next 24 to 48 hours.
• Avoiding strenuous physical exertion, heavy lifting or pulling with the donation arm for about five hours.
• Eating well-balanced meals for the next 24 hours.
• People seldom experience discomfort after donating.  However, if you feel lightheaded, lie down until the feeling passes.  If some bleeding occurs after removal of the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for three to five minutes.  If bruising or bleeding appears under the skin, apply a cold pack periodically to the bruised area during the first 24 hours; then apply warm, moist heat intermittently over the next few days or so.
• If you have any questions concerning your donation or you experience any unexpected problems, please call the Red Cross at 1-866-236-3276.

Does It Hurt When the Needle is Inserted?

Only for a moment.  Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm.  That pinch is similar to what you will feel when we insert the needle into your arm.

Is It Safe to Give Blood?

Yes.  Sterile procedures and disposable equipment are used.  Each donor’s blood is collected through a new, sterile needle, which is then discarded.  You cannot contract any infectious disease from donating blood.

How Long Does It Take to Donate?

The entire process, from start to finish, takes about an hour.  The actual donation process usually takes less than 15 minutes.