spacer Donate Blood Now Schedule an appointment to give blood now Go Save a Life Tour 2003 | American Red Cross spacer
spacer
spacer
Home spacer Local Red Cross spacer About Blood spacer Being a Donor spacer Recipient Stories spacer Sponsor a Drive spacer Young Blood spacer Games and More
spacer
spacer
spacer
saved a life
» Register with Us
» Top 10
» How To Help
» Blood Donation Process
» Apheresis
» Tips for a Good Donation Experience
» Donor Eligibility
» Safety
» FAQ
» Thank You, Donors!

 
Real People, Real Stories



spacer
Blood Donation Process

spacer

How many times have you donated blood?
  
Enter a whole number from 0 to 999.

Note: The following information will be based on whole blood donations. It may not be accurate for apheresis donors.

spacer
Giving blood is a simple — but not a small! — thing to do.  The donation process, from the time you arrive until the time to you leave, takes about an hour.  The donation itself is only about ten minutes.


1. Registration: You will read information about donating blood, you will be asked to complete a form with demographic and basic health information and you will be asked to show an ID card2. Health history and mini-physical: A trained staff person will ask you some health history questions during a private and confidential interview and You will have your temperature, iron level, blood pressure and pulse checked in order to protect your health and well being
3. Donation: Staff will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a needle for the blood drawing procedure, you will have 7 -10 minutes to relax while the bag is filling and when approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the staff person will remove the needle and place a bandage on your arm4. Refreshments: You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume, you can then leave the donation site and continue with your normal daily activities and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you've done something good. Wear your badge of honor proudly - you've earned it!
Wear your badge of honor proudly - you've earned it!

spacer
RedCross.org | Red Cross Store | Privacy Policy | Blood Information | Contact Us | Search | Links