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The Donation Process

Giving blood is safe, quick and easy. The entire process only takes about an hour and a single blood donation can help save more than one life. Below you will find step-by-step instructions on the donation process. We want you to know what to expect when you give for the first time and we want you to come back and give again.

There is a four step process when you arrive at the blood drive or donor center to give blood.

	Registration When you come to a blood drive or donor center, you start by signing in and showing ID. You’ll be asked to read some important information about giving blood.
	Health History You receive a mini-physical that includes checking vital signs and iron levels in your blood. There is also a health questionnaire that helps ensure that your blood is safe to give to patients in need.This interview will be private and confidential. Depending on your answers, you may be deferred from donating, either temporarily or permanently. If you are allergic to iodine, tape or natural latex rubber, tell the interviewer, so that the donation staff can substitute other materials.
	Donation We will cleanse an area of the arm you will be using to donate. All of the supplies, including the needle, are sterile and are used only once — for you. At the beginning you may feel a brief "sting" from the needle, but it doesn't really hurt. The actual blood donation only takes a few minutes and you give about a pint of blood. Your body will replace the plasma (liquid part) in hours and the blood cells in just a few days. After your donation, you will be given a form with post-donation instructions and a phone number to call if you decide after you leave that your blood may not be safe to give to another person.
	Refreshments Take a few moments to relax with juice and snacks after your donation.