Whole Blood
Blood Donations
Before You Arrive
Have a healthy breakfast or lunch
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid fatty foods or milk product
Arrive at least 10 mins before your appointment
The Process
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Donate
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.
5. Rest
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.
6. Schedule
Schedule your next visit at the front desk. You will receive a card with your next appointment so you can remember when to come again. You can donate 56 days after your blood donation.
FAQ
What are the requirements to donate Blood?
Be in good health and feeling well, unless participating of a study.
Be at least 18 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.
Every day, patients in hospitals and clinics rely on blood transfusions to survive.
Blood donations are needed in a variety of critical situations, including:
Emergencies and Trauma
Car accidents, natural disasters, and sudden medical emergencies can result in severe blood loss, where transfusions are necessary to stabilize the patient.
Major Surgeries
Major surgeries, like heart surgery, organ transplants, and cancer surgeries, often require blood transfusions to replace lost blood and ensure recovery.
Chronic Illnesses
Patients with conditions like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or leukemia may need regular blood transfusions to manage their condition and maintain their quality of life.
Childbirth Complications
Complications during labor can lead to significant blood loss, requiring transfusions to save the mother’s life. You blood donation can save the life of the mother and the newborn.
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