Blood Donation Information
Why is Blood Donation so Important?
4.5 million Americans will a need blood transfusion each year. 43,000 pints: amount of donated blood used each day in the U.S. and Canada. Someone needs blood every two seconds. Only 37 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood - less than 10 percent do annually.** About one in seven people entering a hospital need blood. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old, and at least 110 pounds may donate about a pint of blood - the most common form of donation - every 56 days, or every two months. Females receive 53 percent of blood transfusions; males receive 47 percent.
Will I need to make an appointment to Donate?
Most likely.
How do I know if I am Eligible to Donate?
General Donor Eligibility Requirements varies by location. Ask about specific requirements, but generally blood donors should: Be 17 years of age or older, however some 16-year-old people can donate blood with parental consent, Weigh at least 110 pounds, Be in good health and not taking antibiotics, Follow the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance if you have had sex with a man who has sex with men in the last 3 months.
How do I find a local Blood Drive location?
How do I find a Blood Collection Facility?
How do I prepare to donate?
Prepare for you appointment by drinking at least 2 large glasses of water and eating a healthy meal with iron-rich foods that is not high in fat like: Meats, like beef, lamb, ham, pork, veal, and dried beef. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey. Fish and shellfish, like tuna, shrimp, clams, haddock, and mackerel. Organs, such as liver. or Eggs.
Bring your identification.
Be prepared to answer questions about your health history and places you’ve traveled.
What can I expect when I arrive to Donate?
Sign in when you arrive for your appointment. One of the staff will take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level. Once the pre-donation screening is finished, your arm will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and a professional will use a blood donation kit to draw blood from a vein in your arm. If you are allergic to iodine, be sure to tell the phlebotomist at this point. You will be seated when you donate, and it takes about 8-10 minutes to collect a pint of blood.
What can I expect when I am done?
After your donation, you will relax for 10-15 minutes and can enjoy a snack and beverage while you wait. Keep your bandage on for the next several hours and keep this area clean by washing with soap and water after you take the bandage off.
After donating, it is recommended that you increase your fluid intake for the next 24 to 48 hours; avoid strenuous physical exertion, heavy lifting or pulling with the donation arm for about five hours; and eat well balanced meals for the next 24 hours. After donating, smoking and alcohol consumption is not recommended.
Potential Side Effects In the United States blood donation is regulated by the FDA and the American Association of Blood Banks, to make sure the blood donation process is safe. However, some donors may experience fatigue, bruising, bleeding, or pain. Additionally, when you donate blood you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you experience severe symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. If you experience general side effects, it can help to rest, drink more water, and eat more iron-rich foods. For dizziness, lie down or sit with your head between your knees. For bleeding, raise your arm, apply pressure, then place a bandage over the area for several hours. If you have pain, please take a pain reliever.