The Blood Donation Process
The blood donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average.
Registration and Medical Screening
- Check in for your donation by scanning your ID or entering your information and be welcomed into the donation waiting area.
- We’ll identify you using a valid and unexpired ID, such as your driver’s license. Other acceptable forms of ID include: military ID, passport or immigration and naturalization card (green card).
- You’ll be asked to confirm your name, date of birth, address and other demographic information.
- We’ll check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.
- During a private and confidential interview, you’ll answer questions about your health history, places you’ve traveled, medications that may be in your system and questions to assess infectious disease risk.
Tip: Speed up your donation by completing a RapidPass® online or on the Blood Donor app on the day of your donation.
Your Donation
- We’ll cleanse an area on your arm and insert a new sterile needle for the blood draw. (This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.)
- A whole blood donation takes about 8-10 minutes, during which you’ll be seated comfortably or lying down while approximately a pint of whole blood is collected.
- For a Power Red donation, a device will use a single-use kit to collect two units of packed red blood cells and return your plasma along with saline through the same sterile needle in approximately 45 minutes.
- For plasma, a device will use a single-use kit to collect plasma and return your red cells and platelets along with saline through the same sterile needle in approximately 45 minutes.
- For platelets, a device will use a single-use kit to collect the platelets and a small amount of plasma and return the rest of your blood through a sterile needle in your other arm in approximately two hours.
- When your donation is complete, a staff person will place a bandage on your arm and provide post donation instructions.
Tip: Please drink water before you arrive for your donation. Tips for a Successful Blood Donation.
Refreshment and Recovery
- After donating, you’ll have a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area.
- You’ll leave after approximately 15 minutes and continue your normal routine.
- Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing you are helping to save lives.
- Take a selfie, or simply share your good deed with friends. It may inspire them to become blood donors.
Tip: Don't forget to schedule your next appointment before you leave the blood drive and download the Blood Donor app.
What Happens After My Donation?
Learn about what happens to donated blood.