
Prior to donating blood, all donors receive a free health screening that checks your hemoglobin level, blood pressure and pulse rate. The information from these health screenings may provide important insights into your health status.
Blood pressure is the pressure that is put on your artery walls as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. Your blood pressure will normally rise and fall throughout the day, and a high blood pressure reading can have various explanations.
A Red Cross staff member will check your blood pressure before donating to ensure its safe for you to donate. If your blood pressure is too high, you will be asked to wait and donate another time. The Red Cross does not diagnose hypertension or offer treatment. However, if your blood pressure reading is consistently above the healthy limits, we recommend that you follow-up with your healthcare provider. You can access previous blood pressure readings from your Red Cross blood and platelet donations online or through the Blood Donor App.