19 Jan The Blood Donation Process

Posted at 16:06h in Heath Tips by

Every donation is critical and you can make a lifesaving difference.

Registration

  • We’ll sign you in and go over basic eligibility.
  • You’ll be asked to show ID, such as your driver’s license.
  • You’ll read some information about donating blood.
  • We’ll ask you for your complete address.  Your address needs to be complete (including PO Box, street/apartment number) and the place where you will receive your mail 8 weeks from donation.

Health History

  • You’ll answer a few questions about your health history and places you’ve traveled, during a private and confidential interview.
  • You’ll tell us about any prescription and/or over the counter medications that may be in your system.
  • We’ll check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.

Your Donation

  • If you’re donating whole blood, we’ll cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand new sterile needle for the blood draw. (This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.)
  • Other types of donations, such as platelets, are made using an apheresis machine which will be connected to both arms.
  • A whole blood donation takes about 8-10 minutes, during which you’ll be seated comfortably or lying down.
  • When approximately a pint of whole blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.
  • For platelets, the apheresis machine will collect a small amount of blood, remove the platelets, and return the rest of the blood through your other arm; this cycle will be repeated several times over about 2 hours.

Refreshment and Recovery

  • After donating blood, you’ll have a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area.
  • You’ll leave after 10-15 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.

 

To make an appointment to donate blood CLICK HERE

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