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Everything that you need to know to
prepare for a successful and enjoyable blood donation experience.
Donating Made Easy! - full color version
Donating Made Easy! - text only version
It’s important to us that you have an enjoyable blood donation experience.
Your blood donation actually begins before you arrive at a community donor
center or mobile blood drive. Preparation for your visit consists of following a
few simple instructions. Doing so will help ensure that you can successfully
donate blood and Brighten Life!
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A healthy meal that includes iron rich foods within two hours of your
appointment or walk-in visit. Iron rich foods include red meat, green leafy
vegetables, and iron fortified cereals (e.g. Raisin Bran)
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A well-balanced breakfast before you donate if you have an early morning
appointment.
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A healthy meal before donating…the snacks on-site are not a substitute
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Plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages such as water, juice, and
Gatorade one hour before donating. Examples of caffeinated beverages include
coffee, iced tea, energy drinks, and caffeinated sodas such as Mountain Dew,
Coca-Cola, and Pepsi.
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At least eight ounces (about one full glass) of juice, water, or Gatorade after
the medical screening and before the donation. Drinks will be provided.
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Get a good night’s rest before the day of your donation.
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Wear warm, non-restrictive clothing on cold days
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Not smoke for at least one hour before donating.
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Not chew gum, mints, or candy immediately before or during your donation.
Just as the types of beverages you drink before a blood donation impact your
ability to donate, the types of food you eat matter as well. Not having enough
iron in your blood can prevent you from brightening area lives. The good news is
that it’s easy to raise the level of iron in your body.
When your body is low in iron your red blood cells decrease and you may feel
tired or run down. Iron is a mineral your body needs to help form red blood
cells and carry oxygen. Regularly eating iron rich foods helps strengthen your
iron levels and prepare for a successful blood donation.
Eating a properly balanced diet consisting of the food listed below can help
boost your iron levels prior to your visit.
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- Dark green, leafy vegetables
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- Beans (dried, kidney, pinto, soy)
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- Breakfast cereals with dried fruit
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Vitamin C-rich foods assist with iron absorption (e.g. dried fruits such as
raisins, apricots, and peaches).
Avoid drinking tea with meals that are high in iron. Tea contains tannin that
could inhibit the absorption of iron.
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