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Donating Blood Made Easy

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
 

We want to make it easy for you to brighten area lives.

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!

EAT…

• It is recommended that regular donors make a habit of eating iron rich foods, including red meat, green leafy vegetables, and iron fortified cereals (e.g. Raisin Bran®).  The snacks on-site are not a substitute.

• A well-balanced breakfast before you donate, if you have an early-morning appointment.

DRINK…

• Plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages such as water, juice, or Gatorade one hour before donating.  Examples of caffeinated beverages, which should be avoided, include coffee, iced tea, energy drinks, and caffeinated sodas such as Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi.

• 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.

DO…

• Get a good night’s rest before the day of your donation.

• Not smoke for at least one hour before donating.

• Wear warm, non-restrictive clothing on cold days.

The Iron Element

When your body is low in iron, your red blood cell count decreases, 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 prepares you for a successful blood donation.

What foods should I eat to raise my iron levels?

Eating a properly balanced diet consisting of the food listed below can help boost your iron levels prior to your visit.

Vitamin C rich foods (e.g. dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and peaches) assist with iron absorption.

Avoid drinking tea with meals that are high in iron. Tea contains tannin, which could inhibit the absorption of iron.

Blood Donation Process

The entire blood donation process, from registration to refreshments, takes approximately one hour. Every step of the process follows strict procedures to ensure the safety of the donor and of the blood supply.

Step 1: Registration

• Present proper photo identification.

• Provide general information (e.g. name and address) for records.

• Read information sheet about donating blood.

Step 2: Mini-Physical

• A staff member will check temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.

• Hemoglobin levels are checked by testing a drop of blood.

Step 3: Medical Interview

• Discuss past and present medical history with a Central Blood Bank staff member (Information is discussed privately and kept strictly confidential).

Step 4: Pre-Donation Refreshments

• Before donating, we ask donors to drink a few glasses of fluids (non-caffeinated) to help hydration levels.

Step 5: Donation

• Lie down in a comfortable bed in the donation area.

• A trained phlebotomist will sterilize the area of the arm before drawing the blood.

• Squeeze ball to help the blood flow.

• The actual donation takes about 10 to 15 minutes. All materials used during the donation are pre-packaged, sterile, and disposable. These materials are used only once and then discarded.

• Upon completion of the donation, the needle is removed and the arm is bandaged.

Step 6: Refreshments and Relaxation

• Rest and enjoy light refreshments in the café area.

• After 15 minutes, donors are welcome to continue on with their day knowing they helped brighten area lives.

Step 7: Post-Donation

• Donors should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a few hours following donation.

• If donors feel light-headed, lie down until it passes.

A Simple Technique You May Want to Try

Occasionally during the donation process, donors may feel light-headed or dizzy. A simple muscle technique known as Applied Muscle Tension (AMT) may help prevent this.

AMT is a behavioral technique that donors can use to make their donation experience a more pleasant one. This technique involves visualizing your body in three major muscle sections: upper body, abdomen, and legs. Begin by tensing the muscles in your upper body while silently counting to five. After reaching five, relax your upper body and begin tensing your abdomen. Again, count to five then relax before moving on to your legs.

Repeat this technique from the moment you reach the bed until your donation is complete.