Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Check the phone book, Internet or your local hospital to locate a blood services organization in your area. Some hospitals have a blood bank on site, but most now use an independent blood services group for gathering blood products.
Step2
Schedule an appointment for a donation either at a standing blood service center or at a locally-organized blood drive. (The blood service organization in your area can tell you where the nearest and next blood drive is scheduled or you can schedule a blood drive yourself.)
Step3
Keep your scheduled appointment. Go a few minutes early if possible to check in. This involves answering questions about your health, medications and lifestyle followed by a quick check of your iron level, blood pressure and temperature.
Step4
Make yourself comfortable in your donation chair. The technician will ask which arm you wish to have used to determine where to seat you. You will want to have a bottle of water and some reading material with you to pass the time and stay hydrated.
Step5
Proceed to the "recovery" area where you will be encouraged to sit for 10 minutes or so while you enjoy a snack of cookies or crackers and water or juice. The staff will monitor you during this time in case you get light-headed or need additional care. This is also a good time to fill out any survey card the center might use to gather your feedback on your experience.
Step6
Schedule your next appointment before you leave. The staff will determine your next eligible donation date and will offer you a reminder by either phone call or e-mail.