How to Donate Blood

Blood is a naturally-regenerating resource in the human body. In times of health crisis or disaster, though, hospitals need plenty of the crimson liquid on hand to save lives. In the United States alone, more than 30,000 pints of blood are used every day. That breaks down to one in 10 patients needing blood every three seconds. Donating blood is a simple process that takes less than an hour of your time and saves three lives each time you donate. Even if you are completely “needle-phobic,” it’s worth facing your fear and following these easy and painless steps to make a difference.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. 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.
2. 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.)
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Eating a healthy, low-fat meal four hours before your blood donation will help keep your energy up.
• Stay hydrated before and after the donation by drinking plenty of water and/or juice.
• For a few days before your donation, eat iron-rich foods. A low iron level will disqualify you from giving blood on your scheduled day and you will have to wait a couple of weeks before trying again.
• For first time blood donors, try giving whole blood first. It's a simpler process and will let you see how well your body tolerates the donation process. If your first donation is a breeze for you, you can look into the more involved donations the next time.
• Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.
• You can donate blood for yourself if you are going to be having a scheduled surgery. Ask about this type of donation when making your surgical appointment.
• Stay away from alcoholic beverages for 12 hours both before and after your blood donation.
• Avoid cigarettes or other tobacco products immediately following your donation.
• You cannot donate blood if you have had a blood transfusion, tissue transplant or certain major surgeries within the past year.
• Don't give blood in the hopes of making money. People donate blood in order to give back to the community. Blood service organizations don't pay their donors.