How to Prepare to Give Blood to the American Red Cross

When you donate a pint of blood, you can save up to three people's lives. Not only will you help someone else, but you'll get a great sense of satisfaction for doing a good deed. Before you give blood through the American Red Cross, be sure you are prepared so you feel your best.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Get Ready to Donate Blood

1. Prepare by wearing short sleeves or long sleeves that you can roll up. You will give blood through a vein in your arm. Relax as you give a pint of blood, which should only take about 10 minutes. When you give blood through the American Red Cross, the whole process should take no more than an hour.

2. Get a good night's sleep the night before you give blood.

3. Prepare to donate blood by eating a healthy breakfast complete with iron-rich foods on the day you give it. Avoid eating fatty foods, however, because fat can affect the testing that is done on blood. If it can't be tested, it is disposed of.

4. Bring an ID with you to the blood drive. Answer questions honestly on any forms you fill out or to any volunteers with whom you speak. If you are not eligible to donate, let them know--your information is confidential.

5. Drink plenty of liquids before and after you donate. They will help your body replenish the blood you are giving. However, the American Red Cross advises you not to drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea.

6. Remember the names of any medications you are taking and have a general idea of your health history. The American Red Cross will ask you questions about it and give you a mini-physical exam before you donate blood.

7. Locate a blood drive near you. Visit the American Red Cross Give Life page and enter your ZIP code (see Resources below). You may also call 1-800-448-3543.

Relax After You Donate

8. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least five hours after you give blood.

9. Eat and drink refreshments in the designated area at the blood drive. There are usually cookies and juice available while you wait for your body to adjust to having less blood.

10. Leave after a few minutes when your vein has stopped bleeding and you have enjoyed your refreshments. You can donate again in 56 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Most people don't feel any different after donating blood. A few people feel faint. If you do, lie down with your feet raised. Get rest so your body can make more blood and you should feel better within hours.

Resources

• American Red Cross Give Life page to find a blood drive

[RFerriANP]

on 3/26/2008 My I also add to this excellent article not to drink any alcoholic beverages the night before donation. Alcohol can alter your liver screening tests and make you ineligible to donate.

If you can donate blood or platelets it is simple and such a remarkable gift to humankind!

[jordanhope16]

on 3/26/2008 Great Article!I just recently got blood drawn so now I won't be afraid to donate it. I plan on donating as soon as possible!

[jordanhope16]

on 3/26/2008 Great article. I just recently had my blood drawn for the first time so now I won't be afraid to go donate blood. I plan on donating as soon as possible!

[torque63]

on 3/26/2008 I have donated blood multiple times and I usually feel wiped out for the rest of the day, but after a goods nights rest I'm back to my old self again. Donate later in the day if this is how you get effected by donating.

[nickyswriting]

on 3/26/2008 Awesome article! Thanks for the information!