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Step 1
Mobile Blood Bank.WHO CAN DONATE - Review the following guidelines to ensure you are qualified to donate blood to the Blood Bank. You must be in good health and at least 18 years of age (or 17 years old with parental consent).
Your weight must be more than 110 pounds, or you will not be able to donate. In addition, be aware there is a mandatory one-year wait for donors after having any body piercings or tattoos. -
Step 2
WHERE TO DONATE - Find your nearest Blood Bank by checking the locator under resources below. Make a scheduled appointment to donate blood. You can always walk in, but having an actual appointment will get you in and out quicker.
If the location of the Blood Bank is not convenient for you, inquire about their blood mobile route. These blood mobiles are fully equipped for proper and safe blood collection. Note that appointments are also highly recommended for blood mobiles. -
Step 3
PREPARE TO DONATE - Persons wanting to donate blood to the Blood Bank should get adequate rest the night before. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water during the 24-hour period prior to donation and make sure to eat a hearty breakfast or lunch.
Try to eat healthy iron-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables and lean meats. You should also refrain from taking aspirin at least 3 days prior to donating blood. -
Step 4
Donor cards and gallon pin.REGISTER - Take a current photo id with you when you sign in to donate blood at the Blood Bank and a Blood Bank donor card if you have one. If not, you will be given a donor card when registration is complete. In addition, you should have a list of prescribed medications you may be taking, know your medical history well and what countries you may have visited and when.
After you sign in, you will be given a short questionnaire to fill out regarding general health. Answer all questions truthfully. This is for your own and everyone's benefit. Return the completed questionnaire to the registrar. -
Step 5
When your name is called, you will accompany a collection staff member into a small, private area of the Blood Bank or the blood mobile. There the staff member will test the iron level of your blood with a small prick on your finger, take your blood pressure, pulse and record your temperature.
Answer the staff's questions carefully and honestly. Rest assured that this conversation is confidential. If everything checks out, you will be asked to make yourself comfortable on a reclining chair or something similar out in the main collection area.
If you're a little nervous, try to take deep breaths and relax as much as possible. The actual collection process when you donate blood to the Blood Bank only takes an average 5 to 8 minutes. Follow the directions given to you by the staff member. -
Step 6
Save lives!When you're finished, relax while the staff member wraps an elastic bandage around your arm. Rest at least 5 minutes before you get up. Choose between fruit juice or water that is provided and have some snacks available for refreshments.
Donate blood to the Blood Bank as often as you can. Know that one hour of your time is a very small price to pay for the three lives it can save. How can you possibly afford not to give? Thank you!
Comments
sonni57 said
on 4/27/2009 I think it's great that we can donate blood and help those who need it.
Alrady said
on 4/27/2009 great steps for giving blood and the preparation is good to know about. thanks
bossypants said
on 4/25/2009 I didn't know one donation could save 3 lives! Terrific inspiration to donate blood, and excellent information on what to expect and how to prepare. I hope many folks read this useful article. Thanks!
sunshine11219 said
on 4/23/2009 great detailed article on donating blood
slphilbrick said
on 4/21/2009 Well detailed info. on blood bank donor requirements and helpful tips on making the best of the experience. I didn't realize that those with body modification weren't eligible to give blood for a year!