• Who can donate blood?

    In most states, donors must be age 17 or older. Some states allow donationby 16-year-olds with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh atleast 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional eligibility criteria apply.

  • How often can I donate blood?

    You must wait for at least eight weeks (56 days) between donations of whole blood and 16 weeks (112 days) between Power Red donations. Platelet apheresis donors may give every 7 days up to 24 times per year. Regulationsare different for those giving blood for themselves (autologous donors).

  • How long will it take to replenish the pint of blood I donate?

    The plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.

  • How long does a blood donation take?

    The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors, including thedonor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive.

  • What should I do after donating blood?

    After you give blood:
    Take the following precautions:
    •  Drink an extra four glasses (eight ounces each) of non-alcoholic liquids.
    • Keep your bandage on and dry for the next five hours, and do not do heavy exercising or lifting.
    • If the needle site starts to bleed, raise your arm straight up and press on the site until the bleeding stops.
      Because you could experience dizziness or loss of strength, use caution if you plan to do anything that could put you or others at risk of harm. For any hazardous occupation or hobby, follow applicable safety recommendations regarding your return to these activities following a blood donation.
      Eat healthy meals, consider adding iron-rich foods to your regular diet, or discuss taking an iron supplement with your health care provider to replace the iron lost with blood donation.
      If you get a bruise Apply ice to the area intermittently for10-15 minutes during the first 24hours.After that, apply ;warm,moist heat to the site intermittently for10-15 minutes.A rainbow of ;colors;may occur for about ten (10)days
      If you get dizzy or lightheaded: Stop what you are;doing,lie down, and raise your feet until the feeling passes and you feel well enough to resume activitie safely.
      And remember to enjoy the feeling of knowing you have helped save lives!
      Schedule your next appointment.
     
     

  • Will, it hurt when you insert the needle?

    Only for a moment. Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm. That pinch is similar to what you will feel when the needle is inserted.

Send us a Message