How to Donate Blood, Platelets or Plasma

Feel Prepared. Give Blood. Although all blood types are needed, those with O Negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate.

Can I Donate Blood?

Most people can donate blood, assuming they’re feeling well. People with many health conditions — like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — can still donate blood if their condition is well-managed.

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Get Ready for Your Blood Donation

The key to a successful blood donation is preparation. Below are a few steps you can take to make your experience giving blood as easy as possible.

  • In the days leading up to your donation, eat iron-rich foods like beef, nuts, whole grains and leafy greens. Check out our helpful guide on blood donation and iron deficiency for tips to boosting and maintaining iron levels, donation eligibility, what to do if you're deferred, and more.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • On the day of your donation, make sure to eat a meal before you give.
  • Wear short sleeves or a shirt where your inner elbow is accessible.

Schedule a Donation

Getting Ready for Your Donation

Types of Blood Donations

  • Whole blood donation

    Blood

    Whole blood donations are the most common form of donation. In it, you will donate a pint of blood in a process that takes about an hour, in total. This donation can save up to three lives and can be repeated every 56 days.

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  • Why platelet donation is important

    Platelet Donation

    Why donate platelets? Because they're a critical component in the blood clotting process and are used to treat cancer patients, burn victims, transplant recipients, and so many more in lifesaving need.

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  • Plasma samples

    Plasma

    Plasma is the liquid component of blood, which carries red blood cells and nutrients to the parts of the body that need it. Plasma is used to treat burn victims and those with trauma or clotting disorders.

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  • Blood type samples

    Blood Types

    Each person has a specific blood type, based on the combination of factors included in their blood. This blood type allows medical facilities to give the right blood to the right patient, as well as helping blood centers find the best donation for your type.

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  • Power Red blood donation

    Power Red Donation

    A Power Red donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.

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What to Expect at Your Blood Donation

  • Medical Screening

    Before you can donate, we’ll ask some questions to make sure you can do so safely. These questions – which can be answered in advance on the same day of your donation through Donor EXPRESS – will examine your health history, behaviors and recent travel, which could affect the safety of your blood. We’ll also check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level before clearing you to donate.

  • Donation

    Once we know that it’s safe for you to give, it’s time for the donation itself. We will need access to your inner elbow area, which we’ll clean and then use a small needle to begin the donation. The actual blood donation takes about 15-20 minutes.

  • Canteen

    After you donate, we’ll ask you to spend 10-15 minutes in the canteen area, enjoying free snacks and drinks. This time will ensure you’re feeling well after your donation. In total, the full experience will take about an hour, from start to finish.

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