What to Expect

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.

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.

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.