Becoming a Donor

What should I bring with me in order to donate?

• • You must have an official picture ID (Government or State issued, Passport, etc.) that will allow proper identification as a donor.
  • Official Government issued Social Security card or ID with Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth

• Signature

Whole Blood Donation Step-by-Step Process

Step 1. Medical History
We ask you routine health questions to make sure that the donation is safe for you and anyone handling your blood.

Step 2. Pre-Donation Screening
Each donor, regardless of how long he or she has been donating, must pass a pre-donation screening at every visit.  During the screening, a technician will take your vital signs (i.e. blood pressure, pulse, and temperature).  The technician will also take a little blood from your finger to measure your hematocrit.  Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.  These measurements will tell us if it is safe for you to donate.

Step 3. The Donation Process
After we prepare the collection bag and clean your arm, we perform a venipuncture (vein stick).  When you donate Whole Blood, you are not at risk of acquiring any sort of disease.  The tubing and all other collection supplies that come in contact with your blood are discarded and replaced with new sterile materials each time a donation is performed.

Step 4. Compensation
After your donation, you will be compensated for your time.  The entire process takes about 30 minutes.

Step 5. Plan Your Next Visit  
On your way out, you are reminded when you may donate again. You cannot donate more than 1 time in any 8 week period.