Versiti - Types of Donations | Learn About Blood Donation
 

Types of Donation: Blood Donation

Donate blood, save a life. Learn more about saving lives through blood donation.

What’s the blood donation process? How frequently can I donate blood? Find these answers and everything you need to know about volunteering to donate blood below.

 

The Blood Donation Process

Giving blood is a quick, simple way to give back to your community. The donation process from the time you arrive to the time you leave is about an hour, but the actual donation time is only 8-10 minutes. Here’s how to have a great experience!

Prepare for Blood Donation

Find a convenient donation location and time for you.

Helpful Hints

  • Get a good night’s sleep.
  • Eat a healthy meal at least one hour before donating.
  • Be well hydrated before your donation.
  • Make sure you bring verification of your identity — a driver’s license, donor ID card or government-issued ID card — showing your name and birthdate.

Registration

  • Sign in and have your identification ready!
  • A donor specialist will get you started on a questionnaire on a tablet related to your health, travel and other risk factors. (If you’d like more information about some of the questions, visit the eligibility section.) 

Medical Review

  • The donor specialist will ask follow-up questions regarding your answers to the questionnaire to ensure that donating is right for you and safe for patients. Your answers are confidential.
  • A donor specialist will conduct a “mini physical,” checking your blood pressure, temperature and pulse.
  • He or she will also take a small drop of blood from your finger to test your blood iron count.

Donating Blood Time

  • If you meet all the requirements, you’ll be escorted to a bed in the donor room.
  • The donor specialist will clean your arm and use a sterile blood donation kit to draw blood from a vein in your arm.
  • Approximately 1 pint of blood is drawn, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
  • After the donation, the donor specialist will remove the needle and ask you to apply pressure and raise your arm to prevent clotting.

Café Time: Post-Donation Refreshments

  • When you are ready, you will be escorted to our donor cafe for a bit of rest and rehydration.
  • Have a seat and let our volunteer or staff bring you your choice of water, juice, cookies and other snacks.
  • It’s a good idea to relax for at least 10 minutes so your body has time to begin replacing your donated fluids.

After Your Blood Donation

  • Enjoy your day — you’ve earned it! 
  • Drink more fluids than usual in the next few hours, but avoid alcohol.
  • Eat a nutritious meal soon after you donate.
  • Keep your bandage on for about 3 hours.
  • You may resume normal daily activities, but avoid strenuous exercise.
  • If you’re feeling funny or light-headed, lay down for a little bit and drink more fluids.

Blood Eligibility

While about 38% of the population is eligible to donate blood, fewer than 5% do. It’s easy to verify that you are eligible. If you have additional questions about blood donation, please check our Blood Donation FAQs.

 
 

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Every day, patients in your community need blood transfusions to survive and thrive. They rely on the generosity of donors like you, who help ensure a safe, healthy blood supply. Make an appointment to donate blood today.

Explore donation opportunities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

 
Blood Donation Locations
Find a Versiti blood donation center and search for a blood drive near you. Make an appointment to donate blood today.
 
Host A Blood Drive
Blood drive organizations save lives. Learn how to host a blood drive in your community with Versiti.
 
Importance of Diverse Donors
Diverse blood donations improve blood transfusion outcomes for sickle cell patients and diverse blood recipients. Make an appointment to donate blood.
 
Double Red Cells Donation
Volunteer to donate double red cells at a blood donation center near you. Learn more about donating red blood cells and make an appointment to donate today.
 
Platelet Donation
Volunteer to donate platelets at a blood and platelets donation center near you. Find out how to donate platelets and make an appointment to donate today.
 
Plasma Donation
Volunteer to donate plasma at a blood and plasma donation center near you. Find out how often you can donate plasma and make an appointment to donate today.
 
The Beacon Club for Whole Blood Donors
Versiti’s Beacon Club donor rewards program celebrates the donation milestones of lifesaving blood donors. Donate blood and you are automatically part of the club.
 
Importance of Diverse Donors
Diverse blood donations improve blood transfusion outcomes for sickle cell patients and diverse blood recipients. Make an appointment to donate blood.
 
LGBTQ+ Donor Information
Members of the LGBTQ+ community may be able to donate blood, platelets or plasma, provided that they meet FDA eligibility requirements.
 
Blood Donation Locations
Find a Versiti blood donation center and search for a blood drive near you. Make an appointment to donate blood today.