Frequently Asked Questions: Blood Donation

The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

Source: American Red Cross

1 donation can save up to three lives.

Source: American Red Cross

Patients with cancer, sick cell, burns, trauma, chronic diseases, and women who have lost blood during childbirth need emergency blood transfusions to survive.

Source: American Red Cross

Donating blood is safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded.

Source: American Red Cross

Registration

First register yourself.

Medical History

You will have to provide some information about your medical history.

Mini Physical

Every blood donor is given a mini-physical, checking the donor's temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin to ensure it is safe for the donor to give blood.

Donation

If staff determine you are fit to donate, you will begin the donation process. This typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Refreshments

After donation, you will be given refreshments. Do ensure you are well hydrated.

Source: American Red Cross

The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation.

Source: American Red Cross