First-Time Donors

Before You Donate

  • Get plenty of rest, drink extra fluids, eat a good meal (including iron-rich foods), and avoid alcohol.
  • Eat more salty foods than usual 24 hours before you donate (check with your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions).
  • Avoid smoking right before you donate.

 

Donating

  • The entire process takes about 60 minutes.
  • You may be eligible to donate every 56 days.

Registration:

  • Sign in to let us know you're here.
  • Present photo ID or two forms of non-photo ID.

 

Screening Area:

  • Answer questions about your health.
  • Mini-physical: check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and take a small drop of blood from your fingertip to test your iron levels.

 

Donation:

  • A tourniquet goes on your arm above the elbow.
  • A phlebotomist cleans your skin.
  • Blood is collected.

 

Post-Donation Station:

  • Take 15 minutes to sit, relax, and enjoy a snack.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.

 

After You Donate

  • Most people feel fine. Drink more nonalcoholic liquids than usual. This is important because your body replaces the liquid volume of the donated blood within 24 hours.
  • Eat more salty foods than usual 24 hours after you donate (check with your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions).
  • Avoid smoking for 30 minutes.
  • Delay strenuous exercise until AFTER your next regular, full meal.
  • Leave the bandage on your arm for 3-4 hours to protect your skin against infection,
  • If you feel light-headed after donating, sit down or, if driving, pull off to the side of the road and wait until you feel better before going on your way.

 

Call 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663) if:

  • You have any concerns about your donation OR you don't feel well.
  • You have a fever above 101°F in the next 24 hours.
  • You have an unexplained fever with headache or flu-like symptoms in the next 14 days.
  • You have severe diarrhea in the next 48 hours.
  • Someone in your household develops hepatitis or jaundice in the next three months.
  • You think for any reason your blood should not be given to a patient.

Who Your Blood Helps

Donating
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