How to Prepare Before Donating Blood
Blood Assurance wants to help make your donation experience as pleasant as possible! Below we have included tips for before and after your donation. If you have any additional questions, please contact us.
Get Plenty of Sleep Before Donating Blood
It is important to get a good night’s sleep the night before you donate. Make sure you donate when you are feeling healthy and rested.
What to Eat Before Donating Blood
Maintain a significant level of iron in your diet by eating iron rich foods such as red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, breads, pastas and dried fruit. Be sure to eat a meal in the four hours prior to your donation.
What to Drink Before Donating Blood
Drink plenty of fluids including juice or water. It is a good idea to drink more water than your usual intake on the day of your donation. Donors are also asked to avoid caffeine.
What to Wear When Donating Blood
Wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up over the elbow.
What Not to Do Before Donating Blood
Prior to a donation, donors are asked to avoid alcoholic beverages and avoid caffeine. Donors are also asked to avoid foods that are high in fat.
Ask Questions
Feel free to ask questions! Donor Care Specialists are ready and available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have throughout the process.
Relax
Take this time to relax. Many regular donors suggest meditating, listening to music or reading while donating. Our Donor Care Specialists will provide you with snacks and drinks throughout the process.
Blood Donation Requirements
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High school students who are at least 16 years of age require one-time parental consent: consent form-English, consent form-Español and weigh at least 110 pounds. Other donors must be at least 17 years old.
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When checked by our donor care specialist, your iron level must be at least 12.5 g/dL for females and 13.0 g/dL for males.
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Your blood pressure cannot be higher than 180/100 mm Hg or lower than 90/50 mm Hg. If you are currently taking medication you are eligible to donate as long as your blood pressure meets these requirements.
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Your body temperature must be between 96.4 and 100.0 degrees F.
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Your pulse rate must be no less than 50 beats per minute and no more than 100 beats per minute.
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You will be asked a series of questions to ensure that you are eligible to donate.
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Certain medications and medical conditions will prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. Call 800-962-0628 to inquire about your specific medical conditions or medications, or view the Medication Deferral List.
How Long Does Donating Blood Take?
The actual blood donation typically takes about 10 minutes, but the entire appointment takes about one hour from check-in through refreshments.
What to Do After Donating Blood
Stay Hydrated
Eat
Avoid Heavy Exercise Right Away
First Time Donating Blood?
Ready to Donate Blood?
Your donation can help save lives in your community. Find a Blood Assurance donation center near you and schedule your appointment today.