Blood Donation Guide: Eligibility, Process & What to Expect

While at least half of all Americans are eligible to donate blood, reports show that only about 5 percent actually do. If you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and are older than 17, you can donate blood every 8 weeks. However, it helps if you know what to expect once you arrive at the blood bank or blood drive location to donate.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink lots of water the day before you donate to help keep your blood pressure up. Although you should not eat right before you give blood, it’s not a good idea to donate blood on a completely empty stomach either.

• 2

  Avoid drinks with caffeine and eating fast foods if you are planning to donate blood later in the day. Eat foods high in iron a few hours beforehand, and drink orange juice for Vitamin C to help increase iron absorption.

• 3

  Bring along some form of identification to the blood bank or donation center, as you will be asked to provide your name, date of birth and social security number.

• 4

  Be certain to tell the interviewer if you are allergic to iodine, natural latex rubber or tape. Also, inform that person if you are anemic, running a fever, or have traveled to Mexico or other areas in the Caribbean within the last year.

• 5

  Once you are finished giving blood, tell one of the volunteers if you feel faint, dizzy or nauseated, or experience pain or tingling down your arm.

• 6

  After you have donated blood, you will be asked to rest for about 15 minutes in an observation area where you will be offered a light snack before you leave. Later, if you continue to bleed at the needle-stick site after removing the bandage from your arm, contact a health care professional.