Registration
The first step in donating blood is registering at a blood bank or blood drive. In most cases, blood donors are asked to fill out a form requesting their name, address, phone number and other personal information. Donors must also show valid identification or a blood donor card as proof of identity.
Screening
Before being allowed to give blood, a certified blood bank employee will ask you some questions about your personal health and perform a short examination to determine if you are eligible to donate. For example, in most cases blood donors are required to be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds, according to the American Association of Blood Banks. You will also be asked a series of questions about your general health, lifestyle and risk factors for certain diseases. All the information you provide during the screening process is kept confidential.
An employee will take your temperature, pulse and blood pressure and check your iron levels.
Donation
The process of collecting your blood typically takes between seven and 10 minutes, according to the American Red Cross. First, a trained blood bank employee will cleanse your arm with an antiseptic wipe. She will then insert a sterile needle into a vein so the blood collection can begin. In some cases, you may be told to make a fist to make the vein more visible.
Once the needle is in, it usually takes about six to eight minutes to fill the bag with 1 pint of blood. Once the blood has been collected, an employee will remove the needle and place a bandage over the insertion site to stop any minor bleeding. Because some people may become light-headed after donating blood, you will be helped from your chair to make sure you are steady on your feet.
Refreshment
After donating blood, you will be taken to a table or rest area to sit for at least a few minutes. This allows your body to adjust to the lower fluid level that results following a blood donation. The refreshment area is typically stocked with juice and snacks, such as cookies and crackers, to help in the recovery process. After sitting for a few minutes to allow yourself to recover, you are free to leave.
