FAQ
Who can donate? How often Can I Donate? Is it safe for me to donate?
It is completely safe to donate blood… (please click for more)
- You are eligible to donate if you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in general good health. You may donate every 56 days (8 weeks).
- It is completely safe to donate blood. There is no risk of contracting any infectious disease, including AIDS, through the donation process. Your blood donation can help up to three individuals. Every time you donate blood, your good health is making someone else better. Nine out of ten people will need some blood component to sustain their life. The only source of that blood is from the generosity of volunteer community blood donors like you.
Where can I donate and do I need an appointment? How long is the donation process?
A schedule of donation sites and collection hours can be found…
- A schedule of donation sites and collection hours can be found by clicking here. You do not need an appointment unless you are scheduling an apheresis donation. Walk-in donors are always welcome.
- The process typically takes no longer than an hour. The actual blood donation takes between 6 and 10 minutes. The rest of your time is spent in reception, in the donor history and the post-donation refreshment area.
What is the donation process? What can I expect?
Upon arrival, you will be greeted, registered, and then a brief medical history will be taken…
- Upon arrival, you will be greeted, registered, and then a brief medical history will be taken. Your pulse, blood pressure and iron level will be checked. You will then be settled into a comfortable chair where a trained and certified phlebotomist will draw your blood. After the donation, you will be asked to enjoy some refreshments in the canteen for 15 minutes. This is required by the State of California. Once you’ve received your drinks and snacks, you can go to our kiosk and redeem your points for any of the many options made possible by our partners.
- Donating is not painful. You may feel a slight sting at first, which only lasts a few seconds, but there should be no discomfort after that.
Can I donate blood in someone's name or for myself?
Yes. Replacement Credits can be applied to a patient who is using blood…
- Yes. To replace blood used by someone who has already received a transfusion, you would need to donate through a Replacement Blood Drive for that patient. Replacement donations are used to help replenish the community blood supply and credits can be applied to a patient who is using blood to help reduce that patient’s hospital bill. You can call (888) 942-5663 to discuss setting up a possible Replacement Blood Drive with one of our blood drive coordinators.
- A directed donation may also be made by a donor who wants his blood to specifically go to someone anticipating a transfusion. Directed donations require a doctor’s order and an appointment must be scheduled prior to donating. There are also processing fees involved. For more information regarding directed donations, please contact the Special Donations Coordinator at (209) 943-3830.
- Donating your own blood for an upcoming surgery is called an autologous donation. These donations require a doctor’s orders and appointments are necessary prior to donating. There are also processing fees involved. For more information regarding autologous donations, please contact the Special Donations Coordinator at (209) 943-3830.
What can disqualify me as a donor? What should I do prior to donating blood?
For a list of possible disqualifying conditions…
- For a list of possible disqualifying conditions click here. A full review of your history will be conducted by our nursing staff just prior to your donation.
- Before donating, continue with your normal daily activities. You should eat a light, low fat meal, preferably without meat, several hours before you plan to donate. (If you do eat a heavy meal, it should not prevent you from donating.) Try not to eat just before you arrive, as this may cause your blood to be a bit cloudy. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids before and after your donation.
How do I make a difference? Are donors paid?
Your blood donation can help…
- Your blood donation can help up to three individuals. Every time you donate blood, your good health is making someone else better. Nine out of ten people will need some blood component to sustain their life. The only source of that blood is from the generosity of volunteer community blood donors like you.
- Donors are not paid. All blood collected in the US for human transfusions must be given by volunteer donors. This is mandated by the Food and Drug Administration.
