#1. REGISTER. Your name, address and a photo ID (such as your driver’s license) are required.

 

#2. QUALIFY.   You will be asked questions about your health, including medical history, current medications and recent surgeries. These questions ensure you are healthy enough to give blood and that your blood will be safe to give to patients who need it. Next, a phlebotomist will check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and iron level, which requires a quick finger stick. 

 

#3. DONATE. Another phlebotomist will then draw your blood. Brand new, sterile supplies are used for each donation. The actual blood draw takes less than ten minutes. Except for a small needle stick at the start, the process is painless. Once the draw is complete, the needle will be removed and you will be asked to apply pressure to the area and raise your arm for a few minutes. Most donors feel fine after giving blood. 

 

#4. RELAX. The Coastal Bend Blood Center provides water, juice and cookies, and we ask that you relax a few minutes before leaving. Take a little time to read the post-donation instructions; they were written with your health and safety in mind.

 

Try to get a good night’s sleep and eat a hearty, low-fat meal before you give. Also, you should avoid nicotine for at least an hour before donating.

 

If your hemoglobin levels tend to be low, you may consider adding iron-rich foods to your diet. These foods include meats (especially red meat and liver), fish and eggs. Beans, grains, nuts, some dried fruit and green vegetables can also pump up your iron intake.

 

Most donors feel great. When you donate blood, you give less than a pint. The average adult body contains 8 to 12 pints, and the body makes more blood constantly. 

 

You should avoid nicotine for one hour after donating. Also, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol and caffeine for the rest of the day, if possible.

Many medications, including those for high blood pressure and birth control, are acceptable as long as your “mini-physical” shows that your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and blood hemoglobin levels are okay. You usually can donate once you have completely recovered from surgery or illness. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, please contact us at 800.299.4943 or questions@coastalbendbloodcenter.org.

No. You can not get AIDS or any other disease from giving blood. While this is a common concern for many first-time blood donors, rest assured that brand new, sterile supplies are used for each donation. Once used, the supplies are discarded and destroyed, never to be used again.

 

Anyone 17 years of age or older may donate blood without their parents’ permission.