How long does it take to give blood?
The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, the blood collection and time for refreshments in the canteen. For whole blood, the entire process usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour. Double red cell donation takes 15-20 minutes longer than a whole blood procedure and an apheresis donation take roughly two hours.

How much blood do I have in my body?
As a general rule, women have approximately 10 pints and men have approximately 12 pints of blood.

How can I increase my iron level?
Donors may be deferred from donating due to a low iron (hematocrit) level. This requirement is for the safety of the donor to ensure that after the donation, the donor's iron level will still be within the normal range for a healthy adult. A deferral for low hematocrit does not mean a donor is anemic, as hematocrit levels can fluctuate daily. Eating foods high in iron (e.g. red meat, dark green vegetables, and raisins) or taking a multivitamin with iron may help increase iron levels.

What is the universal blood type?
Type 0 negative, occurring in about 6% of the U.S. population, is the universal donor and can give blood to any other blood type. AB positive, which occurs in only 3% of the U.S. population is the universal recipient and can receive any other type of blood.

Does The Blood Center of Iowa pay donors for giving blood?
The Blood Center of Iowa is fully committed to remaining a volunteer donor supported organization and does NOT pay for blood donations.