The Blood Center of Iowa » Did You Know?
Donating blood is Safe, Simple and Saves Lives!
There are several different types of donation procedures that allow you to safely donate life-saving blood products that patients depend on. Regardless of which donation procedure you choose, the donation process follows these simple steps each time you give blood. The entire donation process takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
Simple 4-Step Donation Process:
1. Registration
When you arrive at your donation at one of our donor centers or at a mobile drive, a receptionist will take your name, address, telephone number, and check photo identification. At this time you will also be asked to fill out a medical history form.
2. Donor History Screening
The Blood Center of Iowa goes to great lengths to ensure your safety and comfort when donating. Donors can expect personalized attention, trust, care, attentiveness and a friendly atmosphere. And as an added benefit, each donor gets a mini-physical that checks blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron levels.
3. The Donation
The needle is sterile, is used only once and then discarded. You should feel only a slight pinch when the needle is inserted. Approximately one pint of blood is drawn through the needle into a plastic bag. The entire collection of blood takes only 5 to 10 minutes. This procedure is safe and there is no risk of contracting any disease from donating blood.
4. Snacks
After donation is complete, you will need to rest for 15 minutes, light refreshments are provided. Most donors experience no ill effects. It is important to increase your fluid intake following a donation. The fluid lost in the donation is replaced in 24 hours and the red cells are replaced in 8 weeks.