LifeServe Blood Center » Did You Know?
What to Expect
Donating Blood Is Safe, Simple and It 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 approximately 45 minutes to one hour.
Simple 4-Step Donation Process:
1. Registration
When you arrive at a donor centers or 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. All donors age 16 and 17 who have never donated blood with LifeServe Blood Center will need a signed Parental/Guardian Permission Form.
2. Donor History Screening
LifeServe Blood Center 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, used only once and discarded immediately after use. 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 five to ten minutes. This procedure is safe and there is no risk of contracting any disease from donating blood.
4. Snacks
After your donation is complete, you will need to rest for 15 minutes in the canteen area where you will enjoy some light refreshments. 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 eight weeks.