Whole blood donations involve donating one unit of whole blood. These donations can be made at Red Cross donation centers and blood drives.

Each year, more than 165,000 whole-blood donations are needed to meet the needs of hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Each whole blood donation is broken down into different components, so for every whole-blood donation made, the lives of up to three patients in need are touched.

Whole blood donations can be made once every 56 days (six times each year), and donors are encouraged to give frequently. Special recruitment and recognition programs for donors are also available.

What to Expect during a Whole Blood Donation

The whole blood donation process takes approximately one hour or less. During that time, one unit (commonly referred to as a "pint") of whole blood is donated.

There are four steps in the whole blood donation process:

1. A Confidential Medical History - To begin, donors complete a confidential form, including name, address, and general health information. A series of health-related questions is included, and at this point of the process, certain medications, health problems, or conditions may disqualify you from donating blood. For example, if you are pregnant, or you have a fever when you come in to donate, or you have angina, you cannot donate blood. Questions concerning travel are also included. Answers to those questions help determine if there are any reasons that might disqualify you from donating, such as travel to particular countries.

2. Mini-physical - After you successfully complete the medical history, a mini-physical is performed by a qualified staff person. Temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure are checked, and a drop of blood taken from your finger will determine the iron level in your blood.

3. Blood Donation - Blood is then collected using a sterile, single use needle for each donor. As your donation begins, you will feel a slight pinch. In about 10 minutes, you will have completed your blood donation.

4. Beverages and Snacks - Finally, you can relax while you enjoy refreshments. A period of rest will help your body adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume. Your body replaces that fluid within 24 hours. You then leave, knowing that you have just helped to save several lives by donating blood! Don't forget to donate again in 56 days!

If you have additional questions about donating blood, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or email us.

Check for current blood drive information!