2018 Lab Week Blood Drive

Blood donors give the gift of life! Your donation could benefit a preemie in the NICU, a car accident victim, or a cancer patient whose treatment depends on donated blood to help them fight their battle.

Did you know five percent of the population provides 100 percent of the blood that is used? In addition, it is estimated that annually, more than four million people have a second chance at life because of blood transfusions made possible by volunteer blood donors!

The Lab Week Committee invites you to participate in a blood drive in the Blood Donation Center, DCAM 2-E.

Lab Week Blood Drive April 26, 2017

7:30am – 3:30pm

DCAM 2E

Make sure to eat a full meal and drink plenty of water before donating!

Didn't get a ticket? 

Don't Worry - Walk-Ins Always Welcome!

FAQs

How does the blood donation process work?

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about 30 minutes. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. The steps in the process are:

Registration

1. You will complete donor registration, which includes information such as your name, address, phone number, and donor identification number (if you have one).
2. You will be asked to show a form of ID.

Health History and Mini Physical

1. You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have traveled.
2. You will have your temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked.

Donation

1. We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand–new, sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.
2. You will have some time to relax while the bag is filling. (For a whole blood donation, it is about 8-10 minutes.)
3. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.

Refreshments

1. You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume.
2. After 5-10 minutes you can then leave the donation site and continue with your normal daily activities.
3. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped to save lives.

Your gift of blood may help up to three people. Donated red blood cells do not last forever. They have a shelf-life of up to 42 days. A healthy donor may donate every 56 days.

Will it hurt when you insert the needle?

Only for a moment. Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm. That pinch is similar to what you will feel when the needle is inserted.

How long does a blood donation take?

The entire process takes about 30 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors including the donor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive.

How long will it take to replenish the pint of blood I donate?

Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.