How and Where to Donate Blood

Search for the Donor Center nearest you by region on our
Regions and Donor Centers page.

The Donation Process
Donating blood is usually a simple and pleasant procedure. Your total time at the blood center or the bloodmobile will take about an hour.

Step 1 – Registration
Your information will be accessed in our computer system by your name or social security number and you will be asked to verify your name, address and phone number. If you are a first time donor, you will be asked your name, address and additional information and you will be entered into the system as a donor. All donors will be asked to read or review the “Responsibilities of a Blood Donor.” You will need to show current photo I.D. to the registrar each time you donate.

Step 2 – Interview and Mini-Physical
You will answer questions about your medical history and questions determining if you practice high risk activities for contracting HIV, hepatitis and other diseases that are harmful to the blood supply. A mini-physical will be performed to determine your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and iron level to ensure you are healthy enough to give blood.

Step 3 – Donation Preparation
As you rest in the donor chair, the phlebotomist will check your veins, swab your arm with iodine and prepare the bag and other materials needed to collect your blood donation.

Step 4 – Blood Donation and Recovery
The actual donation time takes between four and eight minutes and, for most people, is a very comfortable process. The phlebotomist will also take four vials of blood for testing before the needle is removed from your arm.

Step 5 – Relax
You will be offered juice and snacks and encouraged to relax for several minutes after your donation is complete.

If you've donated, please take a moment to fill out our LifeSouth Donor Survey.