Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Donation at University of Colorado Hospital

Is donating safe?
Yes. Donating blood is a safe process. Each unit is drawn with a single use, sterile needle. Once the unit is drawn the needle is disposed of properly, making the spread of infection to the donor impossible. 


Can I donate if I have been deferred?
Depending on the reason for your deferral, you will be eligible to donate again after a certain time period. Most deferrals are not permanent, and can last anywhere from a day to a year. One common reason for a temporary deferral is a low iron level. Usually taking an iron supplement or eating food rich in iron helps to restore low levels.


Is my health history and test results kept confidential?
Yes. Your health history will be conducted by a trained professional in the donor center. Your answers will be kept confidential, if one of your blood tests come back positive you will be notified in a confidential manner. The UCH Donor Center maintains strict confidentiality among all blood donor records.


What steps can I take before I donate?

  • Get a good night's sleep
  • Eat a good breakfast/lunch before you donate
  • Drink plenty of fluids before such as juice, milk or water
  • Eating iron enriched foods will help with your iron levels before donating

             Foods rich in iron include:

  • Red meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Iron fortified cereals
  • Nuts
  • Raisins

 

How long does it take to donate blood/platelets?
To donate whole blood the process usually takes a half hour.  The actual donation takes around 7-12 minutes.  It takes about 5 minutes to go thru your health history and we usually ask that you wait 5 minutes before leaving after you have donated.

To donate platelets it takes on average an hour to an hour and a half.  The length of time you are on the machine depends on your height, weight, platelet count and iron level. 

 

How much blood is drawn, will I be affected?
During your donation you will donate approximately 1 pint (unit) of blood.  The average adult has 10-12 pints of blood in their body.  The majority of people will not experience any side effects; however a small number (sometimes 1st time donors) may experience temporary dizziness but with be just fine after rest and fluids.  Your body will replace the lost fluids within 24 hours. 

 

Where does my blood go?
After your blood is donated we process the unit in a centrifuge to separate the components.  When it is done spinning we separate the red cells from the plasma.  Each unit is stored separately until the test results come back.  Once the results are in and the products are deemed ready for use we label each by its blood type and store until needed.  Your platelets also are stored until the test results return, once cleared to be used they are inventoried and available for our patients. 

 

What To Expect When You Donate Blood