Printable Version

Donation Process Safety

Donor Safety

Donating blood is a safe and easy process which gives you the chance to change lives.

  • It is not possible to get AIDS or other infectious disease by giving blood.
    A brand new, sterile, disposable needle is used for each blood donation. Once used, the needle is discarded.

  • You can only donate if your health history permits and you feel well. You are asked general health questions and are given a mini physical – temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin are checked – prior to donation to ensure that you are feeling well and that it is safe for you to give blood. Your health history and test results are confidential and cannot be shared without your permission, except as required by law.

Donating Blood Safety
  • Feeling faint or fatigued after donating blood is uncommon.
    If it occurs, it most likely will pass in a matter of hours. Most donors feel fine before and after donating, but a small number of people may have a lightheaded or dizzy feeling. If you feel faint, stop what you are doing and lie down until you feel better.

  • You can help ensure your experience is a positive and rewarding one.
    Stay in the refreshment area for the recommended period of time; mention to the staff any unusual feelings or sensations; continue to hydrate throughout the day and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting on the day of donation.

Blood Safety

Assuring the safety of the blood supply is a rigorous process that includes testing, proper processing, labeling and storage, and careful quality control of donated blood. To help ensure that the blood is as safe as possible, the American Red Cross:

  • Accepts donations only from voluntary blood donors.
  • Provides information about high-risk behaviors associated with transmissible diseases that may impact one's ability to donate blood.
  • Conducts a behavioral and health history interview and a mini physical exam with all donors prior to donation.
  • Provides a confidential 800-number donors can call with any questions or concerns after their donation.
Donating Blood Safety
  • Tests donations for infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses, syphilis and others and discards donated blood that have abnormal test results.
  • Invests in research and technology to support the development of new and more sophisticated tests.