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The Donation Process
It is easy and convenient for you to donate. There are 22 Donor Centers, 3 mobile unit support sites in the Chicagoland area and several Mobile Blood Drives that travel throughout your community daily.
For more information, visit www.lifesource.org to locate a Blood Drive or Schedule an appointment.
You can donate once, twice, or many times a year depending on the type of donation that you would like to give and if you are eligible to donate. There are basic qualifications that every donor must meet in order to be eligible to give blood. The actual donation process is quick, easy, and painless. And always remember….with every donation that you give, you are saving up to 3 lives!
Donating blood is safe and simple. The entire process, from registration to refreshments, takes approximately one hour. Strict procedures for every step of the process ensure the safety of the donor and of the blood supply. Every measure is taken so that the donation is safe for the donor and the blood recipient.
Step 1: Registration
In the reception area, general information (name, address, etc.) is recorded. In order to maintain accurate records, all donors are asked to present two forms of proper identification (i.e. driver's license, blood donor identification card, government issued ID, etc.). You will then be asked to read a brochure about donor requirements.
Step 2: Medical Interview
You will meet privately with a staff member to review your medical history. This information is kept confidential.
Step 3: Mini Physical
During the mini-physical, your temperature, pulse and blood pressure will be checked. Then a drop of blood will be taken from your finger and tested to make sure you have enough iron-carrying red blood cells to safely donate blood.
Step 4: The Donation
You will be taken to the actual donation area, where a phlebotomist will sterilize the area of your arm from which the blood will be drawn. The actual donation takes about ten minutes as approximately one pint of blood is collected. All materials used during your donation are pre-packaged, sterile and disposable. They are used only once and then discarded.
Step 5: Refreshments & Relaxation
After your donation, you will be directed to the canteen area, where you will rest while enjoying light refreshments. After 15 minutes, you are permitted to leave the canteen area and resume your daily routine.
For more information, visit www.lifesource.org to locate a Blood Drive or Schedule an appointment |
