Donation FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about donating.
Here are a few frequently asked questions for first-time donors. If you have any questions during the donation process, we’ll be there to answer them.
What’s on your mind?
Before donation
Am I eligible to donate?
Take our two-minute eligibility quiz to find out if you can donate. If you are determined to be eligible online, you will be able to book your first appointment. Final eligibility will be determined by our staff at our donation centres.
I haven’t been able to donate in the past—does eligibility criteria change?
We regularly review our eligibility criteria as new scientific evidence becomes available. This can mean that donors who were previously not eligible to donate could now be eligible. Read our recent changes to donation criteria to learn more.
How do I book an appointment?
The first step is finding a donation centre near you. Once you've found a centre, you can book an appointment at blood.ca, or by using the GiveBlood app. In many locations, you can even book a same-day appointment.
Do I need to know my blood type to donate blood or plasma?
No. Every donation is tested to identify exactly which type they belong to. Book your appointment to donate and find out your type!
What’s the difference between donating blood and donating plasma?
The process for donating blood and donating plasma is largely the same but it takes a little longer (30 to 45 minutes) to donate plasma. Additionally, the screening process might be a little different.
What is the donor screening process?
If you're a first-time donor, you'll need to complete a questionnaire on a touchscreen. It is completely confidential. This is to make sure that you are eligible to donate blood or plasma. After your first appointment, you’ll be able to fill out the questionnaire online in advance (saving time at your appointment!).
Your safety is very important to us, so you will be asked to review a pamphlet called “What you must know to donate blood” or “What you must know to donate plasma and platelets”, which gives you an overview of what to expect before, during and after your donation.
After you've completed the questionnaire and read the pamphlet, you'll meet with a nurse. They will review your questionnaire and ask you some questions about your medical history and current health. The nurse will also take your temperature and check your hemoglobin level. The screening process is for your own safety as well as that of the patient who could receive your blood (after it goes through extensive testing).
What should I do to prepare for my donation?
Here are some things you should do:
- Drink lots of water, eat a healthy meal, and get a good night’s sleep.
- Have a salty snack and 500 mL of water just before you donate.
- Wear a shirt that will allow easy access to your arm.
- Bring a valid government-issued ID with your full name and date-of-birth.
Are your donor centres accessible?
We welcome and encourage all individuals who are eligible to join Canada’s Lifeline and become regular blood and plasma donors.
We recognize, however, there may be physical and process barriers to donation that currently exist in our donor centres. We know that these barriers can cause hurt and frustration and we are working to do better. We are committed to making our spaces as accessible and inclusive as possible for all. Learn more about accessibility in donor centres.
During donation
What is the blood donation process like?
After the screening process, it's time to donate! You'll be seated in a comfortable chair and the crook of your arm will be cleansed with an antiseptic. A needle will then be inserted into your vein and the blood will flow into a bag. The needle used during your donation is sterile, used only once and then discarded. Once enough blood has been extracted, we will sanitize your arm and place a bandage over the area where the needle was inserted.
We will collect about 450 ml of blood. The process generally takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, though it varies from person to person. We will also ask you to do muscle tensing exercises while you donate and before getting up.
What is the plasma donation process like?
After the screening process, it's time to donate! You'll be seated in a comfortable chair. The crook of your arm will be cleansed with an antiseptic. Then a needle will be inserted into your vein. While you rest, a machine will draw blood from your arm and separate the plasma from the red blood cells and platelets before returning those other components to you. Your plasma supply replenishes quickly, which is why you may be eligible to donate plasma as often as once a week.
The needle used during your donation is sterile, used only once and then discarded. Once your donation is completed, we will sanitize your arm again and place a bandage over the area where the needle was inserted.
After your donation, you will be asked to keep resting in the bed for five minutes.
We will collect up to 18% of your estimated blood volume. We ask donors to reserve 90 minutes for the first few donations, though it varies from person to person. On average, plasma donors are in the donation bed for approximately 30-45 minutes. Many plasma donors use this time to read, catch up on a favourite television show, study for an exam, or talk to a friend they’ve brought along.
How long will donating blood or plasma take?
It depends on the donor but donating blood takes approximately 5 to 20 minutes and donating plasma takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Can I donate in someone’s honour?
Yes! Visit In Honour Of to find out how.
After donation
What happens after I donate?
You are encouraged to stay in the refreshment area for about 15 minutes to rehydrate and have your snack, so our staff can monitor your well-being. If you feel faint or dizzy, tell a staff member.
When you get home, remove the bandage and wash the donation area with soap and water to prevent a rash.
It’s important to eat iron-rich foods and also drink plenty of fluids in the hours and days following your donation (but do avoid alcoholic beverages on your donation day).
What if I don’t feel well after I leave?
Chances are you’ll feel just great after your appointment, but if you do develop troubling symptoms after leaving, consult a health care provider. And when you can, please also give us a call at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to tell us about it. Also, if you feel faint while driving afterward, pull over. Don’t continue driving until you’ve fully recovered or call for help.
Can I exercise after donation?
You should avoid strenuous activity for six to eight hours and heavy lifting for 24 hours after donation.
If you have questions or need support, please reach out:
Call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283), send us an email, or use live chat to reach our team.