What you must know to donate blood
Before you donate...
Have something to eat in the hours before you donate. Avoid fatty foods such as bacon or fried foods. |
You will complete a questionnaire. |
Drink at least 500 ml of water and eat a salty snack just before donating. |
We will confirm your identity. |
We will check your:
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We may check your blood pressure. |
While you donate…
The needle used during your donation is sterile, used only once and then discarded. |
We will collect about 450 ml of blood. |
The collection process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. |
We will ask you to do muscle tensing exercises while you donate and before getting up. |
Please alert a member of our team if you are not feeling well during your donation. |
After you donate...
We will apply a pressure bandage on your arm. |
You are encouraged to stay in the refreshment area for about 15 minutes to re-hydrate and have a snack. If you feel faint sit down and rest for a few minutes with your head between your knees or lie down. |
After you leave the donor centre...
Continue to drink plenty of fluids such as water or juice (avoid alcoholic beverages) throughout the rest of your day. |
When you get home, remove the bandage and wash the donation area with soap and water to prevent a rash. |
You should avoid strenuous activity for six to eight hours and heavy lifting for 24 hours after giving blood. |
If you feel faint and you are driving, pull over. Resume driving only when you have fully recovered or call for help. |
Jobs that expose you to risk (such as bus drivers and heavy equipment operators) may also require some time off. |
Potential risks of donating blood
A small number of donors may:
Feel tired for a day or two. |
Develop a bruise, redness or a rash at the needle site:
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Feel faint, dizzy and/or nauseated. |
Faint and/or have muscle spasms. |
Suffer nerve damage, arm pain or numbness:
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Consult a health care provider if any of these symptoms persist or are concerning to you.
Contact us at 1 888 2 DONATE (1.888.236.6283) if:
You forgot to tell us something related to your health, travel history or lifestyle. |
You decide your donation should not be used for any reason. |
You experience an adverse reaction (for more information see section on Adverse reactions). |
You get sick or have diarrhea in the week after donating. |
In the next two weeks you are told by a health care provider that you have West Nile virus or Zika virus. |
In the next year, you are told by a health care provider that you have hepatitis or HIV. |