Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins. Get a good night's sleep. Drink an extra 16 oz. of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation. Eat a healthy meal before your donation.

People with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenate Deficiency (G6PD) can make blood donations. However, we would usually advise these donors to donate plasma or platelets instead of whole blood. This is because G6PD affects the body's red blood cells, making them more vulnerable to bio-chemical stress.

Cold symptoms may be similar, but colds are less likely to cause fever or headaches. You can't donate blood if you have a fever, a productive cough, if you do not feel well, or if you are taking antibiotics to treat a sinus, throat, or lung infection.

The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors including the donor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive

The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors including the donor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive

The plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.

In most states, donors must be age 17 or older. Some states allow donation by 16-year-olds with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional eligibility criteria apply.

Most blood centers strive to maintain an optimum inventory level of a three-day supply. Due to unpredictable demands from trauma incidents the inventory fluctuates hourly. When the blood supply drops below a three-day level, blood centers begin alerting local donors to increase the inventory to a safe operating level.

Yes. Donors who are confirmed positive for any infectious disease are notified and have the opportunity to receive counseling with a specially trained, professional counselor.

To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must be asked all the screening questions at each donation. The FDA requires that all blood centers conform to this practice.