BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:

• Always be sure to drink plenty of water before donating blood!
• Eat an iron-rich meal. Eating enough iron is essential to ensuring that your hemoglobin level is right for donating.
• Bring your donor ID. If you have a donor ID, be sure to bring it with you to your appointment. First-time donors or returning donors without a donor ID card should bring a valid state-issued photo identification.
• Avoid alcohol and fatty foods for 24 hours, and aspirin (if donating platelets) for 48 hours, before your donation.

THE DONATION PROCESS:

Congratulations, you made an appointment to donate blood and save lives! So what happens now? There are four basic steps to every blood donation:

1. Registration
2. Medical History
3. Donation
4. Rest & Refreshment

AFTER YOUR BLOOD DONATION:

• Always be sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
• Sit down or lie down if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Call our post-donation callback line at (650) 725-9968 if you feel unwell.
• Rest and replenish iron. We recommend you take an iron supplement and/or eat foods rich in iron combined with a source of vitamin C after your donation.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after donating, and be sure to keep that bandage on for a few hours!