First-time donors are usually fearful, Jones said. She added that after the donation, they are surprised and say it's not what they thought it would be. The blood-donating process takes about an hour, Jones said. The actual process of blood being drawn takes approximately five minutes, she added. Anyone in good health between the ages of 17 and 74 and weighing at least 110 pounds can give a gift that could possibly save someone else's life.
Registration begins the entire donating process.
Blood donors must fill out a medical history form asking questions about their medical problems, general health, travel, medication and recent activities. Then a blood drive volunteer and the donor check the medical form. After this brief medical background check, donors have their blood pressure, pulse and temperature taken by a volunteer. A finger-prick test is also taken to see whether the donor is anemic and if the donor has enough hemoglobin, or red blood cells. If the hemoglobin count is too low, then the person is unable to donate blood, and volunteers recommend they see their physician or change their diet.