The number of expected donors in a college or university in Miami-Dade County is typically 50 people per unit per day. The low projected numbers are hard to explain, said the attendants. The extremely low number of faculty members donating blood was also mentioned. The busy schedules of many college students and professors are partly blamed for these low numbers. The entire process takes 20 to 30 minutes and includes a basic health exam, which is beneficial to the donor.
Volunteers fill out a confidential questionnaire which determines eligibility.
Then blood pressure, iron level and body temperature readings are taken. The actual donation takes just minutes. Donors are recommended to stay at the unit and rest for at least 10 minutes to regain their energy. At this site, during these 10 minutes, assistants handed out drinks and doughnuts. Donors whose blood is found to carry any disease are notified by a confidential notice to appear at one of the center's offices.