How it works: A whole blood donation is a simple blood draw. A phlebotomist will insert a sterile needle into your arm and collect the blood in a blood bag or in tubes. Time: A large blood draw (between 200 and 500 ml) will take about 10-15 minutes. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes in the collection center. A small blood draw (under 200 ml) will take about 5-10 minutes. Plan to spend 20-30 minutes in the collection center. Compensation: You will be compensated $50 for a small blood draw appointment and $100 for a large draw appointment.