Before the Donation

A donor registration form is completed each time you donate blood. The form includes personal information and a health history.

A confidential screening with a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Donor Room Services professional will follow registration.

After the medical history screening a mini-physical is conducted. Your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin (iron level) are checked.

The Donation

You are asked to lie back and relax on a donor bed. The arm from which you will donate is cleaned with an antiseptic and a sterile, single use needle is inserted to begin the actual blood donation.

During the donation process (5-10 minutes) you will give about one pint of blood.

After the Donation

Following your donation, you will receive refreshments to help replace the fluids lost during the donation process.

If you donate at a CBCO Donor Center, you may schedule your next donation appointment before you leave. Appointments are not necessary, but they help us manage our daily blood supply and blood center staffing. They'll also keep your donation time to a minimum.

As a part of your donation, you will receive a free cholesterol screening. Results of the screening will be available approximately two weeks after your donation.

After the Donation:

• Eat well for the next 24 hours;
• Increase your fluid intake for the next 24 - 48 hours;
• Do not use tobacco products for 30 minutes;
• Do not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activity for at least 2 - 4 hours;
• Leave your bandage on for about two hours.