FAQs About Donating Blood

FresYes’ 5th Annual Blood Drive is Saturday, November 16th. Over the years, we have received many questions about the process, who is eligible to donate, how to prepare and more. Here is a FAQs run-down:

How long does it take?

The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection, and time for refreshments following the donation. The entire donation process usually takes about one hour and the actual blood collection segment is usually about 15 minutes.

I recently donated blood, how often can I give?

Blood donors may give once every 56 days (eight weeks) in order to allow plenty of time to replenish their red blood cells.

How does giving blood affect me?

Very little! Your fluid volume is back to normal within 24 hours after you donate. Your white cell count returns to normal within 72 hours after you donate. An adult of average weight has about 10 to 12 pints of blood so the one taken is hardly missed.

Is there a minimum or maximum age limit on donating blood?

Donors must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17-year-olds must have written parental consent). There is no upper age limit.

How can I increase my iron level?

Donors may be deferred from donating due to a low iron level. This requirement is for the safety of the donor to ensure that after donation, the donor’s iron level will still be within the normal range for a healthy adult. Eating foods high in iron (e.g. red meat, dark green vegetables, cream of wheat, raisins) or taking a multivitamin with iron may help increase the red blood cell count (iron levels). For more information about iron-rich foods, click here.

What are the general requirements for donating blood?

Age: 18 years old ( 16 or 17 with parental consent)

Weight: Donors must be in good health and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds

Blood Pressure: Lower than 180/100 mmHg.

Medication: Use of many or most medications is acceptable, whether obtained “over the counter” or by prescription from your personal physician. See the restricted list here

Medical History: There are many medical conditions that do not prevent you from preventing blood. See the detailed list

One of the most popular questions we get is about tattoos and permanent makeup. Here are the new rules:

In preparing to donate blood you’ll want to make sure you are well-hydrated, eat before donating, and avoid caffeine and alcohol the day of.

We hope to have as many of you as possible at our blood drive!

Please Register Here

FAQs provided courtest of the Central California Blood Center

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FresYes Writing Team

We say “Yes and” to our community, which we love to work and live in. We always speak positively about our growing business, each other and the Fresno community. We are proud to support local businesses, engage in what’s happening in our community and lovingly participate in as many volunteer activities as we can as individuals and as a collective group. We are generous and we are proud to give back.

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