Blood Donation Checklist

Donating life-saving blood components is so easy and makes a HUGE impact for our patients in need. Here are the steps you can follow to make your donation a success! The Week Before Eat Iron Rich Foods - Learn More If you plan to donate platelets, do not take aspirin or aspirin-related products 48 hours prior to your donation. The Day Before Eat regular meals, with iron-rich foods (avoid fatty foods like hamburgers, fries and ice cream) Drink plenty of water and fluids Get a good night’s sleep The Day Of Eat a nutritious meal before your donation. Do not fast. Drink plenty of water, juice and uncaffeinated beverages. Bring your Photo ID to your donation appointment. Photo ID must have your date of birth and picture. Wear clothing with loose fitting sleeves During Registration and Screening You will be asked to read the FDA required reading and complete a your Donor History Questionnaire. Remember to bring the QR code to your donation. You will meet with a team member to discuss your form and travel information to determine eligibility. Follow your Donor Specialist’s instructions, feel free to ask them any questions you may have. During Donation Show your Donor Specialist any “good veins” that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood Follow your Donor Specialist’s instructions, feel free to ask them any questions you may have. RELAX! You are saving lives! After Donation Sit up and dangle your feet over the side of the bed for a moment before standing Walk over to the refreshment area to enjoy some snacks and hydration to replace the volume you lost during donation. Remain at refreshment area for at least fifteen minutes. If you feel light-headed, please tell our staff immediately. We suggest you refrain from strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for a few hours following donation. Enjoy the rest of your day! Share your experience! Feel free to post on social media a photo from your time with us!  We love to hear from our donors.  You can find us on Facebook (@InovaBloodDonor), Instagram (@InovaBlood), or Twitter (@InovaBlood).  By posting, you may inspire others to give.   Schedule Your Appointment