Are you unsure of whether or not you can donate? Don't worry! We've answered some of the most common questions about donating blood.
Do I need to set up an appointment to donate blood?
No. An appointment is not required to donate blood. Anybody interested in donating blood can walk in anytime during the hours of the Blood Drive
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When are the shortest lines for donating blood?
The shortest lines for donating blood are early in the day (usually before 12 pm or 1 pm), as well as earlier in the week.
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If I traveled out of the country (i.e. Mexico) recently can I still donate blood?
In many cases, if you have recently traveled out of the country you are still eligible to donate blood! When you come in for registration and go through the questionnaire process, before you donate blood, the nurses will be able to tell you more specifically whether you are eligible or not.
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If I got a tattoo recently can I still donate blood?
If you have recently gotten a tattoo you may still be able to donate blood. The tattoo must have been done from a licensed tattoo parlor.
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How long does it take to donate blood?
The process of actually donating blood only takes around ten minutes. When it is not busy, you can be in and out in less than one hour. During peak hours (later in the week and late afternoon), it may take longer than an hour.
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What do I do if I am a faculty member or community member with a full-time job and do not have a lot of time during the day to donate blood?
If you are a faculty member or community member on a short time table, we still encourage you to come to donate blood at the ISU Blood Drive! When you come to donate, find a director or member of the Blood Drive team who will be wearing a blood drive shirt. They will be able to accommodate your needs and get you in and out in a timely manner.
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Where does my donated blood go?
When you come and donate blood at the ISU Blood Drive, your donation is done with one of four blood centers that participate in the drive. All of the blood centers are located within the midwest and distribute their collected blood to hospitals within their surrounding communities.
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How does my donation affect people?
Your blood donation has the potential to save three lives! Millions of people need blood every year and your blood donation will deeply affect the life of a person in need. To view blood donation stories click here.
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How do I increase my chances of being able to donate as well as feeling well after I donate?
Many people are often deferred and not able to donate blood because of low iron counts in their blood. This is often because they have not eaten or had anything to drink before they came in to donate. We would highly encourage everyone to have something to drink and eat before they come in to donate blood! For a list of foods high in Iron, click here!
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What is the age and weight requirement for donating blood?
The average age and weight requirement for donation is 18 years old and 110 lbs.
Can anyone come in and donate or volunteer during the drive?
Yes! The drive is not limited to Iowa State students. Faculty and surrounding community members are highly encouraged to come and either donate or volunteer!
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How often can I donate blood?
You must wait at least eight weeks between donations of whole blood and 16 weeks between double red cell donations.
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