Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications to become a blood donor? To donate blood, you must be seventeen years of age (with a parental permission slip) or older, weigh at least 110 lbs., and be feeling healthy and well—no colds, cold sores, open cuts or sores, or infections. For a list of other qualifications, please see our Donor Qualifications page. Can I donate if I’m sick? No. Donors should be healthy and well at the time of donation, free of colds, cold soars, open cuts or sores, and infections. What if I’m on blood pressure medication? Blood pressure medication will not keep you from donating as long as your blood pressure is under control (below 180/100). This is for your own safety. A technician will check your blood pressure during the screening process to ensure it meets this requirement. What if I have taken aspirin? Aspirin products will not keep you from donating whole blood as long as the aspirin is not being taken for an infection. However, because aspirin affects the performance of the platelets being collected, ABC donors should refrain from taking any medication with aspirin for forty-eight hours before their donation time. Will it hurt to donate blood? The draw itself causes a mild pinch feeling for only a second. During the rest of the four to ten minutes that the blood is being drawn, you should feel no discomfort. Will I receive monetary payment for my donation? The Dak-Minn Blood Bank is a volunteer donor center. In accordance with the FDA, donor centers providing blood products for patient transfusions are not allowed to pay for volunteer donations. How much blood is taken? One pint. This is a small amount, considering the average person has 2 pints of blood in their body for every 25 pounds they weigh. How often can I donate? Every eight weeks (fifty-six days). How can I find out my blood type? After you donate, our laboratory will type your blood. You will receive a blood type card, by mail, a week or two after your donation. What should I do before donating? Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before donating, at least six hours. Have a good meal within four or five hours of donating, and drink plenty of fluids that day. How long will the process take? The entire donation process including the mini-physical, health questionnaire, blood draw, and refreshments takes about forty-five minutes to an hour Is it necessary to answer the health questionnaire every time I donate? Yes. In accordance with the FDA, donors must answer screening questions each time they donate in order to protect their own health and maintain the safety of the blood supply. How will I feel after donating? You should feel great after donating! Some donors experience a slight weakness, which lasts for only an hour or so, after giving blood. Since the average person has ten to twelve pints of blood in their body, giving up just one of these pints is hardly physically noticeable.