Greg Reynolds refuses to give up baseball. He has loved the sport his entire life. He says that it’s in his blood, but after a devastating motorcycle accident—one that took his right arm and initially left him in a coma—no one was sure that he’d survive. In the hospital, Greg received more than 100 units of blood—so much that his blood type changed, but it made all the difference. Generous Red Cross blood donors gave Greg the chance to fight his way out of a coma and get back onto the ball field. Today, when he has a bat in his hand, Greg says he forgets about his injury. He’s just grateful to be alive.
The Blood Donation Process
The blood donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average.
Registration
We’ll sign you in and go over basic eligibility.
You’ll be asked to show ID, such as your driver’s license.
You’ll read some information about donating blood.
Tip: Download the Blood Donor app. After your first donation, use the digital donor card to scan in at registration. Text BLOODAPP to 90999 or search Red Cross Blood in your app store.
Health History
You’ll answer a few questions about your health history and places you’ve traveled, during a private and confidential interview.
You’ll tell us about any prescription and/or over the counter medications that may be in your system.
Tip: Speed up your donation by completing a RapidPass® online or on the Blood Donor app on the day of your donation. Visit: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html
Your Donation
If you’re donating whole blood, we’ll cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand new sterile needle for the blood draw. (This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.)
Other types of donations, such as platelets, are made using an apheresis machine which will be connected to both arms.
A whole blood donation takes about 8-10 minutes, during which you’ll be seated comfortably or lying down.
When approximately a pint of whole blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.
For platelets, the apheresis machine will collect a small amount of blood, remove the platelets, and return the rest of the blood through your other arm; this cycle will be repeated several times over about 2 hours.
Refreshment and Recovery
After donating blood, you’ll have a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area.
You’ll leave after 10-15 minutes and continue your normal routine.
Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing you are helping to save lives.
Tip: Don't forget to schedule your next appointment before you leave the blood drive!
To Learn more please visit: https://www.redcrossblood.org/
Source: American Red Cross
