Red Cross

Yes, donating blood is safe. You can’t get AIDS or any other infectious disease from giving blood because we always use new, sterile needles that are discarded after one use. You’ll even be given a mini-physical at your appointment, to ensure you are healthy enough to donate that day. We’ll check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin.

Most donors feel fine after donating blood, but if you do feel faint or fatigued, simply lie down until you feel better. It might help you to think about this: you have about 10 pints of blood in your body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation. Your body can replenish that loss in a short time (a matter of hours for some components, a few weeks for others).

Perhaps you’ve heard an appeal for donors that says we’re running low on certain blood types. That doesn’t mean other types aren’t valuable: there’s always a need and purpose for every type of blood.

You’re not alone: fear of needles certainly prevents some people from donating blood. But if you’re willing to spend a few minutes facing your fears (donating really can be that fast) you may find that the satisfaction you feel makes it worth it.

You can take LRC initial eligibility test using the link below. Do not forget to book an appointment if you are eligible to donate blood. Some medications, diseases, or even travel might prevent you from donation, check your eligibility using LRC expanded criteria.
Eligibility Quiz