Blood Donations

Is it safe?

• Yes!  There is no chance of acquiring any infectious diseases from donating blood.
• Our needles and bags are sterile, used just once, and then destroyed.
• Your donation is only a small fraction of the blood in your body and is replaced naturally in a short time.

How do I donate?

• The entire procedure will take between 30 and 45 minutes.
• Call or walk in to the Blood Donor & Hemotherapy Center located at the University of Illinois Hospital. 
• At the Donor Center, you will be asked to register and record a medical history
• During the interview, your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are taken as well as a check for anemia and blood type.
• Then, a trained professional will draw your blood.  This takes between 5-10 minutes.
• After your donation, we offer you some refreshments and time to relax. 

Does it hurt?

• Pinch yourself.  That is how little it hurts.

What happens to the blood I donate?

• The blood is separated into 3 components…red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
• Each component is given to a different patient.  Your donation will save 3 lives!
• Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues.  Red blood cells are often used in surgeries, transplants, accidents, injuries, blood disorders, etc.
• Plasma provides clotting factors.  Plasma is often used for transplants and burn victims.
• Platelets stop bleeding.  Platelets are essential in treating patients with various forms of cancer.

Who will receive my blood?

• Patients at the University of Illinois Medical Center will receive your blood.   That patient may be having surgery, may be being treated for cancer or leukemia, may be having an organ transplant, etc. 

Why should I donate blood at the University of Illinois Medical Center Blood Donor Center?

• Our patients require nearly 26,000 blood components annually.
• To meet these needs, we need 40-50 blood donations a day.  Blood donated here directly helps the patients at the UIC Hospital and clinics.
• When we cannot collect enough blood, our blood bank must purchase blood from regional blood banks at a considerable expense.

How do I sign up to be a whole blood donor?

Please call our Blood Donor Center at (312)-996-6970 or our Blood Donor Coordinator at  (312)-996-1344 for an appointment.  You are also welcome to be a walk-in donor.