5 steps to blood donation

5 STEPS TO BLOOD DONATION

Step 1. Donor registration

You do not need to bring any medical records for registration. Please bring only the following documents:

  • Passport of a citizen of Ukraine
  • Identification code

Step 2. Medical examination

After registration, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire and undergo a medical check-up by a doctor. This process helps determine your eligibility to donate blood.

During the examination, the doctor will:

  • Assess your general health
  • Measure your blood pressure and pulse
  • Listen to your lungs and heart
  • Check for any reasons that would prevent you from donating blood

 

Step 3. Laboratory blood test

Following the medical examination, you will be asked to provide a small blood sample for laboratory testing.

The blood will be tested for:

  • Levels of haemoglobin, platelets, and total protein
  • Presence of infections such as HIV, viral hepatitis B and C, and syphilis

Based on the test results, the doctor will make the final decision on whether you can donate blood that day.

To be eligible for donation, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Weigh over 50 kg
  • Have a heart rate between 50 and 100 beats per minute
  • Have blood pressure within the range of 100/60 mmHg to 180/100 mmHg
  • Have a haemoglobin level above 125 g/l for women and above 135 g/l for men
  • Follow the recommended donor diet
  • Be in good health
  • Have no contraindications to blood donation

If you are unable to donate on the day, your doctor will explain the reason. If the contraindication is not permanent, you will be informed when you may next be eligible to donate and how to prepare for your next donation.

Step 4. Preparing for the donation

Before donating, donors are given 15 minutes to rest and prepare. To make the process more comfortable and pleasant, warm tea and cookies are offered.

Step 5. Donating blood

The donor will be positioned comfortably in a specialised reclining chair, and the blood collection will begin. The donation usually takes around 10 minutes. Medical staff will be with you throughout to assist if you feel unwell.

If you have successfully completed all five steps, congratulations — you’ve just saved a life!

The entire process takes about 30 minutes, benefits your health, and helps someone in need.

How to recover after donating blood

  • For the first 15 minutes: Rest in a comfortable chair and be proud of what you’ve just done. Avoid any sudden movements.
  • After 1 hour: Have a light snack and drink warm tea with sugar.
  • For 2 hours after donating: Avoid driving or smoking.
  • After 3 hours: You may remove the bandage from the arm used for donation.
  • For 8 hours after donating: Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
  • For 12 hours after donating: Avoid physical activity, especially involving the arm used for donation.
  • For the next 2 days: Eat regular meals and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Within 21 days: Focus on eating foods rich in iron and vitamin C, such as meat, fish, seafood, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and green vegetables.

After 3 months: You can donate blood and its components again.