Whether you are a donor or a patient’s family member, visiting a blood bank for the first time can be confusing. Knowing the basic steps can make the experience easier.

1. If you are coming to donate

When you arrive:

1.      Registration

o   You provide ID and fill in basic details.

o   Your information is added to the donor system and given a donor number or code.

2.     Health screening

o   You complete a confidential questionnaire about your health, travel and lifestyle.

o   Staff check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin.

o   They decide if you are eligible to donate that day.

3.     Donation process

o   If you are eligible, you sit or lie on a donation chair or bed.

o   Your arm is cleaned and a new sterile needle is inserted.

o   About 350–450 ml of blood is collected in 8–10 minutes.

o   After the donation, you rest for 10–15 minutes with refreshments.

4.     Aftercare advice

o   Staff explain what to do for the rest of the day (drink fluids, avoid heavy exercise).

o   They give you contact information in case you feel unwell later.

2. If you are arranging blood for a patient

If you come as a family member or attendant:

1.      Bring hospital documents

o   A request form or slip from the ward or doctor.

o   Basic patient information (name, hospital number, blood group if known).

2.     Discuss options with blood bank staff

o   They explain whether blood is currently in stock or if donors are needed.

o   They may guide you on how many “replacement donors” are requested.

3.     Coordinating donors

o   If donors are needed, you can contact friends, family, or use RedLife to invite eligible volunteers.

o   Donors should come in person to the blood bank for screening and safe collection.

4.     Receiving blood for the patient

o   The blood bank labels and sends matched units to the ward.

o   You usually do not carry blood yourself unless the hospital specifically instructs you, and even then only in proper containers and within hospital premises.

Throughout, staff should explain procedures and answer questions about safety, testing and timing.