Donor Information

• The donation process takes 1-2 hours total, depending on the wait
• To ensure the process is as easy as possible, make sure to eat a full meal and drink lots of liquids before coming in to donate
• Before coming to the drive, check on your eligibility. Some common eligibility concerns are listed below, but the check the full list to be sure.
  • Age and Weight: You must be 17 years old and weigh 110lbs.
  • Cold, Flu: Wait if you have a fever, a cough (bringing up phlegm), or simply do not feel well.
  • Piercings: Acceptable as long as the instruments used were sterile, one time use. Wait 12 months if there is any question whether or not the instruments used were sterile and free of blood contamination.
  • Travel: Check the Red Cross Eligibility Guidelines for specific rules--if still unsure, stop by the blood drive and ask to speak with a nurse
• The process begins with a mini-physical examination (including taking a drop of blood to check your iron levels) from a Red Cross nurse. The nurse will also ask a series of questions to ensure your eligibility
• The actual process of drawing blood takes between 5 and 15 minutes
• After donating, you will spend 15 minutes at the food table, eating & drinking and being entertained by Harvard Blood Drive volunteers
• Remember, after donating, to avoid drinking and heavy lifting