What happens when you give blood
Every day more than 5,000 Australians give blood at an Australian Red Cross Blood Service donor centre. It's your chance to relax, be pampered, enjoy a free snack – and feel great knowing that you're saving lives.
- It's important that you look after your health on the day of your donation. Make sure you drink lots of water and get plenty to eat.
- A staff member will check your valid ID and you fill out the health questionnaire they give you.
- They'll give you a 'finger prick' test to check your level of haemoglobin (a protein which contains iron) and test your blood pressure.
- Sit back and relax on a comfy couch while you donate. After your donation's finished, rest on the couch for at least 5-10 minutes. When you're done with the couch, head to the refreshments area and relax for at least another 15 minutes with a complimentary cool drink and savoury snack. This is the best part!
Follow the Australian Service on Facebook
Red Cross Blood and donate!