STANFORD BLOOD CENTER IMPLEMENTS INDIVIDUAL DONOR ASSESSMENT FOR BLOOD DONATION

As of Thursday, October 19, Stanford Blood Center (SBC) has implemented the updated FDA blood donation guidelines, which eliminate questions based on sexual orientation. We look forward to welcoming those who may be newly eligible to support local patients through blood donation.

Stanford Blood Center is committed to achieving an inclusive blood donation process that treats all potential donors equally and ensures a safe, sufficient blood supply is readily available for patients in need. This historic change in approach to donor eligibility is significant progress, resulting in a blood donation process that is more inclusive and equitable than ever before. Stanford Blood Center enthusiastically supports this change, aligning the United States with countries like Canada and the United Kingdom.

Get the Details

Did you know…?

About every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

That means, this many people have needed blood since you arrived here:

Today’s Blood Need

Click a blood type or product below to learn more. Those in red indicate an increased need today.

Due to lower levels of community infection and in alignment with federal, state and local guidances and Stanford Medicine policies, as of February 3, 2023, SBC does not require masking in most donation scenarios. SBC continues to strongly recommend masking for all donors, team members, visitors and volunteers, particularly in indoor spaces. There are a few exceptions where a minimum of procedural (surgical) masking remains mandatory. Learn more at stanfordbloodcenter.org/donation-faqs.

Blood Donation: How It Works

Before your appointment:

Always be sure to drink plenty of water before donating blood!
Eat an iron-rich meal. Eating enough iron is essential to ensuring that your hemoglobin level is right for donating. You can check out some tips on getting enough iron here.
Bring your donor ID. If you have a donor ID, be sure to bring it with you to your appointment. First-time donors or returning donors without a donor ID card should bring a valid state-issued photo identification.

Avoid alcohol and fatty foods for 24 hours, and aspirin (if donating platelets) for 48 hours, before your donation.

Learn More About Eligibility

The Donation Process

Congratulations, you made an appointment to donate blood and save lives! So what happens now? There are four basic steps to every blood donation:

Registration
Medical History
Donation
Rest & Refreshments

Learn More

After your blood donation:

Always be sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
Sit down or lie down if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Call our post-donation callback line at (650) 725-9968 if you feel unwell.
Rest and replenish iron. We recommend you take an iron supplement and/or eat foods rich in iron combined with a source of vitamin C after your donation.

Avoid alcoholic beverages and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after donating, and be sure to keep that bandage on for a few hours!

Please call our post-donation callback line at (650) 725-9968 immediately if you:

feel that your blood should not be given to a patient;
are not sure that your blood is safe;
develop a fever within 24 hours after donating;
have any illness within two weeks of your donation; or
are diagnosed by a physician as having West Nile, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, or Ebola virus Infection.

HEMOBLOGIN: THE SBC BLOG

Stanford Blood Center Implements Individual Donor Assessment for Blood Donation

The Web’s Most Asked Questions: What Do Blood Donations Get Tested For?

Blood donations are subject to a battery of tests that play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the blood supply. These tests are designed to identify diseases that can potentially be transmitted through blood transfusions. Among the well-known pathogens that are screened for are hepatitis and HIV. However, there are lesser-known threats like…

The Web’s Most Asked Questions: How Blood Donation Helps Our Community

Blood donation is a lifeline for our community, with more than 15 million blood products used annually in the United States. Every two seconds, someone in the country requires blood, meaning blood donation directly impacts our community, saving lives and providing crucial support to those in need. Blood donation helps our community in many ways,…

Individual Donor Assessment — Changes to Blood Donation Deferrals

In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a final revised guidance regarding risk assessment for sexually transmitted infectious diseases (most notably HIV) that can be transmitted through transfusion. Stanford Blood Center is currently working to implement these changes operationally, and we expect the changes to take effect this fall. POLICY CHANGE Previously,…

wendy leong in front of cake saying 50 years of service

Wendy Leong: 50 Years on Team SBC!

By Samm Baker, Communications Strategist Throughout her remarkable 50-year journey with Stanford, Wendy Leong has exemplified unwavering dedication as an integral part of the Histocompatibility Laboratory. During her tenure, she has been a firsthand witness (and integral part of) to the laboratory’s evolution, from its early days as the Tissue Typing Laboratory to its current…

A Mother’s Mission: Tabitha’s Commitment to Donating Blood for Others

By Samantha Baker, Communications Strategist Bay Area local Tabitha Jackson knows firsthand the vital importance of a stable and readily available blood supply for those in need. Her son, who had five congenital heart defects resulting in three open heart surgeries before the age of 5, became the driving force behind her decision to donate…