Yes, it only takes a total of 30-40 minutes on site to donate a pint of blood aboard a state-of-the-art Massachusetts General Hospital bloodmobile.
Yes, walk-ins are always welcome but it is helpful to sign up beforehand to facilitate with staffing. You can always switch or cancel your appointment.
Yes, you are ready to donate again, if it has been 56 days since a wholeblood donation (3 days since platelets or 112 days since double-red cells).
Yes, if you are 16 years old, your parent/guardian must sign to consent.
Yes, if you are over 65 years old and haven’t donated blood within the past 5 years, please contact the MGH Blood Donor Center at 617-726-8171 in order to review your health history and assess your eligibility.
Yes, donors should weigh at least 110 lbs. (100 lbs. if donating at the hospital) and not more than 350 lbs.
Yes, each donor’s health history is reviewed to determine eligibility. This includes a questionnaire, vital signs and hemoglobin (iron) test.
Yes, donors must feel well and be healthy the day of donation.
Yes, each donation is tested for a series of 10 infectious diseases including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. In the remote event of a positive test result, the donor will be notified in accordance with federal guidelines.
Yes, additional medical eligibility questions can be addressed on the day of donation by a registered nurse aboard the bloodmobile or beforehand by calling the MGH Blood Donor Center at 617-726-8171.
Sure, the more the merrier. Everyone loves a little support. Share your experience by encouraging a friend or family member to donate too!
AND, DON’T FORGET:
✔ Yes, each donor must present a valid photo ID.
✔ Yes, your body should be well hydrated in advance. Drink plenty of water both the day before and the day of donation.
✔ Yes, be sure to eat normally before arriving to donate.