Here's how the donation process works:
Step 1: Welcome and Registration
When you arrive to give blood you will receive a warm welcome and you will register using the same name, date of birth and donor number each time you donate. You will be asked for some form of identification, such as a driver's license, and you will then be asked to complete a Donor Medical History Questionnaire.
Step 2: Medical History & Quick Physical Examination
We will test a drop of your blood to make sure you're not anemic. Next you'll meet with our health professional who will ask you about your past and present health. These questions are required to ensure it is safe for you to donate and to ensure that your blood is safe to transfuse to a patient. Then we will do a "mini-physical" where we check your pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
If you've been taking any medicines in the past month be prepared to give us the name and reason for taking them. If the donor is not eligible to donate blood (due to certain medical conditions) a Dubai Blood Donation Centre employee will explain that a temporary or permanent deferral is necessary and the process will end.
Step 3: Blood Donation
When we start the actual donation, you will be offered a local anesthetic while lying on the bed. Trained professional staff will be at your side all the way. We will disinfect the vein site of your arm at the elbow. All materials used in the donating process are sterile and are only used once so you cannot get AIDS or any other blood transmitted diseases when donating your blood. In about 10 minutes 450 mls of blood will be withdrawn.
If you feel unwell after giving a donation please call +971 4 219 3221.
Never give blood just to get a test. If you do, you risk infecting other people.
Step 4: Refreshment
After the donation you will lie on the bed with your feet up for a few minutes before enjoying the refreshments.
Your body replaces the lost blood promptly. Plasma (the liquid part of the blood) is replaced within hours while the red cells are replaced within a few weeks.
The donation process for whole blood takes about one hour.
For more information on...
Donor Educational Material 1
Donor Educational Material 2
DBDC Booklet