What should I do after donating blood?
Right after
Sit at the refreshment area for about 15 minutes. Eat the snack and drink fluids. Stand up slowly when you are ready.
The rest of the day
Drink extra water, avoid heavy lifting or hard exercise, and keep the bandage on for a few hours.
Come back
You can give whole blood again after 56 days. Setting a reminder is the easiest way to become a repeat donor.
Related
Find a place to donate
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence