How To Prepare

• Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.

• Get a good night's sleep.

• Drink an extra 16 oz. of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation.

• Eat a healthy meal before your donation. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream before donating. 

• If you are a platelet donor, remember that your system must be free of aspirin for two days prior to donation.

• Remember to bring your donor card, driver's license or a form of ID.