Fact: The only pain you’ll feel is the quick prick of the needle when it is inserted. The area may be slightly sore afterwards, but any discomfort you feel is minor compared to the good you’ll do by giving the gift of blood.

Registration and processing times vary, but blood donation itself takes around eight to 10 minutes. Registration involves filling out a form with personal information and verifying your identification. Then you’ll answer questions about health and travel history, and receive a brief physical examination to determine if you’re eligible to donate blood. Your personal information will remain confidential. You’ll also be required to spend some time recovering before you leave. Don’t worry, there will be refreshments!

While the age for donation without consent from a parent or guardian is 17, there is no upper age restriction so long as you meet the eligibility requirements for donating.

If you are healthy prior to donation, your recovery is complete in a day or two. It is advised to rest a while after donating. Drinking enough liquids replaces the lost fluid within a couple of hours. The body produces new cells faster after a donation. All the RBCs are replaced within 3-4 days and WBCs within 3 weeks.

Giving blood does not interfere with ability to perform physically. Advice to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous workouts for the rest of the day is given after the donation. You can get back on track the next day.

Fact: As long as you are healthy, most medications will not disqualify you. You should provide the staff at the blood donation center with information about any medications you’re taking at the time of donation.

Fact: A new sterile needle is used each time and is then immediately discarded. Strict procedures and the use of sterile equipment make it highly unlikely that you’ll develop an infection of any kind.